Originally published: July 24, 2023

There are many articles discussing the dangers of the Great Resignation. I believe they are missing the point entirely.

The Great Resignation is an opportunity — for both sides of the table.

For employees:

For those who are unhappy in their current situation, or who feel stuck, this is a moment to leverage the skills and experiences of the past years and explore something different.

I have seen many instances where people are so afraid of change that they don't even try something new — because they fear failure or rejection. The Great Resignation gives people permission to take risks, make changes, and move forward toward what they actually want.

For organizations:

In my experience, there are two types of employees in every workplace: those who want to be there and those who don't.

The first group — the engaged ones — are the lifeblood of any successful organization. They are the group worth fighting to keep.

The second group breaks down further. Some simply have other priorities outside work but still perform adequately. Others actively disengage — and in some cases, actively undermine the organization from within.

Here's the question organizations rarely ask: were these people not mentally absent long before they submitted their resignation letter?

If the answer is yes — and it usually is — then why wait?

It makes far more sense to address disengagement when you notice it occurring, not after someone has already decided to leave.

The bigger picture:

I won't be insensitive to the reality that when people leave, there is almost always some negative impact on those who remain. But if you look at it from a broader perspective, there are real positive outcomes too:

— Increased productivity when remaining employees feel more engaged — Greater creativity when stress levels drop — Stronger culture when people feel genuinely supported

The Great Resignation is not a crisis to survive. It is an invitation — for every organization and every individual — to figure out what's next, and whether it's worth pursuing at all.

That clarity? It's priceless.