How to Navigate “The Great Resignation”

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly changed the way people live and work across the globe, and Canada is certainly no exception. Many people have had to either transition to working from home part-time (or sometimes full-time), and countless others have had to deal with unexpected layoffs as a result of the pandemic. During this unprecedented time, many individuals have re-evaluated their priorities in life and passions at work, resulting in mass resignations across the country.

Now we find ourselves facing “The Great Resignation” – a term coined by Mays Business School Professor of Management Anthony Klotz.

“The Great Resignation” is a term that represents the trend where many employees are voluntarily resigning from their current positions as a result of the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their jobs. Such impacts can include companies not adapting to new norms and safety regulations (such as offering remote work options or additional sick days as needed). These mass resignations have resulted in many companies scrambling to find new employees, ultimately putting candidates in the driver’s seat during the hiring process.

This drastic change allows candidates to be more selective throughout their job search, as they are the ones who determine whether an employer is worthy of their skills and time rather than the other way around. Let’s discuss ways in which companies can make themselves an Employer of Choice , allowing them to successfully navigate through this time known as “The Great Resignation.”