The “Great Resignation” Is a Misnomer

Many people have been forced to make major changes to their lives after being disrupted by the Pandemic and are now making changes of their own choosing: Where to work, where to live, whether to return to the office or continue working remotely. People all over the world are saying no to their jobs. Most are following a dream refined in adversity. They want to grow in ways that are important to them. They want to make the life they want. The opportunity for organizations is unprecedented. The largest pool of talent on the move in several generations can be tapped by leaders who can rapidly pivot to meet employees where they are searching for meaning, yearning to grow, and wanting to work for personal fulfillment as much as for compensation. It is possible for organizations to aspire to attract new talent rather than giving up.

There is a movement afoot. Millions of Americans have left their jobs in the last two years. The outgrowth of the disruption of the Pandemic is unlike anything we have ever experienced. The mass movement began two years ago under that duress and has gained steam even as the epidemic eases. It has been called the Great Resignation. I would like to call it the Great Aspiration.