“The Great Resignation” has now become one of the defining phrases of 2021. Organisational psychologist Anthony Klotz was quoted by Bloomberg Businessweek on how to quit your job post pandemic and it struck a chord with people and the media around the world.
Since the pandemic, employees at all levels are leaving the workforce or considering switching jobs or careers. According to a Microsoft survey 41% of workers were considering quitting or changing professions this year, and a separate study by HR software company Personio of workers in the UK and Ireland showed 38% of those surveyed planned to quit in the next six months to a year.
There are a number of reasons people are seeking a change. The two main ones applicants cite are:
- Burnout – During the pandemic technology has allowed employers and employees to keep going. Can you imagine lockdown without zoom and MS teams? The technological shift which allowed us to work remotely has been double edged. On the one hand it allowed us to continue work and life (to a degree), on the other, technology has blurred the lines between professional and private life with people finding it difficult to ‘switch off’ and often working longer hours which ultimately is unsustainable.
- Re-evaluation of careers and priorities – For many, the pandemic provided a time of contemplation and an opportunity to evaluate their lives and careers. In addition those that may already have been contemplating leaving existing companies saw themselves pushed to a breaking point.
In my opinion using the term ‘the Great Realisation’ is more appropriate for the situation. The title of a post pandemic poem by Tomos Roberts, in the form of a bed time story, has captured the hearts and thoughts of millions and has been translated into over twenty languages. The poem talks of casting away of old habits, realising what is important and forging a new path – whilst written for children, it speaks to everyone.
For the first time many people have had the time and space to think about what is important to them – a shift in priorities has encouraged people to pursue a new career, aim for a promotion, retire early or transition into part time work. With vacancies at an all-time high, the opportunity of remote/hybrid work means workers have more choice than ever before. It’s those conditions that are creating a ‘perfect storm’.
Employees are a business’ greatest asset. Whilst workers care about the business in which they work; those organisations who perhaps didn’t support their teams are starting to see the impact – poor productivity, poor morale and poor staff retention.
- Do I think there is a mass exodus of workers at all levels across all businesses? No
- Do I think the pandemic has given workers the motivation to act? Absolutely
Ultimately how a business treated its people will determine its’ performance over the next twelve months. It takes approximately six to eight months to effectively onboard a new employee. With a the level of movement we are seeing, businesses can expect upheaval in the short term. For businesses that haven’t adopted a people or retention strategy it will last a lot longer.
For more information on developing a people/retention strategy or to discuss your talent acquisition needs, please do contact us
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