For many, the end of lockdown also meant the end of working from home. Yet, the same workforce that is returning to the office isn’t the same that left it. In fact, many are disillusioned about returning to a workplace that now feels unnecessary, sparking The Great Resignation. Employee retention is the next frontier.
This malaise is sparking what psychologist Anthony Klotz has dubbed ‘The Great Resignation’. As he explained to NPR,”during the pandemic, because there was a lot of death and illness and lockdowns, we really had the time and the motivation to sit back and say, do I like the trajectory of my life? Am I pursuing a life that brings me well-being?”
A recent study found that 40% of Australians intend to search for a new job in the next six months. A McKinsey study discovered that the reasons why employees quit is that they don’t feel valued. Or they don’t feel a sense of belonging at work.
After such long periods of isolation, employers are having to rethink what their employees really need. Employees are tired, and many are grieving. They want a renewed and revised sense of purpose in their work. And also want social and interpersonal connections with their colleagues and managers. But while they want these things, employers feel stumped on how to facilitate them.
One solution is corporate volunteering.
As we become more socially conscious, corporate volunteering is becoming more and more popular. Corporate volunteering involves bringing companies’ values to life through role-modelling and collective action. As a result, uniformly fighting for the greater good can reignite passion in the workplace and allow employees to find their own meaning, without the great resignation. and employee retention.
What impact does volunteering have on the individual?
Research scientist Eric Kim has proved the effect that volunteering has on the individual. In his recent studies, Kim found that those who volunteered up to 100 hours a year had “a reduced risk of mortality and physical functioning limitations, higher physical activity, and better psychosocial outcomes”.
Pointing out the timeliness of volunteering, Kim found “now might be a particular moment in history when society needs your service the most. If you are able to do so while abiding by health guidelines, you not only can help to heal and repair the world, but you can help yourself as well.”
What is the impact for not-for-profits?
A crucial part of corporate volunteerism is the relationship with non-profit organisations. These organisations are significantly overworked and under-resourced in a time of extended crisis. Support from the private sector makes the relationship symbiotic, and the change obvious.
Moving forward
We’ve emerged from this pandemic armed with the desire to change things. By focusing on the greater good, employees can step outside of themselves and reignite that spark within. And stop the great resignation. Businesses can increase their employee retention and emerge stronger.
The health and fulfilment of employees are vital to their commitment, passion and longevity – without it, the great resignation will be absolute.
ABOUT:
Victor Lee is the CEO of Communiteer with an extensive 20-year career in Change Management and Corporate Social Responsibility. With roles across both the Corporate and Not-for-Profit sectors.
Communiteer began in 2018 with an idea; a one-stop solution to connect not-for-profits with the corporate partners, people and the skills they need to make a difference while providing businesses with the opportunity to venture further into the social impact space.
Over the past 3 years, Communiteer has cultivated strong organisational and personal relationships with partners. This is throughout the development of social change initiatives, utilising our combined strengths and creating a ‘sharing economy’.
