The Great Resignation was the first wave of employee activism, driven by workers feeling fed up about being undervalued at work. But in 2022, we’ll see a new wave of activism in the form of protest if employers revert back to their pre-pandemic benefits. In a recent study we conducted, we found that nearly two-thirds of leaders plan to revert back to their pre-pandemic mental health strategy, even though 80% of them acknowledged the importance of providing this support. If that happens, expect workers to be less passive than they’ve been during the Great Resignation. Instead of silently quitting, empowered employees will speak up and protest if employers are providing insufficient benefits in 2022.

While we’ve seen great progress when it comes to companies supporting DEIB and the mental health of employees, more still needs to be done. If we’ve learned anything from movements like The Great Resignation, it is that the power has shifted into the hands of employees — and rightfully so. No one knows better about what employees want and need than the employees themselves, so it’s time that companies actually start to listen to them — and I mean all of them — to ensure a culture and workplace where everyone feels supported. 2022 will be that year.

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Dr. Jessica Jackson is a licensed psychologist and global DEIB Care Lead for Modern Health.

Dr. Jessica Jackson

Writing since December 2021 · 1 story contributed