4 Takeaways from the Great Reshuffle

In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have watched as what first appeared to be the Great Resignation became the Great Reshuffle, a massive employee exodus out of their current roles and into those that are fulfilling and offer flexibility. If businesses want to retain top talent, they must learn from this migration and embrace change.

Here is what we’ve learned from the Great Reshuffle:

#1 Recognize the Need for Flexibility

When the world was thrown into chaos, business leaders had to think on their feet and make the impossible possible. For many, the office closed within 24-48 hours, and leaders and employees alike had to adjust to virtual business while juggling childcare and sick family members. As a result, businesses learned that being flexible wasn’t a hindrance to business success — but quite the opposite.

A LinkedIn Global Talent Trends Report from this year revealed that flexibility is vital to both Gen Z and Millennials and the workforce at large. Regarding time and location flexibility, employees are over 2x more likely to not only be happy in their role but also to recommend working for the company to others. Flexibility isn’t about letting chaos reign — employers need to maintain high standards while allowing their people flexibility regarding where and when they work.

#2 Increase Focus on Wellness

And if there’s one thing that the pandemic taught us, it’s that our wellness — both at work and home — is critical to our perseverance and productivity. We can’t continue to give when we never take the time to care for ourselves. So what does this mean for employers? Leaders must recognize that retaining top talent means valuing the whole employee, not just the person we see during work hours.

Over half of Millennials and Gen Z say that their well-being is a critical aspect of company culture (LinkedIn). Leaders who prioritize wellness through relevant benefits and perks show employees that they are valued.

#3 Prioritize Empathy and Trust

To get through the hardest parts of the pandemic, employers had to fight to build and maintain relationships, and the foundation of those connections was empathy and trust. Today, the Great Reshuffle is teaching us these workplace relationships are more powerful than ever. Leaders who seek to truly know their teams and deepen their workplace relationships engender loyalty — whether the teams are now working in the office or at home.

#4 Emphasize Purpose 

The unexpected rise of COVID-19 made us realize how quickly our world can change, causing us to reevaluate the “why” behind what we do every day. Employees need to be able to see the meaning behind their day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. They want to know where the company is headed and how they contribute to that mission, even if it's in small, seemingly insignificant ways.

A New Normal

The pandemic made an undeniable impact on “business as usual.” But now that the smoke has cleared, we can see that the Great Reshuffle is our chance to embrace a new normal and lean into the challenge. If we do so, our businesses will come out of this better, stronger, and more productive than ever before.

About Express Employment Professionals - West Tualatin

Express Employment Professionals office in West Tualatin, Oregon first opened its doors to our community over 25 years ago in October 1989 under the leadership of local owner, Robert Knight. Our Express office has shown substantial growth in helping thousands of people and businesses throughout the Washington County Area on a consistent basis since then. We help Job Seekers find quality employment in Tualatin and help local businesses find capable and proficient employees to meet all of their staffing needs, including the cities of Tualatin, Portland, Wilsonville, Lake Oswego and Canby, Oregon. As the largest privately-held staffing company in the United States - we are locally owned but globally powered!