The Great Resignation: The Real Reasons Millions of Workers Have Quit in 2021

Employees are quitting their jobs in droves as the pandemic drags into its third year. The Great Resignation has become a bonafide movement in the United States as employees stand up to unfair labor practices, dangerous working conditions, and low pay. These choices affect several industries and put stress on workers who choose to remain on the job.

Industries hit the hardest by The Great Resignation

Several sectors are seeing more walkouts than others. These include hospitality and retail, health care, manufacturing, and technology. Hospitality and retail employers often see rapid turnover as loyalty tends to be low in their entry-level positions. Health care workers are also resigning in masses due to stressful work environments and demanding hours.

Fastest-growing jobs in the post-COVID era

As a result of a reshuffling workforce, certain industries will notice a surge in demand during the post-COVID era. For example, wind turbine service technicians, and solar photovoltaic installers can expect a growth rate of over 50% in the next decade. Other jobs that will be in high demand in the mid to late 2020s include statisticians, physical therapist assistants, and home health care aides.

Those looking to serve their community and fill employment gaps should consider careers in any of the following arenas. Pursuing a career in any of the following industries/specialties will not only help alleviate the tensions of a strained workforce, but will put you within arm’s reach of competitive employee benefits. If you’re looking for rewarding work that boasts flexible schedules and low-stress, consider in-home care employment where demand is at an all-time high.

Quitting over concerns of COVID-19

One of the reasons employees are leaving their jobs has to do with their employer’s reactions and policies regarding COVID-19. Some people have resigned because of vaccine mandates, while others left work because their employers did not mandate vaccinations.

In the healthcare industry, many workers have resigned because of overcrowded emergency rooms filled with unvaccinated patients. The risk for health care workers has not diminished, leaving many to resign their posts for their own safety.

Returning to the office after months of remote work

Working from home was a positive experience for many Americans. These workers enjoyed the autonomy and safety of working from home and established routines that let them separate their workdays from their personal lives.

When these workers had to return to the office, they climbed back into their cars and fought the commute. Those reintegrating into office life also realized how much they could accomplish at home without constant interruptions from coworkers. Hence, in-person employees decided to leave the office and find more remote opportunities.

As we enter the third year of the pandemic, it’s clear that going back to normal isn’t what employees want. The Great Resignation has served as a wake-up call that the workplace needs to change.

Tired of taking abuse

In the early days of the pandemic, teachers, health care workers, and essential workers were considered heroes. These societal backbones were lauded for solving problems quickly and adjusting to the demands caused by the pandemic.

Many employees have had enough with parents, patients, and customers screaming about teaching practices, vaccines, and masks. These vital workers are quitting in droves and leaving schools, hospitals, and restaurants grossly understaffed.

Employees who work directly with the public have struggled with the lack of respect for years, but recent events have been more than the average employee deserves.

Wrap up

The Great Resignation has changed the workplace. To end this mass exodus, employers need to create working conditions that make employees feel valued.