A new trend showed up last month in the tech companies’ space for those valued above $1 billion from their venture capital investors. The trend is the Great Reset – reductions in their workforce. The cause of these layoffs according to Tech Crunch is overspending. The result is whiplash – laying off the people they hired to get them through the last couple of years.
I continue to hear stories of massive resignations today due in part to a lack by leaders to show compassion and empathy resulting from stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. Working remotely was a momentous change for the entire workforce. Then add in the lack of socialization and, if you have children, figuring out how to work and provide care at the same time. While we are a couple of years into the pandemic, the most current stress producer hanging in the balance is the uncertainty of to return or not return to working in the office. Will this change disrupt your current routine?
I work with Gen-Z-skilled and experienced business leaders, and when I ask, “How is your life?” they tell me their lives are full of chaos, there is too much noise, being productive is difficult, friction at home is mounting, and they want to just quit. I recently read an article, and I quote, “Randstad revealed that 56% of Gen Z and 55% of millennials would quit their job if it interfered with their personal lives.” Other research indicates this is relevant to all industries – no industry is unscathed.
Job changes come in all sorts of flavors, and you do not have to leave your employer to make that a reality. Get yourself prepared whether you stay with your employer or make a change! It is important to know your personal brand, what you are known for and what people say about you when you are not around. For example:
- She knows the financial market and is trustworthy.
- He is consistently a good public speaker.
- She is a strategic thinker.
Try this to understand your personal brand:
- Make a list of your 10 key strengths.
- Rank each strength on a scale of 1 to 10 on its impact on your success.
- Rank each strength on your current ability.
- Rank each strength as a fit for you reaching your true potential.
- Add items 2 + 4, select the top 3 highest scoring strengths.
Know exactly why you want to change and what it is you want before you jump. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have a plan to reach your true potential. This is your one life, go after what you want and get your life back. You have earned the right to be both successful and happy.
In what way have the current workforce trends impacted you?