Thinking of Quitting Your Job? You Aren’t the Only One

A recent survey revealed almost half of Americans are thinking about leaving their current position

America is experiencing a “Great Resignation,” with many workers simply walking away from their jobs. All indications point to a whole lot of burnout in the American workforce.

There have been many signs lately showing the frustration American workers have been feeling at work. From restaurant workers to grocery store clerks to healthcare workers, every industry is suffering hardships from the pandemic.

The Big Quit

American workers are simply walking away from jobs in staggering numbers. It’s been called the “great resignation” or the “big quit,” and it’s happening across the nation.

A recent article from the Chicago SunTimes featured the difficulties Chicago food workers have experienced and how some have just up and walked away from jobs. But it’s not only in Chicago. According to the government’s jobs report, over 20 million people quit their jobs in the second half of 2021.

2022 Workplace Belonging Survey

And now, a recent survey by Ipsos reveals that nearly half of American workers are considering leaving their current positions. Data from the survey, run by Dr. Rumeet Billan, a researcher, speaker, and expert on psychological capital, pointed to a possible reason being a lack of sense of belonging at work.

Although 88% of respondents agreed that a sense of belonging at work is important and boosts productivity, many do not feel that way about their own jobs.

According to the survey:

• less than half (45%) of employed Americans feel connected with coworkers
• only 36% responded they work in an “inclusive” environment
• less than half (40%) feel that their vision and values align with those of their employer

Dr. Billan said in a press release,

“Belonging is not a program or initiative, it is an experience related to social connectedness, feeling included, and being accepted.”

About the survey

The 2022 Workplace Belonging Survey was based on a sampling of employed workers across the U.S. with oversamples taken in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.

Find out more about the survey on the Ipsos website.

Women aren’t feeling valued at work

Women, in particular, reported feeling lonely at work in the survey, with only 47% of women respondents saying they feel their contributions are valued by their employer and their fellow workers.

“Psychological safety is critical to creating a culture that fosters trust, belonging, and resilience,” said Dr. Billan. “Without it, organizations can’t thrive and will continue to face retention issues.”

It’s not a simple fix

Though companies may make efforts to help employees feel supported, Dr. Billan cautions it’s not an easy fix.

“Well-intentioned quick fixes can come across as transactional or virtue signaling when this is not complemented with the effort to strengthen relational ties,” said Dr. Billan.

It’s an American thing

So far, the Great Resignation seems to be mainly happening in America. Workers in Europe are not leaving their jobs in droves. Could it be workers in other countries are less miserable than American employees?

For one thing, European countries pay better than the U.S. minimum wage. The minimum wage in the U.S. is currently $7.25 per hour, very low for a wealthy country. And vacation time compared to European countries is abysmal.

Nor do American workers get paid parental leave. According to the International Labour Organization, over 120 nations around the world provide paid maternity leave. The U.S. is not one of them.

Is it really any wonder why American employees making low wages with little benefits don’t want to return to their jobs in the middle of a pandemic?

Note: A previous version of this article was originally published on NewsBreak