What does the “Great Resignation” mean for you in 2022?

According to CNBC research, in November 2021, a record 4.5 million workers left their jobs based on the Labor Department’s latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover report. This represents a dramatic shift in perspective for many workers and you may be one of these people. I can tell you that I am.

The factors that created this employee shift are Covid 2019, rethinking life/work balance and the technology of our times that allows a large percentage of jobs to be completed online from any location. I think it connects to personal empowerment and the conviction of self determination in the market place. We are living in a time when many workers can seek and expect life work balance and flexibility in their careers. Personally, I believe that it is about time.

Employers waste money with excessive office space and employees waste precious time by driving to these locations. It can be a win/win situation to offer a partial or full work from home policy with zoom and occasional on site gatherings. It is also interesting that studies have shown most employees to be equally or more productive remotely than they where at the office. There is less casual communication and more focused communication when we are working remotely.

The flexibility and technological awareness that grew from the Covid 19 crisis can be viewed as a win for employees. However, that isn’t the case for all types of workers. Health care workers and front line workers have been in the midst of extreme stress. Workers stress, recently, has often lead to more bargaining power with higher wages and flexibility. Wages aren’t always keeping up with our current inflation. Yet, it is the empowerment that I see growing and the awareness that we all have choices.

Personally, I am excited about the shift in the world of work and this is what has lead me here to independent work to serve others in their growth and transition. I am hopeful that this trend of flexibility continues. In the complexity of the world of work, I recognize that there are many factors at play and certainly, they aren’t all positive. Yet, I am hopeful that we have arrived in a new awareness of where and how work can take place which offers more wellness and personal balance to many people.