Graduating amidst an ongoing pandemic was something I had not even imagined in the wildest of my dreams. However, with a never seen before situation, the future for us new graduates looked bleak.
As companies were panicking to keep their work going while struggling to map out a feasible work mode, freshers like me had no place by the end of the second wave. However, the extremely long working hours – 6 days a week (and more if required) that came with it did not seem optimistic.
Most came disguised as significant opportunities in unpaid internships even after a year of experience, while some even offered the chance to work by paying the companies a certain amount. However, even if a salary was offered, it was abysmal. The bare amounts were not enough to cover basic expenses like food and transportation.
However, there was a glimmer of hope for some. Post the initial pandemic jitters, millennials (those born in 1981 to 1996) in their mid to senior-level positions saw a talent crisis in the workforce.
With new modes of working and changes every day, the employers did not have the patience to teach the youngsters. They looked for people with considerable experience, thus creating a demand.
The millennials who were burnt out during the beginning of the pandemic were exhausted with the work culture – long work hours and low benefits. Yet, globally, they were experiencing significant shifts in what work means to them and how it contributes to their quality of life.
People of all generations started reconsidering their work culture, particularly the young ones. Having witnessed the great recession earlier, some of the millennials knew the impact of holding onto a job for survival amidst an economic crisis – its effects on their mental health and financial well-being.
The demand for experienced employees was a golden opportunity for the millennials. Taking advantage of the situation, many left their toxic exploitative employers and switched jobs in hopes of better work culture, work timings, and adequate compensation.
The shift in work modes just simplified this process, with many now working around the globe in the comfort of their homes. This phenomenon is now described as great resignation.
So, What Is The Great Resignation?
The great resignation, also known as the big quit, describes the economic trend of people leaving their jobs in large numbers in early 2021 and further on. The movement responds to the Covid-19 pandemic and is said to continue even after the pandemic ends.
With mass layoffs and pay cuts at the beginning of the pandemic, many lost their jobs. Those who had a job were in a rat race to survive. With both the unemployed and employed spending their time at home in isolation, they had enough time to rethink their life choices and re-evaluate their careers.
Usually, during an economic crisis, with the high unemployment, the number of people quitting is minimal. However, the paradox is that, despite the ongoing crash and layoffs, people are voluntarily leaving their jobs. This phenomenon also marks one of the most significant workforce shifts since the great recession.
Mid-level professionals have the highest resignation rates – those who can afford to live without running from paycheck to paycheck. However, the others are also not far behind, choosing mental peace and taking time to change careers over extremely low-paying jobs, i.e., restaurants, healthcare, call centres, service industries, etc.
Gen-Z Following The Lead Of The Great Resignation
The gen-z’s (those born in 1997 to 2012) are also at the forefront of the revolution with their predecessors. Being advocates of better mental health, gen-z’ers fully support the millennials in their pursuit of a better work environment.
While millennials entered the job market during the great recession, the gen-z’ers entered during the great resignation. And with most gen-z’ers yet to enter the workforce, with the oldest having only three or fewer years of experience, the work environment is set to revolutionise forever.
It’s okay if you can’t get 145 or 1 degree during the lockdown, your mental health is of utmost important, and everyone has their own pace in life.https://t.co/oCNZZego2Z
— Youth Ki Awaaz (@YouthKiAwaaz) January 20, 2022
However, unlike the millennials, gen-z’ers are more careful and look forward to working with companies that are ethical, fair, and accepting of everyone. With youngsters like Greta Thunberg in the forefront, they are quick to cancel companies through social media if found unethical, like Amazon warehouse’s dangerous working conditions.
Likewise, they are quick to leave when their values don’t match their values.
With the rising cost of education and plummeting wages, mental health is of gen-z’ers are deteriorating, with suicide being the second leading cause of death. Though the mass quitting offers comfort for many to follow, gen-z’ers are in one of the worst spots ever. The younger ones lacked social contact, and the older ones were pushed into a whirlwind economy.
Post-Pandemic Work Culture In India – A Boon Or Bane?
With most young Indians being from conventional follow-the-herd families, a career break is the least of everyone’s concerns. Therefore, switching to careers outside of their industry is complex and uncommon. However, the great resignation has opened doors to few.
Many have utilised the time spent in isolation to revamp their skills and leverage their resumes. With work from home being an option, many are open to pursuing careers in different skills as the global market is more open to career switches.
The Many Questions https://t.co/VrXyMtY0Kr
— saurabh gulati (@saurabh09794746) January 13, 2022
For women, working from home is a challenge. From managing kids’ online classes to cooking, working from home is questionable for many women. Though many men stepped up to polish the chef, their contribution was minimal. However, work from home has also seen employers hiring women.
With one of the youngest populations globally, understanding the needs and fair demands of the young employees are critical to India’s growth. Moreover, valuing a fresher’s work adds value to the company’s footsteps.
It is high time for Indian employers to reconsider the breeding toxic work culture and remember that employees live outside of work. Compensating all employees with monetary benefits and time offs is the need of the hour for better mental health and productivity.
Note: The author is part of the current batch of the Writer’s Training Program.