The Great Resignation or the Great Reset?

According to a  Pew Research survey, the top reasons that people quit their jobs in 2021 were low salary, insufficient growth possibilities, and feeling disrespected. The study also found that most workers who now have new jobs maintain that these new positions provide better pay, more growth opportunities, and improved work-life balance and flexibility. 

Many factors have contributed to the transformative Great Resignation, such as burnout, overwork during the pandemic, a global emphasis on well-being and a talent shortage. But what does this shift mean for the future of work? Here we are two years later. As life returns to a pre-pandemic pace, there is no return to the early 2020 work environment.  

The Great Resignation is more than just a movement of people quitting their jobs from one day to the next. It seems to point to something bigger. People are evaluating their relationship with work. Many employees want more than just a paycheck. They are seeking out fulfillment from their 9-5 jobs.

Unpredictable times have caused people to reconsider their priorities in life and make now-or-never job shifts, from switching job industries to breaking out on their own and becoming business owners. They are empowered to take action and opt for a career in line with their values, which gives them more flexibility in their hours or improved growth opportunities.

What your employees find most important might vary from work-from-home policy to views on sustainability. It is more important now than ever to understand what your employees prioritise. That way, not only can you find top candidates, but you can help care for them and allow them to learn and grow along with your business.

In today's job market, employers must do more than post their vacancies online and explain the benefits of joining their company. As organisations strive to find the ideal candidates at the right time, it is vital to understand candidates' expectations.

How does your employer brand reflect your values and help you stand out? An attractive employer brand can help you win over talented candidates. Are you assessing what candidates are looking for in this new job environment? Your HR team needs to stay in tune with what your ideal candidates want in a company and their job. Companies are no longer shying away from taking a stand on current events and concerns. From sustainability to social issues, employees seek to be a part of organisations with values in line with their own.

Once you have attracted top talent, what are you doing to help your employees onboard smoothly, learn and grow? Cultivating a culture of belonging, flexibility and development should be a priority.

• Encouraging open communication with your employees and providing a safe environment to express their feelings and concerns will enable the company to understand how workers feel. Prioritising taking care of and supporting your current employees is a key to attracting and retaining skilled candidates.
• The only way to keep your employees happy is to understand what you are doing right, where you might be falling short, and what tangible changes you can make to improve. Being open to incorporating employee feedback in the company culture reflects an interest in employees' well-being and will provide them with room to grow and opportunities for internal advancement.
• Employees who are interested and challenged will stay longer. Fostering a culture of learning and developing essential skills will create an environment that promotes career growth and support. People want to feel their daily tasks contribute in a meaningful way and that their organisation is committed to employees' personal and professional development.
• A vital area of focus must be diversity, equity, and inclusion. People want to feel included- to be seen and heard, regardless of their age, race, gender, or religion. How are you assuring that your employees feel respected and appreciated? Do your policies uphold a diverse company culture?

Salary is not the only criteria for employee attraction and retention. The future of work is understanding what your employees want and what well-being means to them. Work-life balance and flexible work have taken centre stage.

Remote work took the world by storm during the pandemic. It has become much more commonplace in ways that were never imaginable and have transformed work culture for the foreseeable future. People have shown that they can be productive and efficient from home or with a flexible work schedule. Employees want to work on their terms, with more control over their personal time. They want to devote more time to their family, friends, and leisure activities. Having this flexibility contributes to their overall happiness and their happiness at work.

Ultimately, companies that want to hire great talent and retain and engage their employees will foster a positive work environment with less turnover. Establishing opportunities for workers to work on their terms, provide a safe feedback culture that creates change, contribute in a meaningful way, and learn and grow with the company are the basics in a thriving organisation.