Millions and millions of Americans have quit their jobs over the past year, and the phrase the "Great Resignation" has been used to describe this phenomenon. There are many reasons workers are walking away: burnout, they want to continue working remotely, fears of contracting COVID and childcare issues, among others.
As the economy revs up again, there is a shakeup happening in the work force, often referred to as the "Great Reshuffle." Workers are holding the cards, it seems. With plenty of open positions, people are able to find new jobs that better align with their skills, offer better pay or benefits or provide a better work/life balance. There's also a "She-cession" transpiring. During the pandemic, women have left the workforce in droves. Often not by choice but out of necessity, due to shuttered schools and a continuing lack of childcare options.
Bottom line: it's complicated. But the silver lining is that workers have choices, and employers are exploring strategies to retain the employees they have and attract the employees they need. Check out these five recent articles covering The Great Resignation. You can read these articles using CPL's Online Resources.
Coronavirus: The Big Quit by Jonathan Wolfe (also available on the New York Times website)
New York Times, Oct 22, 2021
Americans took the initiative not only to quit their jobs, but many other things during the pandemic. Wolfe covers some of the reasons people walked away from their jobs and asked readers what else they're leaving behind as we emerge from the pandemic.
Where U.S. Workers Are Quitting Jobs at Record Rates by Andrew Mollica and Sarah Chaney Cambon (also available on the Wall Street Journal website)
Wall Street Journal, November 25, 2021
This article explores recent geographical trends in the United States labor market, including who is quitting and where.
Study: Gen Z, Millenials Driving 'The Great Resignation' by Tim Smart (also available in the U.S. News & World Report website)
U.S. News and World Report, August 27, 2021
According to a study, "The Great Resignation" is fueled in part by millennials and Generation Z workers who, as a group, report being the "least satisfied" with their jobs. The majority of people in these age groups plan to seek a new job within a year.
Public Displays of Resignation: Saying 'I Quit' Loud and Proud by Emma Goldberg (available on the New York Times website)
New York Times, December 4, 2021
Workers are quitting their jobs at record rates. Goldberg examines the trend of publicly broadcasting resignations on social media.
The 'Great Resignation' is Finally Getting Companies to Take Burnout Seriously. Is it Enough? by Jamie Ducharme (available on Time magazine's website)
Time, October 19, 2021
Companies are struggling with staffing shortages and some have taken steps to combat worker burnout in order to retain employees.
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