LONDON: March has seen a surge in resignations, including those of friends who left for new opportunities. Over 200,000 people in the UK have resigned in the first three months of the year.
Anthony Klotz, an American academic who predicted the 'Great Resignation,' now studies why people quit. His book, Jolted, argues that most people are one event away from leaving their job.
Klotz identifies various 'jolts'-from personal crises to promotions-that can lead to quitting. A 'honeymoon jolt' occurs when a new job fails to meet expectations, causing early departures.
Managers should be alert to subtle signs of discontent, such as mood changes or reduced effort. Staying put after a jolt can sometimes be the smarter choice, as seen in Bob Iger’s decision to remain at Disney despite a major cultural shift.