The Big Resignation

Fact or Myth?

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way people work. Many employees reevaluated their priorities, resulting in them seeking more flexibility, better work-life balance, and improved job satisfaction. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in resignations across all industries, levels, and age groups, making it difficult to dismiss "The Big Resignation" as pure fiction.

What’s Causing it?

Several factors have contributed to this trend. One of the biggest drivers has been employees' reassessment of their work-life balance. Employees who have experienced remote work are now more inclined to seek positions that offer flexibility and remote options. This has helped to keep remote working common long after it stopped being necessary due to the pandemic. Lockdowns led many to reflect on their career goals and the kind of work they want to do. Dissatisfaction with management, burnout, and a desire for better pay and benefits are also common reasons for resignations.

How Has it Affected Employers?

Employers have had to adapt to the changed employment landscape caused by "The Big Resignation". To attract top talent, it is now necessary for employers to focus on creating more attractive workplaces by offering remote work options, flexible schedules, and improved benefits. Companies are also seeking to improve their communication with employees and address their concerns. The talent shortage created by resignations has resulted in a competitive job market where employers need to put extra effort into retaining and recruiting top talent.

Fiction or Exaggeration?

While there is substantial evidence that "The Big Resignation" is real, it's also important to recognise that it's not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. Some people have indeed left their jobs in search of better opportunities or a better work-life balance, while others have chosen to stay with their current employers. 

How will it Affect the Future of Work?

"The Big Resignation" is a real phenomenon and its impact is being felt across many different industries. However, the extent to which it affects different people and companies varies. In the future, work will likely be shaped by a combination of remote and face-to-face work, improving benefits, increased job expectations, and a more dynamic approach to talent management and talent acquisition.

"The Big Resignation" is not a work of fiction; it's a genuine shift in the employment landscape driven by changing priorities and employees’ experiences during the pandemic. While the extent of this trend differs among individuals and industries, it is undeniable that it has made it necessary for employers to rethink their approaches to both talent management and talent acquisition and create workplaces that cater to the changing needs and expectations of their employees.