Now that the stresses of the pandemic have passed, many Great Resignation participants are considering returning to their former jobs.

Should You Return to Work Post Great Resignation?

The aftereffects of the pandemic and economic upheaval created and unprecedented trend dubbed “the Great Resignation.” This churn in the labor market resulted in nearly half of all U.S. workers quitting their jobs.

In 2022, records numbers of employees continued to leave their jobs. Among the industries most affected by resignation in 2022 were:

  • Accommodation and food services
  • Leisure and hospitality
  • Retail trade
  • Trade, transportation, and utilities
  • Professional and business services

Now that the stresses of the pandemic have passed, many Great Resignation participants are considering returning to their former jobs. Returning to a work environment where you were formerly employed is a big step that requires serious thought. This blog will discuss a few questions you should ask yourself when considering returning to your former workplace.

Key Questions to Answer

When you’re contemplating a return to your old job, consider these key questions to determine if it is the right move:

1. Why did you initially leave your job? To get away from something or go toward something?

The reasons you left your job in the first place are crucial to making this decision. Did you leave because career growth was stagnant or the workplace culture was toxic? Understanding your reasons for leaving will help you determine if returning is worthwhile.

2. Have the conditions changed if you left because you were unhappy?

Whatever made you unhappy in the job, has it changed? Are working conditions better? Is a toxic situation no longer an issue? Have growth opportunities improved?

3. What do you miss about your old job? How much do you miss it?

Understanding what you miss and why is essential, whether it’s the work itself or the workplace culture you were a part of. List everything you miss about your old job and workplace versus what you don’t. If the positives you miss outweigh the negatives you don’t, then a return to your old position might be wise.

4. Can you see potential growth and a bright future with your new role?

Maybe you have acquired new skills and abilities that open new prospects within your old workplace. Or perhaps you want a chance at a leadership position. Pursuing a new role with your old company should have value and career growth opportunities.

Conclusion

There are many reasons you may decide to return to your former job. You’re off to a good start if you parted on good terms and maintain a good relationship with former coworkers and managers. Take the time to ask and answer the right questions about your motivations and goals for returning and the current company atmosphere. Once you have your answers, you can confidently apply for a new role at your old workplace.

If you ultimately decide a new job is best for you, let our team at ABBTECH lend you a hand!

5 Signs Your Employee Already Has One Foot Out the Door

You may believe all of your employees are happy. Yet, there are signs your employee already has one foot out the door. And the sooner you identify these signs, the sooner you can work with this employee to improve their experience with your company.

Here are five signs that an employee is ready to leave, along with tips to help you boost your worker retention levels.

1. Your Employee’s Performance Continues to Decline.

A worker’s performance can deteriorate as he or she becomes increasingly unhappy with your company. In severe cases, an employee may give up on trying to complete work tasks on time altogether. It helps to meet with a worker to review their performance regularly. If the worker has performance lapses, discuss them with the employee. From here, you and your employee can work in lockstep to address any performance issues.

2. Your Employee Appears Disinterested in Their Job.

If an employee looks distracted at work, it may be a sign that this individual is ready to move on. At this point, you should share your concerns with your employee. You can let the worker know you’ve noticed their lack of interest in their job. Next, the employee can explain why he or she may appear distracted. You and your employee can then seek out ways to help the worker feel engaged and motivated at their job once again.

3. Your Employee Remains Silent During Meetings. 

An employee might stop engaging in meetings if he or she is looking for work elsewhere. In this instance, the worker may struggle to provide fresh ideas and contribute to your company’s success. If a worker is silent in a meeting, you can ask the employee to share their opinions and views on topics during the session. This shows an employee that you value their input and want to hear what he or she has to say.

4. Your Employee Has Updated Their Social Media Profiles.

If an employee has posted on LinkedIn or other social profiles that he or she is interested in new career opportunities, this individual likely has one foot out the door. In this scenario, you can set up a time to discuss career opportunities with the worker. You can also offer upskill opportunities to help the worker grow their career with your company.

5. Your Employee Is Using Their PTO.

There can be times when employees use PTO to avoid losing it before they leave a job. Or, workers may use PTO so they have time to interview for a new job. If you notice an employee frequently using their PTO, speak to him or her about it. Then, you can learn from your employee and find out if there’s anything you can do to enhance their work experience.

Find Top Talent for Your IT Team

If you are concerned that there are signs your IT employee already has one foot out the door are ready to leave your company, ABBTECH can help. We can put you in contact with quality IT professionals who can help your company thrive long into the future. For more information, contact us today.