The Great Resignation is in progress. The 2021 Microsoft Work Trend Index survey of 31 countries reveals that 41% of workers are considering leaving their employer this year. Other studies are finding similar results. Why is this happening? What insights can we gain from those who have signaled their intent to leave that will help stem the tide of resignations?
In July 2021, we asked over 3,200 Gen Y/Gen Z individual contributors in the US to rate their workplace experiences over the prior 18 months. Of those, 32% indicated they intend to leave their current employer in the next year. Those who planned to leave and had continuous employment with the same organization felt a significant deterioration in key aspects of their employment experience. At the organizational level, their assessment of culture and trust in leadership deteriorated over the pandemic period.
And while their individual productivity remained relatively strong, their feelings of belonging — which started low — continued to drop, driving a significant deterioration in their level of passion for the work itself; wellbeing; willingness to put in extra effort; and willingness to stay. The following figure illustrates.