The Great Resignation is still in full swing, or so the world’s press keeps telling us. But what if you’re not one of the people leaving? How can those unsung heroes – the ‘stayers’ – survive all the changes? The Guardian has written a great article that the stayers among us would be well advised to read. Or, if you’re too busy firefighting the fallout, take a moment to read the key questions it raises when you come up for air:
– What if people quitting makes you want to quit?
It’s natural to feel sad that your colleagues are leaving. But if your mood takes on hues of burnout or depression, take a few days to think about the causes. Maybe you’re overworked? Or perhaps the industry you work in no longer inspires you? If your considered response points to meaning, happiness and motivation elsewhere, then it may well be time for you to resign too…
– How do you prevent the quitters’ workloads from ending up on your desk?
If you find yourself inheriting the leavers’ workloads, don’t just grin and bear it. Consider what your original role entailed. List the additional responsibilities and projects you have taken on since. And then have a frank discussion with your boss about how to re-prioritise and/or reallocate your tasks.
– How do you compete with all the new faces?
New colleagues mean new opportunities and new ideas. Position yourself at the centre of restructuring efforts, rather than resisting them or getting competitive. If you make yourself an invaluable source of knowledge that’s open to change and actively looking for new ideas, you can tee yourself up nicely for a promotion in the future.
– Is it time to ask for a pay rise or a loyalty bonus?
There are many HR procedures and budget limitations in place that could set up salary rise requests for failure. Think about the wider picture. Could flexible hours, working from home, childcare vouchers, gym membership, and/or career development have a more positive impact on your quality of life than a salary hike? Quite possibly. And with the finances for these initiatives not coming out of the salary pot, it’s much more likely that your request will be granted.
In conclusion, staying at your desk while there’s a mad rush for the door doesn’t have to translate to doom and gloom. The opportunities opened up can more than compensate for the temporary inconvenience. But you have to have the right attitude. Re-imagine your role to bring more meaning, motivation and productivity to it. Embrace your new workplace. And present yourself as a champion of innovation. Your career and general well-being will both benefit.
For advice on the above or any other recruitment-related matter, please get in touch, Your trusted, multilingual recruitment experts at ABL are, as ever, keen to help!
