Some Thoughts on the Great Resignation and Wellness

We’ve all seen the headlines and read the stories.  A massive transformation of the workforce is underway due to people making decisions regarding their mental and physical health, childcare, salary, retirement, purpose, entrepreneurial opportunities, or, to a lesser degree, leaving the workforce altogether. 

The Great Resignation is the term most used when describing this workforce transformation but it has also been dubbed:  the Great Reprioritization, the Great Reshuffle, the Great Questioning, the Great Rethink, the Great Contemplation, the Great Recognition, the Great Re-evaluation, the Great Realization, the Great Re-invention and the Great Awakening.

What is the Great Resignation?

The Great Resignation is an economic trend that started in 2021 when a mass exodus from the workforce began with millions voluntarily leaving their jobs – 47.8 million (and counting) according to the U.S. Labor Department.  There are many theories as to why people are quitting at a time when companies are desperate to hire.  Some point to pandemic safety concerns, burnout, and economic factors, like wage levels.

But over the last two years, many have reflected on their lives, including the importance of work/life balance and purpose.  Those who have been fortunate enough to experience the freedom that comes with working from home or work schedule flexibility aren’t excited to be going back to the traditional 9-5 lifestyle.  As a result, the number of new business applications in the U.S. in 2021 hit a record high of 5.4 million.

This trend doesn’t seem to be easing anytime soon.  In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Deloitte summarized the findings from a recent survey.  The majority of CEO’s who responded said the number one issue that could impact their business strategy was addressing labor and skill shortages.

The term, “The Great Resignation,” was coined by a Texas A&M professor named Anthony Klotz who identified a combination of trends in the spring of 2021 that he believed would lead to an unprecedented wave of resignations.

It turned out to be the perfect storm.  The pandemic gave workers social cover as they re-evaluated their personal and professional life choices and began making changes in accordance.  Given the broad reasons driving this trend, there is no quick fix, which is why many think resignation rates will remain high for the foreseeable future.

Whatever the reason, there has been a collective shift in how we think about our work, our lives and our well-being.

The Connection Between Workforce Re-evaluation and Wellness

As a result of reflection fueled by the pandemic, many are redefining what success means to them by identifying what matters most in their lives today.  And included in that mental calculus is the cost of obtaining their paycheck – the impact to their mental and physical well-being, time away from family, doing work that is not aligned with their values, and the desire to be engaged in more purpose-driven work are all considerations.

This shift, to some degree, also exposed corporate practices and cultures that were not supportive to long-term employee wellness.  Workers and executives alike have put employers on notice – they are looking for meaningful work where they can be of impact while maintaining their well-being.  Given the labor shortage, employees currently have the upper hand.

It’s no surprise that the firms who are focusing on flexibility, wellness, compensation and culture have an easier time recruiting and retaining talent.  These leading firms recognize the positive upward spiral when an employee can link their personal purpose to the company’s vision and values.  This leads to increased loyalty and trust in the company.  As a result, employee performance increases which leads to more empowerment and enjoyment.

But for so many, their daily experience is very different, with many operating in crisis mode since the early days of the pandemic.  We had to face the fragility of life and the fact that our time here is limited.

It beckoned us, from frontline worker to top-tier executive, to confront the question so eloquently posed by poet Mary Oliver:  “Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”  Considering this type of question is what led many professionals to leave corporate life to pursue other ventures and projects while learning new ways of earning a living.

I worked with Mary Oliver’s question for a long time before I left my corporate role.  It’s not a question that can be answered quickly with logic – it’s a heart question that’s meant to be held.  And the answer didn’t begin to take shape until we were grounded by lockdowns.  For the first time in my life, I was not headed to an airport or a lunch or a function.  Even though I was putting in more work hours than before, I was in one place.  I stopped.

It's this pause that has been a gift to so many.  To be able to take a break from our usual routine.  To listen to our own inner voice.  To compare how we’re feeling with what we’re doing.  And to make changes accordingly.  That sounds like wellness to me.

That’s not to say that there are no real world concerns of supporting yourself and your family while planning for the future.  But as we’re witnessing with The Great Awakening, many are learning that you can address your monetary needs with a new Venn diagram where you can do what you love, be of service to the world, and get paid for your efforts.

Journal Reflections:  How do you typically respond to major life transitions?  Does that response shift if the change is planned or unexpected?  How might you better prepare yourself for the next stage of your life?