--- title: Four Ways to Counter the Great Resignation description: People have been quitting their jobs at an alarming rate. Since last spring, more than 19M workers have quit. Here's how to counter the great resignation. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/the%20great%20resignation%202021%20(1)%20(1).jpg --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [PEO Cost](https://www.axcethr.com/peo-cost/) - [Switching PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/switching-peos/) - [Certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) - [HR Outsource Options](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/outsourcing-options/) - [Client Reviews](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/client-reviews/) - [PEO Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Workers' Comp. and Employee Safety Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [PEO Expertise You Can Trust](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [Subscribe to the Blog](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com) - [Schedule a Consultation](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Client Reviews](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/client-reviews/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [Certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) - [Options to Outsource Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/outsourcing-options/) - [Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Complete List of Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/risk-management/) - [Payroll Administration](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Expertise You Can Trust](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/) - [Subscribe to the Blog](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Community Involvement](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/community-involvement/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![fuel-blog-logo](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fuel-blog-logo.png?width=310&height=97&name=fuel-blog-logo.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com) Filter Blog by Topic - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - [Payroll Administration](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/payroll-administration) - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [All about COVID-19 in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/covid19) - [Kansas & Missouri HR News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-and-missouri-hr-news) - [Kansas City Interest News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-city-interest-news) - [PEO/HRO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) - Choose Topic: - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - Payroll Administrations - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) Play Audio Four Ways to Counter the Great Resignation 4:04 # Four Ways to Counter the Great Resignation By [Mariah Collins, SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/mariah-collins) on [Jan 04, 2022](https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation) 3 min read [0 comment(s)](https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation#comments-listing) Share this: - - - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation) - [mailto:?subject=Four%20Ways%20to%20Counter%20the%20Great%20Resignation&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation](mailto:?subject=Four%20Ways%20to%20Counter%20the%20Great%20Resignation&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation) ![the great resignation](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/the%20great%20resignation.jpg?width=1200&name=the%20great%20resignation.jpg) Chances are good since spring 2021 you’ve heard “I quit!” from one or more of your employees. America has been in the midst of the [Great Resignation](https://www.businessinsider.com/why-everyone-is-quitting-great-resignation-psychologist-pandemic-rethink-life-2021-10) since April when workers started leaving their jobs at record rates. The numbers have [increased every month](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.t04.htm), hitting a new high of 4.4 million in September and now totaling more than 19 million people who have said goodbye to their employers since the spring. Most of the quitters (50%) are leaving for better compensation and benefits, according to a [Resume Builder](https://www.resumebuilder.com/1-in-7-workers-are-quitting-this-fall/) survey. Those who participated in the survey could select multiple answers about why they were leaving their jobs. Other reasons they gave for their departures were starting their own businesses (44%), looking for remote work (43%) and finding jobs they’re more passionate about (41%). Other surveys have suggested that the pandemic stress is causing people to rethink their lives and work/life balance. An aging workforce has also played a role in the resignations.  [![how to get more job applicants](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/ec0ca673-a04f-478e-b82d-e3a5f92e098a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/ec0ca673-a04f-478e-b82d-e3a5f92e098a) For employers, the biggest question is: What can I do to keep my employees from moving on? ### These actions are a good place to start: ## Bump Your Pay and Benefits In this market, compensating employees as you did before COVID discourages them from sticking around. Workers have strong economic incentives to change jobs because many of your competitors have increased their pay scales (especially if your company operates in an industry that is experiencing labor shortages), boosted benefits and sweetened the deal even further by adding signing bonuses. [Review the pay](https://blog.axcethr.com/how-much-should-i-pay-my-employees) and benefits standards for your industry and, if possible, align your compensation model with those benchmarks. [Related: Rumors of Resignation - Signs an Employee is Going to Quit >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/rumors-of-resignation-signs-an-employee-is-going-to-quit) ## Be Open To Remote Work Numerous studies have shown having gotten a taste of working from home during the pandemic, a high percentage of employees want to maintain at least some level of off-site work. In some industries – hospitality, restaurants and retail, for instance – working on site is a requirement. Most other companies, however, can find a way to [allow employees to work at home](https://blog.axcethr.com/four-steps-to-negotiate-with-employees-who-want-to-work-from-home) some