Recently, an increasing number of people have resigned from their jobs, and companies are struggling to fill positions. From burnout to boredom, we take a look at 21 reasons why people are becoming workshy.
Burnout
According to Trading Economics, the average number of working hours per week in the U.S. is 34.3. While this number is down from previous years, some workers have to work many more hours to meet the demands of a post-pandemic workplace. This relentless pace of work and the lack of work-life balance have led many people to burnout.
Redefining Success
It’s been drilled into us that success is measured by how well we do in our careers and how much money we earn. But, people are questioning this path and are becoming better at prioritizing personal fulfillment, family time, and mental health.
Early Retirement Dreams
With work pressure becoming more intense, people are re-evaluating their financial situations. Some are choosing early retirement by making use of their savings or planning a budget-friendly lifestyle once they retire.
Stagnant Wages
According to CNBC, wages have only increased by 17.5 % since the ’70s, compared to an increase of 61.8% in work rate. With the rising cost of living, stagnant wages make it difficult for many to afford necessities, and they are looking for jobs that pay better.
Benefits Reductions
Many firms are reducing their benefits packages to save money and increase profits. Therefore, people prioritize jobs with comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and pension contributions, that provide security.
Toxic Work Environments
Forbes reports that 75% of U.S. employees have experienced workplace harassment and bullying. This lack of respect is driving people away, with workers seeking jobs with positive work cultures instead of being toxic.
Remote Working
Remote working has risen significantly since the pandemic as companies learned that we can work efficiently without going to the office daily. The normalization of remote work means many workers prefer the flexibility it offers and are leaving firms that insist people work in the office five days again.
Micromanagement
Controlling managers who scrutinize every detail of people’s work can create a stressful environment. Workers demotivated by micromanagement leave their roles to seek more trusting employers.
Side Hustles
The gig economy allows people to pursue freelance work or passion projects, offering more control over income and work schedules. This means that some workers are reducing their hours in their main jobs and taking up side hustles to supplement their salary.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Across the U.S., many people are choosing to ditch the traditional 9-to-5 and forge their paths as business owners. With accessible online platforms and low start-up costs, people can attempt to live their dreams.
Back to School
People are returning to education to improve their career prospects and get promoted and a higher salary. Some companies offer in-house training to prevent employees from leaving, but the lure of higher education is more motivating.
Career Change
A career change is on the cards for those who are significantly bored with their jobs. Once again, the pandemic has made people evaluate their life choices, and being happy in their careers is the ultimate goal.
Automation
The prevalence of automation, whether self-checkouts or increased technological advances in factories, creates fear among certain workforces. This means that some people are moving to industries that are likely less affected by automation.
AI Assistants
Goldman Sachs predicts a 23% rise in the use of Artificial intelligence for each six-month period. While AI is transforming many industries, some workers are worried about being replaced entirely. Some workers are embracing the opportunities AI brings, while others are looking elsewhere for work.
Student Loan Burden
Millennials saddled with student loan debt are prioritizing jobs with good salaries and benefits to pay off their loan as soon as possible.
Gen Z Expectations
Gen Z is less likely to accept long hours or excessive workloads as they enter the workplace, expecting a positive work-life balance. Some companies have been complacent in relying on older generations working long hours and are now struggling to fill the gap.
Childcare Challenges
A lack of affordable childcare options makes it difficult for parents, particularly women, to re-enter the workforce full-time. Additionally, parents are looking for more flexible working hours to take their children to and from school.
Health Concerns
The pandemic highlighted the importance of health, and some people with health vulnerabilities have been hesitant to return to high-risk work environments. Without increased safety measures, people are looking for companies that have more robust welfare policies.
The Rise of Digital Nomads
Technological advancements allow some workers to live and work remotely from anywhere in the world. While this is great for workers, companies may struggle to maintain employers who like to move from job to job as they travel.
Travel Dreams
With vacations and travel on hold during the pandemic, many people are now taking sabbaticals to spread their wings. Ideally, workers are taking time out, but if companies do not authorize longer vacations, they risk losing staff permanently.
Long-Term Illness
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