After the pandemic, my organization lost a lot of people because they had grown accustomed to working from home. It was called the Great Resignation. There were many people stating reasons for why it happened, but every exit interview had the same response. They wanted to work from home like they did during the pandemic, and my organization was too slow to react on a work from home policy.
During the pandemic, I distinctly remember people talking about the new normal. Everyone assumed that they would just continue working remotely from now on, and many of them simply loved it. They could spend more time at home, where they were most comfortable. If they had a family, they got to spend more time with them. They could also just roll right out of bed and log in, as opposed to going through all the motions to get ready for work, then do the dreaded commute, only to wade through office politics and deal with an occasional unfriendly coworker.
Congratulations, you’ve lost everyone you needed to keep.
At the time of the mass exodus, I happened to be the supervisor over quite a few people who left for better opportunities. My department was almost literally reduced to zero. As each person left, one of the managers under me would tell me, you’ll be fine because so and so is here, don’t lose him! Eventually, we got down to that one person, and out of fear he also turned in his two weeks’ notice, because he didn’t want to be the last man standing. That’s when my manager, who had also already turned in his two weeks, made a rather astounding statement that stuck in my head to this day. He said, congratulations, you’ve lost everyone you needed to keep.
I persevered through all the resignations. It wasn’t easy. I had to mitigate a lot of demands that were placed on my department until we could get back on our feet. I was fortunate that most people were understanding of the situation. I posted a lot of positions, and did countless interviews, all while trying to keep the lights on. I eventually rebuilt an incredible new department from the ground up, hiring everyone myself, and helping them all to get up on their feet.
This is my experience with the Great Resignation. It was hard, but I made it through fine. I may have even built my department back better than it was before. There’s still that phrase left over in my head though. Congratulations, you’ve lost everyone you needed to keep.
I realize now why those words are so burned into my mind. In my life outside of work, I actually did lose the person that I needed to keep the most. They were very special to me. I can never replace them. No matter how good I am as a leader, I can’t fix this situation. I still need them more than anything. The only thing I can really do is pray they one day return to me safely.
Did you experience the Great Resignation where you work? Do you like working from home? What would you have done in my leadership role? Have you ever lost someone that you desperately needed to keep? Let me know in the comments, and please remember to like, share, and subscribe!
Ken's Life 