Workers on a Job-Quitting Spree? Here’s What They Plan On Doing Next

As the pandemic lifts, a massive percentage of Americans are said to be leaving employers for new opportunities. At least 1 in 4 workers are considering quitting their job and this is the highest level of resignation America has seen in over two decades

Workers are job-hopping yet again and looking for opportunities with greater flexibility, or starting their own businesses once the threat of the pandemic has subsided.

Let’s take a look at who’s planning to leave, why they’re leaving and what employers should be thinking about as a retain or recruit strategy — in a post-pandemic environment.

Who’s Leaving and Why

More than 1 in 4 workers are said to leave their employers after the pandemic.

• Close to 80% are doing so because they’re concerned about their career advancement.
• Workers who want to quit, prefer jobs with more flexibility—even those who aren’t considering changing jobs.
• While some are looking for salary hikes to make up for a spouse’s job loss, others are burned out from pandemic workloads and stress.  
• Potential job-hoppers have sought out new skills during the pandemic, in preparation to change jobs in the coming months.
• Over half of the office-goers prefer working remotely and say if their current company doesn’t continue to offer remote-work long-term, they’ll look for a company that does.

What You Should Think About Before Leaving Your Job

If you’re considering jumping ship on your present work situation, ensure to be prepared to face any possible storms.

• Switch jobs or quit only if you have enough savings — or other means of earning money through part-time gigs.
• The job market has hit a new level of abundance and employers are competing for top talent, so don’t settle.
• Planning to quit your job before deciding on what next? Consider filling that resume gap with education, travel, professional development, volunteer work, or side gigs.
• Quit on a high note before allowing burnout to set in. Give notice and ask for references from supervisors.

What Employers Should Be Thinking About

The shift by workers into new careers is prompting employers to raise wages and offer promotions to keep hold of talent.

• Despite elevated unemployment rates, professionals are confident about jumping ship for better prospects that offer flexibility. This has exceedingly increased the appetite for job changes. In a situation like this, an employer’s concern should be retention strategies.
• Employees believe in the hybrid model of working, wherein, their time between an office and remote is split. They consider this balance as an “ideal” workplace model.
• Organizations should also rethink how to maintain their company culture and help employees feel connected in a remote environment. A growing dissociation from them can make people more open to change.