The great resignation presents significant opportunities to positively change and restructure many aspects of how a company functions and works with its employees. Instead of buying into the hyperbole that no one wants to work anymore or that workers have unreasonable demands, companies should recognize that workers have shifted their priorities and expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, business leaders and human resource (HR) executives have a unique opportunity to reconsider their hiring practices, benefits and workforce operations to confront this distinctive hiring situation.
An online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resource Management program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) focuses on developing a student’s comprehensive ability to employ primary human resource management functions to support organizational values and objectives. Students will learn how to attract and retain highly qualified employees to help an organization succeed in an aggressive job market.
How HR Can Capitalize on Insights Learned From the Great Resignation
A record number of workers are leaving their jobs for many reasons: lack of childcare options, non-competitive wages, unavailability of remote work, insufficient diversity and inclusion in the workplace, scarcity of professional development opportunities and more. Whatever the reason, it boils down to their needs not being met. Many organizations are scrambling to hire new talent and attempting to address the problem. However, there is commonly a disconnect between C-suite executives and the general workforce at the company. While a business leader may think that a small bump in pay may seem adequate to retain employees, without a meaningful human connection and actual tangible change within the company, the offers usually fall flat.
According to McKinsey and Company research, companies that take the time and effort to understand their employees, recognize what they want and take meaningful steps to retain them could also attract valuable talent to their organization. Business leaders can improve the employee experience by developing empathy toward their employees and understanding their experiences. Only then can the workplace environment change and meet the workforce’s needs. By providing flexibility and a sense of connection, unity and initiative, executives can be more effective in their leadership roles. If employers are out of touch with how difficult the work environment has been for their employees, it can create an unwelcoming company culture, which can compound poor work-life balance and negatively impact emotional and physical health.
Creating a more positive work culture and fostering an inclusive environment should be at the top of the list regarding worker retention. Human resource managers need to recognize that the priorities of employees are shifting towards preferring a shorter work week, remote work opportunities and focusing on mental and emotional well-being. When a company delivers on these areas, it can attract and retain talent more so than companies that do not. Organizations that maintain a good reputation regarding their hiring practices, communication, benefits, perks and transparency regarding compensation can attract top talent to their business. By responding to their employees and recognizing what they want and need, companies can retain them by providing options and flexibility within the organization. This can prevent workers from looking for other opportunities elsewhere. Planning, aligning, communicating, investing in their employees and strengthening the work culture by putting people and their needs first can move an organization in the right direction.
Next Steps
This online degree program can help students expand their expertise in recruiting, hiring and developing employees with hands-on experience with government regulations, negotiation and mediation. NKU’s in-depth HR management coursework can help students develop the breadth of knowledge needed to navigate and find opportunities amid the great resignation’s disruption to traditional HR practices. As a result, graduates will be ready for SHRM certification exams.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resource Management online program.
