“The Great Resignation – Is it happening and when?”

As a recruiter, it is difficult not to follow the news and “expert insight” around the Great Resignation, when it is happening and what this will likely mean….

Having worked in the recruitment industry for over 16 years I am used to certain levels of hype and speculation from time to time, and at this stage I feel this may be one of those instances that is over played in the media creating a story that isn’t otherwise there. Certainly, when it comes to actual solid data I haven’t yet seen any, so can only go my experience in talking with my candidates and clients and what their plans are.

My “two-cents” is that it is definitely not here yet and no signs on the horizon either. The market is as candidate short as it has ever been and companies are working extremely hard to retain their current staff, addressing many of their internal issues that in previous times would have been pushed to the side. They are improving working environments, company culture and progression opportunities for top performers. Indeed, good candidates who do pursue roles elsewhere are receiving exceptionally strong counteroffers at this current time, often removing their original motivations and reasons for looking to move.

Equally there are plenty of people who feel they are already well looked after by their employer therefore have no intention to leave, who already enjoy their roles, are paid fairly for what they do, have the autonomy they need and the career progression opportunities they are seeking.

A phrase I have also heard however is the “Great Migration” and this is something I think we will see a spike of activity across. Certainly there is a build up of people who haven’t moved roles/companies because of the past couple of years due to the uncertainty that has existed who are eager to advance their career, work overseas, change cities, travel, be closer to family and even change careers completely so in that respect as restrictions continue to ease and normality returns there will be a lot of movement and I think moving overseas will be what is most noticeable. This should be countered by many people moving here too though – Over the years I have had great success placing people coming here from the likes of South Africa, who are highly skilled with strong work histories who are relocating with their families for a better quality of life – this pipeline of talent has been turned off for a long time.

It is worth noting also, that these current market conditions have been in play for a while now, people have already had the time to think, analyse and reflect on their individual circumstances for a while so many have already made their moves/changes. No one seems to be waiting for a switch to be turned on – other than borders opening….

All in all, as with the previous expert opinions that everyone will be switching to “Work from Home” and “Remote Working” will become the new normal, the hype and euphoria will die down and whilst there will be some change as you would expect after such a unique period in our lives it will not be anywhere close to the extent being reported.

Or that is my opinion right now, until proven otherwise and then I may remove this blog!

Published by James Mason