After the pandemic started, there were quite a few rumblings from employers about how no one wants to work. This is known as the anti-work movement. While it may sound like something that would anger a company or cause stress, understanding the anti-work movement and using it to your advantage is a smart move.
What is the Anti-work Movement?
Workers have become burnt out, and this became even more apparent during the pandemic. Many workers either lost their jobs or had to work remotely. Those who worked remotely with success were often discouraged when employers demanded them to return to the workplace in-person. Some of this type of thinking led to more anti-work thinking.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4.3 million Americans willingly abandoned their jobs in August 2021 alone.
How Does Understanding the Anti-work Movement Help?
There are quite a few ways you can use the anti-work movement to your advantage – believe it or not!
It Teaches You to Listen Better
Employees who don’t feel appreciated or listened to are those who are more apt to want to join the anti-work movement. Using this knowledge, make sure you listen to their ideas, worries, and even their demands. While you can’t please everyone, you can learn what the consensus needs to make them happier workers.
It Teaches You That Fair Wages Are Essential
Employees without fair wages will find somewhere else that does provide them. If your company hasn’t risen to match the cost of inflation, others may surpass you by doing exactly that. You don’t want to lose your best workers because they’re not being paid well.
It Teaches About Growth and Learning
Blaming employees for shortcomings, without teaching them, only causes discontent. Keep in mind that always placing the blame on the employee doesn’t foster them wanting to remain loyal.
Learn from the Anti-work Movement
Learning what makes people want to stay, and what makes them want to join the anti-work movement is essential. If it’s higher wages, take that into consideration. If it’s employees unhappy with workplace culture, see why. And of course, if they wish to work remotely and that is possible, why not allow that?
You have to do what works for your company and your employees for better retention and loyalty. Try putting yourself in their shoes to better understand the anti-work movement.
About Synergy
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