Microsoft Study: Over 40% Of Workers Worldwide Are Quitting

Earlier in March, Microsoft predicted that over 40% of workers worldwide are considering leaving their jobs. Called the Great Resignation, the pandemic had a significant role in this, as many workers said that one of the main reasons for their resignation was the desire to work remotely. 

However, according to the 2021 People Management Report, there are other motivations other than the desire to work from home. Here's are the reasons why so many workers are leaving their employers.

 

1. Burnout

The pandemic had been tough on workers, as they had to work longer hours and experienced less work-life balance due to working from home. This condition, identified by extreme exhaustion and feeling emotionally and physically drained, can take a massive toll on workers' physical and mental health. Hence, it is no surprise that it is leading workers to rethink their jobs. 

Many workers also say their managers are burned out. 73% of burned-out managers say that "many" of their colleagues seem burned out too. This data contrasts those who do not have burned-out managers, as only 22% of them say they have many burned-out coworkers.

Will the Great Resignation happen in Malaysia?

2. Bad managers

The study finds that 63% of workers who have a bad manager consider leaving their companies within the following year, while only 27% of those who say they have "good managers" are thinking of leaving. 

These are some of the primary skills respondents think their managers lack:

• "Effective communicator",

• "Asks for feedback", and

• "Drives team morale".

Communication was the quality most lacking among bad managers. Many workers, especially those working remotely, say that they are not being kept informed by their managers. 

It was even more apparent among workers who believe their managers experience burnout, too.

 

3. Lack of flexibility and agency

The report says that 60% of employees work almost entirely onsite, though only 49% wish to work there. The lack of choice and flexibility many workers are now facing also contributes to the mass exodus from employers.

Among different staff types, including C-suite, directors, executives, managers, and individual contributors, the managed group usually have the least amount of agency and is also the least engaged. 

However, the ones higher up, typically having the most agency, are more engaged. 

 

The Great Resignation causes many employers and managers to panic. But what is clear from Predictive Index's survey is that there are various steps employers can take to convince their employees to stay. Some of these steps are:

• Offering employees the flexibility, and

• Recognising the signs of burnout before they threaten to prompt employees to quit.

Finding out the causes of employee dissatisfaction is the first step. From there, companies can work to keep their employees happy with their jobs and work. 

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