Employee experience firm Limeade has released the results of a new report into the Great Resignation.
The Great Resignation Update looks at drivers behind a mass exodus of employees in late 2020 and early 2021, as well as the methods companies can rely on to retain top talent. The report includes a survey of 1,000 full-time U.S. workers who started a new job in 2021, and who work at companies with over 500 employees.
Among the standout findings were that 40% of employees cite burnout as top reason for departure, with 28% saying that they were so dissatisfied with their work situations they resigned without a job lined up. That took place amid a wider trend of 19 million workers quitting their jobs between March 2021 and July 2021, up 7 million compared to the same time last year.
Among the other results were that:
- Organisational changes were cited by 34% as a reason for departing
- 20% cited lack of flexibility, instances of discrimination, and contributions and ideas not being valued
- 19% of employees left due to insufficient benefits
- New positions were chosen based on the ability to work remotely (40%), better compensation (37%), and better management (31%)
"The mass exodus workplaces have experienced over the past several months is unprecedented — burnout levels reached an all-time high. There was a societal breakdown when it came to the ecosystem of work, home and well-being. People reached their limits," said Dr. Laura Hamill, Limeade Chief Science Advisor.