How the #GreatResignation is reshaping the landscape of work

As the pandemic continues to wane (we hope), it leaves behind a vastly reshaped workforce. If you’re one of the employees who’s considering – or who is already experiencing – a career shift, you’re not alone. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 47 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs last year.

This is the second in a two-article series in which we explore the causes of this workforce shift and discuss how you can redesign your career. Read the first article.

According to career counselor Andrea Weiss, the pandemic was (and is) a chance to look at what’s important. “I think we all reflected on what matters most in life,” Weiss said, “and in many cases, people decided they were no longer willing to tolerate a dead-end job, a toxic work environment, a 60-hour workweek, or a job that didn’t speak to their interests.

“For some this just meant finding a new job in a better work environment, but for others, it meant a more significant career pivot,” Weiss said.

Three Rs of the #GreatResignation

The Harvard Business Review says this mass exodus is likely due to several primary factors.

Reshuffling

Reshuffling, or simply switching jobs, is occurring in huge numbers. In fact, hiring rates now exceed quit rates in many cases – an indication that higher wages and other factors are attracting new applicants. Employees are finding themselves in a position of greater choice, and employers are looking for new ways to retain talent. Leaders are tasked with building a work environment that considers inclusivity, takes a coaching approach to employee management, and includes impactful executive leadership. CPE’s leadership courses can help leaders expand their skills for this new phase of #LeadershipGrowth.

Relocation

Contrary to popular belief, relocation for a new job has not played a large part in reshaping the workforce, although one interesting trend has emerged: The ability to work remotely has spurred 9.3 percent of Americans (almost 20 million) to relocate and maintain their current position. Employees also want to upgrade their skillset – or learn the new skills necessary – to thrive in a remote environment or even explore opportunities in their new location, but they want to do so in an online environment. CPE offers online courses that can be completed completely from home – wherever that happens to be!

Retirement

During the first 18 months of the pandemic, an additional 2.4 million Americans above normal retired. That labor gap is now closing, with almost half of those people having reentered the workforce – although many are in new positions. Retirees are seeing the benefits of “second careers” in roles such as leadership, consulting, financial services and others. Often, earning a new degree isn’t an option, so how can "second career" seekers get the skills they need for their next chapter? CPE offers certificates, professional concentrations and even individual courses, which can be a cost- and time-effective way to earn the skills you need for your “Career 2.0.”

Read more about how these factors are impacting the workplace and how training from CPE can help you prepare for your #nextchapter.