The top reasons employees are quitting at record rates

Employees are quitting at record rates, and one thing they’re not feeling as they walk out the door? Regret.

Eighty-five percent of employees who quit have no regrets about doing so, according to a survey by management consulting firm, Korn Ferry. Thirty-one percent said they plan to quit their job without having another one lined up, and 45% are more likely to quit without a job than they would have been before the pandemic.

Read more: 4 signs your employees are thinking about quitting

“The last 18 months have given us all a lot of time for introspection, and many professionals realize that the day-to-day grind of their jobs just isn’t worth it,” Elise Freedman, workforce transformation practice leader at Korn Ferry, said in a release. “It’s time for them to pursue options that are more fulfilling and provide purpose.”

Of those who plan to quit or have done so already, 36% said the pandemic allowed them to reevaluate what they need and the changes they want to make. Thirty-two percent said the culture of their current organization pushed them to resign, and 25% said a higher salary was motivation to leave.

“It's [not] the employer's job to provide happiness, but it's in the employer's best interest to provide an environment where we can all do our best work,” says Scott Shute, head of mindfulness and compassion programs at LinkedIn. “It's of great interest to an employer to do the things that will help employees be their best.”

While employees are on the hunt for better opportunities that fit their priorities, they’re still being selective about the culture and work-life balance on offer. Flexible work and remote work options were top priority for job seekers surveyed by Korn Ferry, with 43% saying they would turn down a job offer if they had to return to the office.

Read more: Employees are going to quit if forced to return to the office

Employers have their hands full when it comes to satisfying the employees they currently have and getting them to stay. Employers should listen to what employees are asking for and understand that they have a greater incentive to leave if they’re not getting what they need.

“Many people are taking the time to really do a self-analysis on what they’re good at and what motivates them,” Freedman says. “Time between jobs may be necessary to ensure they are pursuing the right path.”