People are leaving their jobs in record numbers. In August 4.3 million US workers handed in their notice. The most since data collection began in 2000. A quarter of UK workers plan to quit in the next 3-6 months.
Economists are calling it "the Great Resignation" but what's behind it?
Some may be "pent-up" resignations from during the pandemic, when people felt too insecure to quit. Other workers may be burned out from long hours.
Resignations are highest in industries the faced heavy demand in 2020, like healthcare and tech. But the pandemic has also led people reassess what "normal" life is. A third say their work-life balance was better during the lockdown, and after months of no commuting gave people more time for family and hobbies. Many don't want to return to the office. A third are considering changing jobs for their mental health, saying they don't feel supported by their bosses. To retain staff, experts say companies should make them feel cared for.
The results of a new World Economic Forum-Ipsos survey of 12,445 adults in 29 countries.
- 2 in 3 workers want flexible hours in the office.
- 65% say a flexible schedule makes them more productive
- And they want employers to allow remote working after COVID restrictions lift.
- On average people want to work from home 2.5 days a week,
- While 1 in 4 want to work from home all the time.
Globally, 39% of people work from home at least some of the time. 76% of them say they do as a result of the pandemic. 30% say they would consider looking for another job if their employer expected them to work away from home full-time.
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Randstad, WEF