Lake County Gazette

SIU professor explores long-term implications of ‘Great Resignation’ and what employers can do

By Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Although quit rates are at a historic peak, a lot of what we are currently seeing is not so much “The Great Resignation” as it is “The Great Reshuffle,” said Steven Karau, the Gregory A. Lee professor of management at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He has been studying the phenomenon and its causes, impacts and implications for the future.

There have been big shifts in the labor market before – during eras such as the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression and the Great Recession – but “The Great Resignation” is different because in large part employees are now calling the shots.

“The pandemic has led many people to rethink their careers and their long-term objectives,” Karau said. “They seek a greater work/life balance, more flexibility, the chance to pursue their passions and a less controlling work environment. The high quit rates create an abundance of job openings and that raises the bar for pay, benefits and flexibility. It shows the importance of businesses offering intrinsic motivators such as growth, achievement and meaning as well as extrinsic motivators such as pay and benefits to get the employees they want and need.”