The Great Resignation is a term I hear often these days in the media and in discussions with business leaders who are concerned about labour shortages and supply disruptions.
It is also a topic of conversation with my private clients, though they may not use the term. More and more people are thinking of leaving their current job in search of a new relationship with their work… one that is more rewarding, meaningful, balanced, prosperous and fun.
I. What is the Great Resignation?
The Great Resignation, also known as the Big Quit, is an ongoing economic trend in which employees have voluntarily resigned from their jobs since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a Microsoft survey, 41% of employees were considering resigning from their jobs in 2021, compared to 15% voluntary employee turnover rates pre-pandemic.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a “quit rate” of 3.8 million people in June 2021, the second-highest monthly number ever reported (slightly down from April’s 3.9 million).
There were 10.1 million unfilled job openings in June 2021, which is the highest number the Labor Department has ever seen.
According to Harvard Business Review, workers between 30 and 45 years old have had the greatest increase in resignation rates, with an average increase of more than 20% between 2020 and 2021.
And, the Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report found that in the US and Canada, only 34% of workers are engaged with their work.
II. What are the Causes of the Great Resignation?
Many articles and research have proposed the causes of the mass resignation include: long-lasting job dissatisfaction and employee burnout at an all-time high; wage stagnation amid rising cost of living; economic freedom provided by COVID-19 stimulus payments; and health safety concerns or forced leave due to COVID-19 mandates.
It’s clear many workers are thinking more deeply than ever about what they want from work. The pandemic has changed the way we work, prompting people to seek more from their work life. They are looking for higher wages, greater purpose, and the freedom to decide when and how they work.
From my own research with clients, I have found 9 fundamental reasons people are planning on making the shift in their work (in order of priority):
- Create or refocus a career that ignites them
- Live authentically with meaning, finding a deeper calling
- Attract abundance more easily and effectively
- Launch a soulful business, or a fun and profitable side-gig
- Become free to work the way they want, where they want
- Re-balance their work life for more ease, flow and peace
- Re-fire their retirement
- Up-leveling their professional life
- Express their strengths, talents and creativity
III. The Great Resignation Offers Great Opportunity
Like most major changes, the Great Resignation offers great opportunities for workers and employers. The pandemic afforded many new ways of working, such as the ability to work from home, greater flexibility, a more balanced work-life balance – which were unheard of pre-pandemic. Individuals are searching for what’s most important to them and what motivates them day to day.
Also from my client research, I have found 10 biggest challenges in making a shift their current work:
- I’m not sure what direction to go.
- I’m worried about my finances.
- I’m worried I might fail.
- I don’t believe I have enough education, trainer or a certification.
- I’m not inspired by anything specific.
- I might choose the wrong thing or direction.
- I’ve lots of ideas but don’t know how to put it all together.
- I’m concerned my life will change too much.
- I don’t know how to best utilize my unique set of skills, talents and gifts and learnings.
- I don’t feel I have the support I need.
Imagine what would be possible if workers and employers could help address some of these challenges to help fit the right people with the right work? We would have people more engaged, passionate about their work, wanting to learn and grow, feeling a sense of purpose and contribution. And they would perform better, which would lead to greater prosperity for all.
IV. The Answer to the Great Resignation is Self Leadership
Great leadership starts with self leadership. Self leadership is the practice of intentionally influencing one’s thoughts, emotions and actions towards positive outcomes. Cultivating inner leadership helps each individual manage stress, foster resilience and harness their potential.
When we are living with passion, creativity, and expressing our unique gifts, we are ever- evolving and improving. We feel energized, full of vitality and have a vision for the future. This is what it means to be living our potential and the key is self leadership.
“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” – Lao Tzu
When we focus on improving our own level of motivation and engagement, we begin to create a ripple effect of positive change in the people around us. When we embody joy, purpose, and a sense of peace in our day-to-day personal and professional lives, this becomes a powerful example for others.
In my work with clients over the past two decades, I have discovered three Principles to develop self leadership in order to thrive in today’s volatile and increasingly complex work environment. I call them the AIM Principles (Awareness, Intention & Mastery).
A. AWARENESS
Recognize the power of your beliefs, cultivate self knowledge, and the significance of boundaries in creating work-life balance. Awareness is about learning self-acceptance and letting go to make space for greater possibilities.
I. INTENTION
Uncover the areas that you most thrive (your ThriveZone) and discover your unique contribution to the world. Imagine a new vision for your life and work, based on your ThriveZone. Identify the gap between where you are today and your ideal future. Create a plan to close the gap.
M. MASTERY
Begin making concrete steps and learn what part of your plan works and what needs adjustment. Gain guidance and acquire the required knowledge and skills to achieve your goals. Cultivate the characteristics of self mastery. Remain motivated and accountable to achieve your vision.
We offer resources, workshops, lunch-and-learns, retreats and programs to help individuals, entrepreneurs and team leaders cultivate self leadership. Contact me if you would like to learn more and…
- Become familiar with the AIM Principles of Inner Leadership that will help you thrive in your work and life, especially during times of great change and uncertainty.
- Assess your own level of mastery within each of the AIM Principles and determine which area(s) you would like to develop further.
- Create an Action Plan to begin practicing and reaping the benefits in your work and leadership.
I look forward to helping you reignite your passion, find the deeper calling of your life and attract great prosperity.
Contact Me Today!
Email: lianne@designingtransformation.com
Call: 514-825-073
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