The Great Resignation is now Conscious Quitting

The year 2021 saw a massive wave of employees quitting their jobs at record rates, a phenomenon dubbed as “The Great Resignation” by Texas A&M University professor Anthony Klotz. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 47.8 million people voluntarily left their jobs in 2021, the highest number since 2000. And the trend is not over yet. One in five workers plans to quit their jobs in 2022, according to one of the largest surveys of the global workforce by Microsoft.

But what is driving this unprecedented exodus of workers? And what does it mean for employers and employees alike?

One of the main reasons behind The Great Resignation is pandemic, which disrupted the way we work and live. The pandemic forced many people to work from home, rethink their priorities, and reassess their career goals. Many workers realized that they were unhappy with their current jobs, felt burned out, or wanted more flexibility and autonomy. Some also faced health issues, family responsibilities, or financial challenges that made them reconsider their employment options.

Another reason behind The Great Resignation is the rise of “conscious quitting”, a term that describes employees leaving their current workplace for companies that better align with their environmental and social values. Conscious quitters are not just looking for higher salaries or better benefits, but also for more fulfillment and purpose in their work. They want to work for organizations that share their vision of creating a positive impact on the world, whether it is through sustainability, diversity, inclusion, or social justice.

Conscious quitting is especially prevalent among younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z, who are more aware of and concerned about global issues. According to a survey by NetPositive Employee Barometer of 4000 workers in the UK and US, two out of three employees say their employers simply aren’t doing enough to improve the world. And more than half say they would quit their job if they found out their employer was harming the environment or society.

So what can employers do to retain and attract conscious quitters? And what can employees do to find meaningful work that matches their values?

For employers, it is crucial to communicate and demonstrate their company values clearly and consistently. This means not only having a mission statement or a code of ethics, but also taking concrete actions to back them up. For example, by reducing their carbon footprint, supporting social causes, promoting diversity and inclusion, or investing in employee well-being. Employers should also engage with their employees regularly, solicit feedback, and recognize their contributions. By creating a culture of trust, respect, and purpose, employers can foster loyalty and satisfaction among their workers.

For employees who are considering conscious quitting or have already done so, it is important to do some self-reflection and research before making a career move. This means identifying your core values, passions, skills, and goals. What kind of work do you enjoy doing? What kind of impact do you want to make? What kind of environment do you thrive in? Then you can look for opportunities that match your criteria. You can use online platforms such as LinkedIn or Glassdoor to find out more about potential employers’ values, culture, reviews, and ratings. You can also network with people who work in your desired field or industry and ask them for advice or referrals.

Conscious quitting is not just a trend but a movement that reflects a shift in how we view work and life. It is a way of expressing our optimism and agency in creating a better future for ourselves and others. By being conscious quitters or conscious employers we can make work more meaningful and rewarding for everyone.