The trend of great resignation is expected to continue this year. However, if something can disrupt it, it is well-intended and implemented diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures.
What began in the United States amid the pandemic, with people walking out of jobs, has sent alarm bells across about the great resignation. In India, over 82 % of the respondents said they are looking for a job change, according to a study by LinkedIn.
Proactive DEI measures hold the key to preventing high rates of attrition. Here is how DEI can be a game-changer in the era of great resignation.
Hear them out: Here is where the middle managers have to step in. This level does the buy-in at the top and the bottom, becoming crucial in driving the message from the top to the bottom and vice versa. Active and keen listening in multiple ways can ensure that communication channels are all open and that the action is in sync. The managers can take the opportunity to drive the message around the initiatives in the DEI space to assure employees that they are being heard and valued.
Assess the skills and assign: When the team managers are aware of the strengths of every team member, they can be assured that their colleagues are not just feeling valued but also are enthusiastic about doing their best. Sparing a couple of sessions regularly will help understand if the team members want to rotate roles within the department.
Go for partnerships: Often, a team, which hits the right ideas and initiatives, gets retained for every big project or collaboration. While the hit team can be fruitful for work, it seldom allows leaders to understand other combinations. Mixing up teams will help build a synergy between different types of people.
Make respect non-negotiable: Recently, LinkedIn had a post on how lack of respect in the workplace makes good employees leave. Business schools also link a lack of respect and trust to higher attrition levels. This is where the top-level should intervene to ensure that respect for everyone is non-negotiable. Having zero tolerance for lack of respect among employees can reinforce the need for empathy at all levels.
Building an inclusive workplace is important because it puts people in the center even as business goals are driven around them. It makes people understand and believe that they are valued, making them want to deliver their fullest potential.
