Workplace culture and the evolving job market
The global workforce is undergoing significant change. An unprecedented number of workers will resign in 2021. What began as an economic trend known as the "great resignation" has resulted in long-term workplace changes.
"It's redefining and recalibrating the relationship between employee and employer, and more specifically, what the employee perceives to be the employer's responsibility to them," said Steve Pemberton, Workhuman's chief human resources officer.
Why are employees leaving their jobs, and where are they going?
According to a Pew Research Center survey, the top reasons Americans will quit their jobs in 2021 are low pay, a lack of opportunities for advancement, and feeling disrespected at work.
According to Kimbrough, a desire to work from home in remote jobs is also driving some of the labor market turnover.
“Nearly half of all applicants on our platform apply for at least one remote role. And this is up from an infinitesimally small number pre-pandemic,” said Kimbrough. “So, one thing everyone is looking for is that flexibility, and a lot of that comes through remote or hybrid opportunities.”
Making work more engaging and meaningful
According to research, employees want a sense of purpose in their professional lives that aligns with their personal values.
According to a recent poll, more than half of U.S. employees would be willing to take a pay cut to work for a company that shares their values.
Kauss, whose company was founded with the goal of eliminating single-use plastics, has seen the benefits of this purpose-driven mindset.
“I was very surprised by the caliber of employees that were choosing to come to a smaller startup like S’well because of our purpose,” Kauss said.
"Quiet quitting"
Quiet quitting, a popular term popularized by a viral TikTok video, is when employees stop going above and beyond in their jobs and instead do the bare minimum. According to some experts, quiet quitting is a residual effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout, and the "great resignation" because it empowered employees to take control of their work-life balance.
“I think what’s indicative is whether or not employers are going to meet humans halfway in their recalibration of what work looks like, how it’s done, where it’s done, and with whom it’s done,” said Steve Pemberton.
Although many people believe that the decision to leave a company is in the hands of employees during the "great resignation," Kimbrough claims that LinkedIn data is showing a hiring slowdown and an increase in the mention of "layoff" in their feed.
“To some, quiet quitting may mean getting the basic job done, but in these uncertain economic times, quiet quitting can mean lower productivity for the whole company, and it could push employers to let workers go,” she said.
The "Great Resignation"
We have seen some of the most significant disruptions to the workforce and workplace in decades, but there have been some positive developments. "I think the most positive thing that has come out of this time is the increased emphasis on social issues and the importance of individuals in leading great teams and making positive change in the world," said Kauss .
You can learn more about Merck’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) by clicking here.
"It's redefining and recalibrating the relationship between employee and employer, and more specifically, what the employee perceives to be the employer's responsibility to them," said Steve Pemberton, Workhuman's chief human resources officer.
Why are employees leaving their jobs, and where are they going?
According to a Pew Research Center survey, the top reasons Americans will quit their jobs in 2021 are low pay, a lack of opportunities for advancement, and feeling disrespected at work.
According to Kimbrough, a desire to work from home in remote jobs is also driving some of the labor market turnover.
“Nearly half of all applicants on our platform apply for at least one remote role. And this is up from an infinitesimally small number pre-pandemic,” said Kimbrough. “So, one thing everyone is looking for is that flexibility, and a lot of that comes through remote or hybrid opportunities.”
Making work more engaging and meaningful
According to research, employees want a sense of purpose in their professional lives that aligns with their personal values.
According to a recent poll, more than half of U.S. employees would be willing to take a pay cut to work for a company that shares their values.
Kauss, whose company was founded with the goal of eliminating single-use plastics, has seen the benefits of this purpose-driven mindset.
“I was very surprised by the caliber of employees that were choosing to come to a smaller startup like S’well because of our purpose,” Kauss said.
"Quiet quitting"
Quiet quitting, a popular term popularized by a viral TikTok video, is when employees stop going above and beyond in their jobs and instead do the bare minimum. According to some experts, quiet quitting is a residual effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout, and the "great resignation" because it empowered employees to take control of their work-life balance.
“I think what’s indicative is whether or not employers are going to meet humans halfway in their recalibration of what work looks like, how it’s done, where it’s done, and with whom it’s done,” said Steve Pemberton.
Although many people believe that the decision to leave a company is in the hands of employees during the "great resignation," Kimbrough claims that LinkedIn data is showing a hiring slowdown and an increase in the mention of "layoff" in their feed.
“To some, quiet quitting may mean getting the basic job done, but in these uncertain economic times, quiet quitting can mean lower productivity for the whole company, and it could push employers to let workers go,” she said.
The "Great Resignation"
We have seen some of the most significant disruptions to the workforce and workplace in decades, but there have been some positive developments. "I think the most positive thing that has come out of this time is the increased emphasis on social issues and the importance of individuals in leading great teams and making positive change in the world," said Kauss .
You can learn more about Merck’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) by clicking here.
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