Reframing The Great Resignation
Written by Kendall Bergman
I wrote about The Great Resignation earlier this year. You can read that post here. At the time, the literature was reflecting that folks were leaving their positions because they were generally overworked, underappreciated and experiencing burnout.
The trend continues and statistics show that each month, those tendering their resignation are showing no signs of decline - nearly 57 million Americans quit between January 2021 and February 2022. A lot of organizations are struggling for answers as they encounter skyrocketing attrition rates.
It is my conviction, belief and firsthand experience that unless and until corporate leadership teams start thinking holistically and less analytically about this issue, the problem will persist. While organizations are trying to solve for this overall dissatisfaction by putting dirty band aids on infected wounds in the form of more days off, employee recognition awards, personality assessments, etc., individuals are using a global pandemic and increasingly busy work life as an opportunity to stop, reframe, adjust and pivot. The data is showing that quite often the pivot means leaving a job or changing roles within the same organization. Sometimes it simply means shifting a monotonous perspective. All I can say is way to go, you!
For the rest of you…STOP! Take a beat and check in with yourself. Ask those nearest and dearest to you to speak into your life with sincerity and intention. Ask them to tell you when they see you most come alive. Ask them to share with you where they see you light up. Ask them to tell you what they believe you are passionate about. Then prayerfully, meditatively and reflectively step away and consider what they have said. What seems true? What seems right? What seems honest?
The fixes companies are trying with more days off, recognition awards and assessments are fine things. They’re nice. They are NOT transformative. Again, my conviction, belief and firsthand experience lead me to the conclusion that people are seeking transformation. Transformation takes time, commitment and consideration. Transformation does not happen in isolation. And transformation is not possible when we settle for convenience and status quo.
The Great Resignation (as originally termed) continues. What if The Great Resignation is really your Great Opportunity or Great Reflection or Great Exploration or Great Gift? If you’re curious about how you could reframe for yourself, try asking yourself: What do I want? What do I need in order to clearly identify what I want? What is a dream I’ve been putting on hold? What am I afraid of?
If you feel overwhelmed, stuck or helpless, you are not alone. Stepping off the hamster wheel can initially feel disorienting. Carefully, thoughtfully and as gently as necessary place one foot in front of the other. Coaching might be the next step for you. Don’t hesitate to contact me at kendall@thediscoverywell.com to schedule a complimentary discovery session.