We’re undergoing a massive shift in the way people view their work.
One recent report from Monster.com showed that 95% of workers plan to resign or switch jobs in the near future.
Up to 25% are being forced to search because their jobs are obsolete or no longer available due to technology or virtualization
Some is due to the backlog of those who were planning to leave but stayed for an extra year due to Covid
Others have realized they don’t want to travel, or have become disillusioned with the work they are doing
Many are seeking more meaning and purpose in their work
Most cited burnout and lack of growth opportunities
“As companies make plans to end remote work, in many cases forcing employees back into the office, millions of workers are experiencing the most severe case of the Sunday Scaries of their lives.”
I recently spoke with a sales pro who had been in the industry for 20 years.
She explained that her employer was distant and disengaged. They treated her like a number, not a person. She was expected to make over 100 cold calls a day, and send 65 emails.
In short, she was burned out and tired of work that was disconnected from a meaningful purpose.
We’re undergoing a massive upheaval, a shift in the way people’s relationships with their work. Here are just a few ways it’s changing:
The old way of leading doesn’t work any more – top-down, authoritarian, do as I say not as I do.
People are longing for real connection, real relationships.
People are longing for purpose in their work.
People are tired of being treated as a number.
People are longing for better work/life “balance” (we believe “wholeness” is a better vision for this, but more on that later).
In short, people are tired of meaningless work, burned out, and searching for connection and purpose.
This should all be pretty scary for “status quo” employers. However, this presents a fantastic opportunity for purpose-driven organizations that value people. Here are some observations about this new era we’re entering:
Recognize we may not ever return to the way things were. There may be a “new normal” in how people live and work, and people’s need for more meaningful work and balance.
It’s an opportunity for thoughtful employers – whether you are running a fast-food restaurant, a cleaning service, a construction company, marketing agency, an investment firm, or non-profit, the message is clear: mission-driven, purpose-driven organizations that treat their people as partners in the journey not cogs in the wheel, will come out ahead.
People complain about millennials not having a strong work ethic. I haven’t seen that to be the case. I have seen that they won’t settle for meaninglessness. I have seen that they want to integrate their work with the rest of their life. I have seen that they long to be seen and treated as significant humans, not a number on the org chart.
They desire autonomy. They are creative, gifted, and purpose-driven.
So, that means we need to meet them there. The leaders who do will come out ahead, I’m convinced. Those who won’t are sure to lose talent.
Resources for further reading:
Why 6 Bay Area restaurant workers left the industry for good
The Great Resignation Gains Steam
The Future of Work report from McKinsey
The Covid Vaccine means a return to work – and a wave of resignations