or all of the time. [Related: Stay With Me - Why Good Employees Leave >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/stay-with-me-why-good-employees-leave) ## Re-Engage Your Employees While the Resume Builder research pointed to better pay and benefits as employees’ top motivations for leaving, your people are still more likely to stay put – even if they could make more somewhere else – if they’re [engaged in your company’s mission](https://blog.axcethr.com/ask-the-hr-expert-employee-engagement-and-your-business-success). In fact, a recent [Gallup poll](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/351545/great-resignation-really-great-discontent.aspx) says the biggest reason employees are discontent is that they’re disengaged. Giving them development opportunities, getting them connected to the company’s purpose and helping them develop strong relationships at work will insulate your workers from jumping ship, even for a 20% pay increase, the Gallup study found. [Related: How to Minimize the Impact When an Employee Quits Without Notice >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/how-to-minimize-the-impact-when-an-employee-quits-without-notice) ## Focus On Culture Through the COVID-19 shutdown and the early months after reopening, most businesses were absorbed with keeping their companies productive and profitable in an unprecedented business environment. Culture largely became an afterthought. But, to counter the Great Resignation, refocusing on your employees’ experience will result in much greater loyalty to your organization and its mission. [Strong employer-employee relationships](https://blog.axcethr.com/five-proven-tips-for-building-strong-employer-employee-relationships), propelled by clear communication from company leaders, helps employees feel excited about their contributions to the organization and supported in achieving their personal goals. And don’t forget to give your team some opportunities to have fun! If you’re [not sure you can pay your employees more](https://blog.axcethr.com/money-isnt-everything-how-to-motivate-employees-when-you-cant-pay-them-more), how to make remote work successful, how to get your employees engaged or how to create an enviable company culture, HR counsel from Axcet HR Solutions can provide insights that will help you avoid the Great Resignation fallout. [![See if a PEO makes sense for your business](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/18caba7b-fa27-458e-b41c-5af2422700be.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/18caba7b-fa27-458e-b41c-5af2422700be) [![Mariah Collins, SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mariah_DSC6768-Edit.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Mariah_DSC6768-Edit.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/mariah-collins) Written by #### [Mariah Collins, SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/mariah-collins) Mariah Collins, SHRM-SCP, is a Human Resources Consultant at Axcet HR Solutions, specializing in people management, process improvement, and project management. With a strong background in payroll, benefits, and employee relations, she brings over four years of experience in providing HR solutions to small businesses. Mariah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources from Emporia State University and is known for her expertise in helping businesses streamline HR processes while ensuring compliance. Her contributions to the Axcet blog reflect her deep understanding of HR challenges and her commitment to supporting small business owners. Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/mariah-collins) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents ### Related Resources - [services Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [services recruitment & retention](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/recruitment-and-retention/) #### [Post-Pandemic Workplaces Embrace COVID-Induced Changes ![future of work post covid-19](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/future%20of%20work%20post%20covid-19.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/post-pandemic-workplaces-embrace-covid-induced-changes) #### [![how to spot a fake or fraudulent workers comp claim](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/fraudulent%20workers%20comp%20claim-1.jpg) 13 Ways to Spot an Employee’s Fraudulent Worker’s Compensation Claim](https://blog.axcethr.com/13-ways-to-spot-an-employees-fraudulent-workers-compensation-claim) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Mariah Collins, SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/mariah-collins" }, "dateModified" : "2024-07-03T18:56:48.923Z", "datePublished" : "2022-01-04T15:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "Four Ways to Counter the Great Resignation", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/the%20great%20resignation%202021%20(1)%20(1).jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. Founded in Kansas City in 1988 with 35+ years of expertise.", "foundingDate" : "1988", "foundingLocation" : { "@type" : "Place", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" } }, "hasOfferCatalog" : { "@type" : "OfferCatalog", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Comprehensive HR management services including recruitment, retention, performance management, and company culture development", "name" : "Human Resources Management" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Accurate payroll processing and payroll tax filing with dedicated payroll consultants", "name" : "Payroll Processing" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Group employee benefits management including health insurance evaluation, selection, and administration", "name" : "Employee Benefits Administration" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Workplace safety compliance and risk management solutions", "name" : "Risk Management" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Employment law compliance, regulatory reporting, and guidance from employment law attorneys", "name" : "HR Compliance & Legal Support" } } ], "name" : "HR Solutions Services" }, "keywords" : "PEO, Professional Employer Organization, HR Solutions, Human Resources Outsourcing, Payroll Services, Employee Benefits, Kansas City PEO, Small Business HR, Mid-Sized Business HR, HR Consulting, IRS Certified PEO, CPEO", "knowsAbout" : [ "Human Resources Management", "Professional Employer Organization", "PEO Services", "Payroll Processing", "Employee Benefits Administration", "Risk Management", "HR Compliance", "Health Plan Management", "Talent Recruitment", "Performance Management", "Workplace Safety", "Employment Law Compliance" ], "legalName" : "Axcet HR Solutions", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.axcethr.com/wp-content/uploads/axcet-logo.png" }, "memberOf" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organizations" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions", "numberOfEmployees" : { "@type" : "QuantitativeValue", "value" : "50-200" }, "sameAs" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com" ], "slogan" : "HR Support That Drives Success", "url" : "https://www.axcethr.