‘The Great Resignation, Turnover Tsunami or Big Shift is happening’ – Rachel Falzon

Following the numerous changes in working habits brought about by COVID-19, workplace experts have been predicting a resignation boom, and according to several recent studies, it would seem that it is already playing out.

The recent Microsoft Work Trend Index found that 40 per cent of people would like to change jobs this year, while a survey of workers in the UK and Ireland revealed a similar 38 per cent. In the US, the situation also seems to be similar, with a recent survey finding that 26 per cent of employees plan to leave their current job in the coming months.

Addressing this scenario, Rachel Falzon, Management Consultant at ReWired HR Consultants says, “The Great Resignation, Turnover Tsunami or Big Shift is happening. Korn Ferry estimates that c. 4 million people quit jobs in April alone & between 25 – 40% of workers are job-hunting.”

Crediting the mindset shift which came about as a result of the pandemic, she notes, “while remote working and flexibility were perks pre-COVID, now that workers have proven they can be productive working anywhere, the lack of trust and insistence on return to office, is backfiring.”

Meanwhile, she continues in a post about the subject on LinkedIn, employers who didn’t engage with remote staff, show concern for their wellbeing or provide mentoring and support have made it easier for employees to consider jumping ship.

Offering a word of advice to employees seeking to change jobs, Ms Falzon says, “research your prospective employer, inquire about the culture, how employees are treated”, and while affirming that a career shift is “perfectly doable”, it is important to plan ahead.

“Career progression in this ‘long life’ will sometimes be squiggly and not necessarily up a vertical ladder. Look for learning opportunities. This time you’ll be starting with experience!”