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Newsletter – February 2025

💼 Attracting & Retaining Talent in The Great Resignation 2.0 ❤️
Welcome to the February edition of My HR Specialist!
 
Hope your year is off to a great start! 🎉 As we settle into 2025, there’s one workplace trend that’s hard to ignore—The Great Resignation 2.0. Employees aren’t just looking for a paycheck; they’re looking for flexibility, purpose, and workplaces that truly value them.
In this edition, we’re diving into what’s driving this shift, how it’s impacting California employers, and, most importantly, what you can do to attract and keep top talent in today’s ever-changing job market. Let’s make 2025 the year your team stays strong and engaged!
🚨 Turnover isn’t slowing down—it’s evolving. The first Great Resignation saw workers quitting due to burnout and low wages. Now, employees are even more selective, seeking better pay, flexibility, and meaningful work.

🔹 Fact Check: In 2023, 4 million Americans quit their jobs every month, with California seeing some of the highest resignation rates—especially in tech and healthcare.
So how can businesses adapt? By understanding what today’s workforce values most and making smart shifts before top talent walks out the door. Let’s dive in 🚀

1. What is the Great Resignation 2.0?
The Great Resignation 2.0 is the next phase of the workforce reshuffle, where employees are not just quitting jobs, but actively seeking better opportunities that align with their values, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Unlike the initial wave in 2021, where burnout and low wages fueled mass resignations, today's workers are being more selective, opting for roles that offer flexibility, meaningful work, and a strong workplace culture. In California, where cost of living and job competition are high, the pressure to retain talent is greater than ever.

2. The Shift to Remote and Hybrid Work
The 9-to-5 office grind? Many workers have moved on. A growing number of professionals now expect remote or hybrid work options, and companies that refuse to adapt risk losing top talent. Studies show that nearly 60% of employees would consider leaving their job if required to return to the office full-time. The lesson? Flexibility isn’t just a perk anymore—it’s a necessity. Organizations that embrace hybrid models, provide tech support for remote teams, and foster a culture of trust will have a competitive edge.

3. The Desire for Meaningful Work
Employees aren’t just working for a paycheck anymore—they want purpose. A recent survey found that over 60% of workers would take a pay cut to work for a company that aligns with their values. Whether it’s through diversity and inclusion initiatives, corporate social responsibility, or personal growth opportunities, businesses that provide a clear mission and a sense of impact are winning the war for talent. Employees are asking, “Does my work matter?” Smart employers are making sure the answer is yes.

4. Work-Life Balance as a Non-Negotiable
Burnout is at an all-time high, and employees are prioritizing their well-being like never before. More workers are choosing jobs that allow them to step away from emails after hours, take mental health days, and have flexible schedules that fit their lives. Companies that offer generous PTO, wellness benefits, and policies that respect boundaries are becoming top choices for job seekers. In states like California, where fast-paced industries can lead to high stress, employers who support work-life balance will retain happier, more productive teams.

5. Competitive Pay and Growth Opportunities Still Matter
While flexibility and meaningful work are huge drivers, let’s be real—compensation still plays a major role. With inflation and rising living costs, employees are looking for competitive salaries, strong benefits, and clear career growth paths. In California, where salaries must keep up with housing and cost-of-living expenses, businesses that fail to adjust pay scales and provide advancement opportunities will see talent walk out the door. Smart companies are investing in training programs, internal promotions, and performance-based raises to retain their best employees.

The Bottom Line? 💡
The Great Resignation 2.0 is a wake-up call. Employees want more than just a paycheck—they want flexibility, purpose, balance, and growth. Companies that evolve will thrive. Those that don’t? Expect constant turnover.

🔹 Is your business prepared to navigate this shift? Now’s the time to evaluate your hiring and retention strategies!

Understanding the Great Resignation 2.0 is one thing—staying ahead of it is another. Here are five powerful HR tips to help you build a workplace that employees don’t want to leave.
 

1. Rethink Job Perks—Personalization is Key 
Forget one-size-fits-all benefits. Offer customizable perks like student loan assistance, childcare stipends, or wellness subscriptions. The more you tailor benefits 🎁 to your workforce, the more valued they’ll feel.

2. Build Career Paths, Not Just Jobs
Employees leave when they don’t see a future. Provide clear career roadmaps, mentorship programs, and skill-building opportunities to show them there’s room to grow—right where they are.

3. Use Stay Interviews, Not Just Exit Interviews 
Why wait until employees resign to ask what’s wrong? Regular stay interviews 🗣️ can uncover pain points and help you make proactive changes before turnover happens.

4. Implement a 4-Day Workweek (or a Version of It)
Companies experimenting with 4-day workweeks or flexible schedules report higher productivity and retention. Even if a full shift isn’t possible, explore compressed workweeks or "Focus Fridays" to give employees more control over their time.

5. Make Training and Raises a Priority
With rising living costs, employees seek fair salaries, strong benefits, and clear career paths. To build trust and loyalty, companies must invest in training, promotions, and performance-based raises 💵 to keep top talent engaged and committed.
🎶 The Ultimate Feel-Good Playlist – Powered by YOU! 💛
We asked, and you delivered! Here’s a collection of songs that lift you up, keep you going, and bring all the good vibes 🎧✨ Enjoy the playlist and let the positivity play on! 
Random Acts of Kindness Day – February 17th 💝

Mark your calendar for Random Acts of Kindness Day! Whether it’s sending a kind message, helping out a colleague, or going the extra mile, small acts of kindness can create big ripples of positivity. Let’s make kindness a priority this month—and beyond.

 Speaker Series
 
Stay ahead of the curve in 2025! Join us at City Club LA for an exclusive event where we'll dive into the key employment laws set to impact California employers. Don’t miss this opportunity to get informed and ensure your business stays compliant. 

 
    👉 REGISTER HERE!    
 


- Over 60% of workers say they would take a pay cut to work for a company whose values align with their own. Companies offering a purpose-driven culture see stronger employee retention and engagement.
(Source: Harvard Business Review) 
 



- It costs employers approximately 1.5 to 2 times an employee’s annual salary to replace them. This includes recruiting, onboarding, and lost productivity.
(Source: Gallup)

 

As we wrap up this month’s discussion on The Great Resignation 2.0, one thing is clear—employees are more selective than ever, and businesses that fail to evolve will struggle to keep top talent.

HR expert Carmen Torres, author of The Smart HR Solution, helps companies navigate these workforce shifts with proven strategies to attract, engage, and retain employees.
Get more insights and strategies in The Smart HR Solution!
🛒 ORDER NOW
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