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation#article", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "alternativeHeadline" : "Chances are good since spring 2021 you’ve heard “I quit!” false", "articleBody" : "Chances are good since spring 2021 you’ve heard “I quit!” from one or more of your employees. America has been in the midst of the Great Resignation since April when workers started leaving their jobs at record rates. The numbers have increased every month, hitting a new high of 4.4 million in September and now totaling more than 19 million people who have said goodbye to their employers since the spring. Most of the quitters (50%) are leaving for better compensation and benefits, according to a Resume Builder survey. Those who participated in the survey could select multiple answers about why they were leaving their jobs. Other reasons they gave for their departures were starting their own businesses (44%), looking for remote work (43%) and finding jobs they’re more passionate about (41%). Other surveys have suggested that the pandemic stress is causing people to rethink their lives and work/life balance. An aging workforce has also played a role in the resignations. For employers, the biggest question is: What can I do to keep my employees from moving on? These actions are a good place to start: Bump Your Pay and Benefits In this market, compensating employees as you did before COVID discourages them from sticking around. Workers have strong economic incentives to change jobs because many of your competitors have increased their pay scales (especially if your company operates in an industry that is experiencing labor shortages), boosted benefits and sweetened the deal even further by adding signing bonuses. Review the pay and benefits standards for your industry and, if possible, align your compensation model with those benchmarks. Related: Rumors of Resignation - Signs an Employee is Going to Quit >> Be Open To Remote Work Numerous studies have shown having gotten a taste of working from home during the pandemic, a high percentage of employees want to maintain at least some level of off-site work. In some industries – hospitality, restaurants and retail, for instance – working on site is a requirement. Most other companies, however, can find a way to allow employees to work at home some or all of the time. Related: Stay With Me - Why Good Employees Leave >> Re-Engage Your Employees While the Resume Builder research pointed to better pay and benefits as employees’ top motivations for leaving, your people are still more likely to stay put – even if they could make more somewhere else – if they’re engaged in your company’s mission. In fact, a recent Gallup poll says the biggest reason employees are discontent is that they’re disengaged. Giving them development opportunities, getting them connected to the company’s purpose and helping them develop strong relationships at work will insulate your workers from jumping ship, even for a 20% pay increase, the Gallup study found. Related: How to Minimize the Impact When an Employee Quits Without Notice >> Focus On Culture Through the COVID-19 shutdown and the early months after reopening, most businesses were absorbed with keeping their companies productive and profitable in an unprecedented business environment. Culture largely became an afterthought. But, to counter the Great Resignation, refocusing on your employees’ experience will result in much greater loyalty to your organization and its mission. Strong employer-employee relationships, propelled by clear communication from company leaders, helps employees feel excited about their contributions to the organization and supported in achieving their personal goals. And don’t forget to give your team some opportunities to have fun! If you’re not sure you can pay your employees more, how to make remote work successful, how to get your employees engaged or how to create an enviable company culture, HR counsel from Axcet HR Solutions can provide insights that will help you avoid the Great Resignation fallout.", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/mariah-collins#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Mariah Collins, SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/mariah-collins" }, "dateCreated" : "2022-01-04", "dateModified" : "2024-07-03", "datePublished" : "2022-01-04", "description" : "Chances are good since spring 2021 you’ve heard “I quit!” from one or more of your employees. America has been in the midst of the Great Resignation since April when workers started leaving their jobs at record rates. The numbers have increased every month, hitting a new high of 4.4 million in September and now totaling more than 19 ...", "editor" : "Mariah Collins, SHRM-SCP", "genre" : "Human Resources and Employee Management", "headline" : "Four Ways to Counter the Great Resignation", "image" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/2652187/the%20great%20resignation%202021%20%281%29%20%281%29.jpg", "keywords" : "Human Resources, great resignation, the great resignation 2021, why is the great resignation happening, the great resignation of 2021, the great resignation 2021 statistics, the great resignation, the great resignation statistics, Recruitment & Retention", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/axcethr_logo_white.png?width=225&name=axcethr_logo_white.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" }, "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation", "wordCount" : "3889" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.axcethr.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://insights.axcethr.com/", "name" : "Insights", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://insights.axcethr.com/tag/human-resources", "name" : "Human Resources", "position" : 3 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/four-ways-to-counter-the-great-resignation", "name" : "Four Ways to Counter the Great Resignation", "position" : 4 } ] } ```