Gen Z Workers Continue to Embrace the Phenomenon of The Great Resignation

**The Era of the Great Resignation Overview**

**Introduction**

The Great Resignation, a phenomenon that took place two years ago, saw a significant number of workers leaving their jobs in search of better opportunities and improved working conditions. In the US alone, a record-breaking 47.8 million people quit their jobs. The trend continued into 2022, with 50.5 million people resigning from their positions. However, it appears that the movement is losing momentum in 2023 due to the impact of mass layoffs and inflation. Despite this, a survey conducted by PwC revealed that a quarter of global employees, especially Gen Z and Millennials, plan to switch jobs within the next year.

**The Rise of Job-Hopping**

The concept of job-hopping is not new, as Millennials were the first to challenge the traditional notion of remaining loyal to a single employer throughout one’s career. This mindset, popularly referred to as “job-hoppers,” was embraced by Millennials who sought to explore various career opportunities. This shift in attitudes towards work was seen in the 1950s with the publication of “The Organization Man” by William H. Whyte, which highlighted the growing loyalty to companies during the mid-century. The concept of being loyal to one’s employer persisted until the Gen X era in the 1990s when major economic shifts, such as the signing of NAFTA, led to job losses, resulting in a sense of discontentment with work. The trend continued with the arrival of Millennials in the workforce in the 21st century, where job security and loyalty from employers began to decline.

**The Influence of Generational Shifts**

Data from research firm Gallup showed that in 2016, 21% of Millennials expressed their desire to switch jobs, three times higher than non-Millennials at that time. This shift in attitudes towards work can be attributed to the experiences of Millennials who observed their parents’ lack of fulfillment and financial stability despite their loyalty to their employers. However, it’s worth noting that younger workers have always had a propensity for job-hopping. Pew Research Center conducted a study in 2017, which revealed that Gen Xers were equally likely to change jobs in their youth. Therefore, the rise of job-hopping should be seen as a generational shift, with Gen Z being the latest generation to embrace this trend.

**Gen Z’s Priorities and Disengagement**

Gen Z workers have been associated with different trends, including job-hopping, ambition, shorter attention spans, and the need for work-life balance. While the desire to act on their priorities is prevalent among this generation, it doesn’t always translate into actual job resignations. For example, the concept of “quiet quitting” gained popularity on TikTok, resonating with many Gen Zers. However, despite the appeal of the idea, actual quits remained relatively low. Additionally, the way Gen Z entered the workforce has influenced their engagement levels and views on work. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its disruptions to work and education, has resulted in a disengagement from traditional 9-to-5 jobs. Virtual meetings and remote work have become the norm for Gen Z, and their relationship with work has been reshaped as a result. Some younger workers are even being taught professional etiquette from scratch due to the pandemic’s effects.

**The Role of Inflation and Changing Circumstances**

Inflation and changing economic circumstances may also be contributing factors to Gen Z workers’ career decisions. As the economy cools down and inflation becomes a challenge, employees worldwide are feeling financially strained. This sense of financial pressure may influence Gen Z workers to seek out more favorable work environments. The pandemic also revealed the flexibility and accommodation of remote work, which has become a priority for many younger workers. If workplaces are no longer accommodating in terms of remote work arrangements, it is likely that Gen Z employees will consider quitting in search of a more suitable environment.

**Conclusion**

Despite the gradual decline of the Great Resignation movement, the desires and priorities of Gen Z workers are reshaping the workplace. Job-hopping has become the new norm, challenging the traditional loyalty to a single employer. Gen Z’s disengagement from work is influenced by their experiences during the pandemic and the changing dynamics of the economy. As inflation and economic circumstances fluctuate, it is expected that Gen Z workers will continue to prioritize work environments that align with their values and aspirations.