Through the last half of 2021, U.S. employers saw millions of workers leaving their jobs, leaving many wondering why.
There was plenty of speculation and anecdotal evidence about complaints over low wages, working conditions, work-life balances and more. Now, thanks to the Pew Research Center, we have something more concrete to help explain the Great Resignation.
The Pew survey found that “low pay, a lack of opportunities for advancement and feeling disrespected at work are the top reasons why Americans quit their jobs last year. The survey also finds that those who quit and are now employed elsewhere are more likely than not to say their current job has better pay, more opportunities for advancement and more work-life balance and flexibility.”
Let’s review the numbers.
Among the 6,627 non-retired U.S. workers surveyed, 19% said they quit a job at some point in 2021 and were not fired, laid off or had their temporary job end.
For those who quit, 63% said it was because of low pay. Another 63% cited no opportunities for job advancement while 57% said they felt disrespected at work. At least a third say each of these were “major” reasons why they quit.
For respondents with a child younger than 18 in their household, 48% cited childcare issues were why they quit. Forty-five percent said a lack of flexibility to choose their hours led them to quit, and 43% said the lack of benefits, such as health insurance, and paid time off were why. Roughly 25% said each of these was a “major” reason for quitting.
Almost 4 out of 10 cited working too many hours while 3 out of 10 said they worked too few hours. More than a third wanted to relocate.
Only 18% cited an employer-required COVID-19 vaccine as a reason.
Of those who quit in 2021 and didn’t retire, 55% said they are working full time and 23% said they are now part time. Within this group, 61% said it was at least somewhat easy to find their current job and 33% said it was “very easy.”
At least 50% of respondents reported improved work situations at their current jobs. Fifty-six percent reported higher pay while 53% said they have more opportunities to advance their careers. Another 53% said they have an easier time balancing their work and home lives, and 50% reported having more flexibility over when they work.
Only 42% report having better benefits, however, while 36% report benefits being about the same.
These are some pretty telling numbers, giving employers direct insight into the minds of those who were willing to leave their jobs last year. Pay, not surprisingly, was a major factor. You’ll see in headlines this week that inflation rose 7.9% year over year in February, and that doesn’t even reflect how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will affect gasoline costs.
You must also take into consideration how the pandemic has changed people’s priorities and living situations. Many have a different view now of how they spend their lives and want more time for their families and time off the clock. Others have been forced by circumstances out of their control to have to make major changes. Others may no longer tolerate the things they put up with before because they realize life is short and they deserve to be treated better.
Keep these numbers in mind, and any feedback you hear directly from current employees and job candidates, as you evaluate — and reevaluate — your hiring and retention efforts. Agree or disagree with their reasoning, sure, but they quit for these reasons regardless.
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