Great Resignation or Revolution?
As the pandemic persists and the Great Resignation rages on, employees and employers alike are still figuring out how to navigate this future world of work, and according to the Atlantic, the Great Resignation isn't the only "Great-R" movement that is brewing.
The Great Reset
Well, there's the Great Reset that's happening as more families are working from home, cooking and entertaining from home, as well as schooling their kids from home. Writer, Aaron M. Renn has coined this new family dynamic as the "DIY Family," where people have been reimagining and revisioning their idea of work-life and work-family balance.
The Great Reshuffling
In addition to the Great Reset, there has also been a Great Reshuffling occurring with both people and businesses. A surge in entrepreneurship and an increase in moves to the suburbs has been spiked by the pandemic. Additionally, many employers have been moving or downsizing their offices to accommodate new work-from-home policies as well as remote and hybrid offices.
All of these movements, that have been actually brewing for years, are being further propelled by the pandemic and are shaping employees expectations of work-life balance and the future world of work. So what does that mean for you and your organization? It's time to rethink your people strategy.
For Employers
Put your people first. Chances are more than likely your employees have already come to you for help but if not, that doesn't excuse you from valuing their voice, as well as listening to and doing your best to address their concerns. One of the number one reasons why employees are quitting is because they do not feel valued or appreciated. Don't just rely on surveys to take a pulse. Go out of your way to empathize and advocate for your employees by listening to and accommodating their needs and requests.
After understanding what your employees need, identify if there are any opportunities to accommodate their requests. Is there a way to reduce/redistribute their workload? Is it possible to introduce a work-from-home policy that still accommodates the business’ needs? Once you've listened to their needs and did your best to accommodate their requests, find ways to invest in them.
While resources may be scarce, there are still ways to offer professional development opportunities that are valuable and meaningful to your employees. Have managers sit down with your employees and map out their professional development plans and goals, and identify opportunities for them to be mentored and developed. Set up employee resource groups, trainings, or retreats that cater to their personal and professional development. PWI offers custom workshops, trainings, and retreats on many topics such as job crafting, strength-based values, purpose discovery, meaningful work, and more. Click here to fill out a form and get a custom quote.
For Employees
Get reconnected with your purpose, strengths, and values. It’s hard to know what you want or stay committed to your organization if your disconnected from who you were designed to be and what you were designed to do. Research says that employees who are aware of their purpose find more meaning and fulfillment in their work, have a stronger understanding of their strengths, and have more clarity and confidence when it comes to making career decisions.
After you’re clear on purpose, take time to map your next steps by casting vision for your career. While purpose gives you a foundation, vision gives you direction. Envision your dream lifestyle and career. Then think about your current role and organization. What are the gaps that need to be filled in order for you to arrive at your desired destination? Is there alignment with your personal purpose, vision, and values and your organization’s? Are you operating in your strengths? What skills need to be developed to get you to the next level? Once you cast your vision, you can break down the action steps you need to take to get you to your destination.
Lastly, be open to alternative opportunities and don’t be afraid explore your options. Once you’re clear on your purpose and vision, explore ways of integrating them into your life and work. How can you integrate your purpose and find meaning in your current role? Meet with your boss and discuss ways to leverage more of your strengths. Give yourself permission to hit the reset button and start over in your life and career. This could be an opportunity for you to get more out of your life and work, so don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities.
The truth is, the Great Resignation is turning into the Great Revolution, revolutionizing the future world of work and our expectations of it. The best way to adapt with the change is to rethink and prioritize your people strategy.
Are you ready to create more meaning & excellence in your people strategy?
At PWI, we specialize in increasing employee retention by creating people-centric, purpose-driven company cultures that empower organizations, teams, and employees to engage and excel in meaningful work. We offer solutions ranging from culture creation and transformation, purpose discovery and activation, employee experience programs, as well as training, learning, and development. Click the button below to fill out a form and book a complimentary consultation and learn how your organization can excel in meaningful work.
