How to Stem the Tide of The Great Resignation?
My client looked at me down the barrel of his camera on Zoom, head in hands, frustration clear on his face. “Just tell me what I need to give them to stop them from leaving?” he asked. “It’s simple,” I replied. “Your time.”
It was February, and this CEO had seen a significant uptick in employee turnover after the first of the year. Like so many others, he was tying himself in knots trying to figure out how to stem the tide of the great resignation.
Organizations are increasing benefits, offering coffee vouchers, free daycare, free parking, and extra time off – all in the name of employee retention.
But the research is clear. That’s not what they want. Don’t get me wrong. These things are nice – but they won’t increase retention.
What DO they want?
To feel valued
A manager who cares
A learning culture (52% of respondents of one survey said they prefer a learning culture over a fun culture at work, and 38 per cent of Australians would prefer paid study leave over a promotion).
Career growth
Meaningful work
To be treated like an adult and allowed to work when, where and how they choose – as long as they successfully achieve their goals.
It really is that simple.
