The Great Resignation is a term used to describe the trend of workers leaving their jobs in large numbers, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The term was first used by Andrew Scott, a professor of economics at London Business School, in a report he co-authored in 2020. The report argued that the pandemic has accelerated the trend of workers leaving traditional employment for more flexible and autonomous forms of work, such as freelance or gig work.
The Great Resignation is driven by a number of factors, including the shift to remote work, the economic fallout from the pandemic, and the increased availability of flexible work options. Some experts have argued that the Great Resignation will lead to a more decentralized and dispersed workforce, with fewer workers tied to traditional employer-employee relationships. Others have suggested that it will lead to increased income inequality, as those who are able to find stable and well-paying gig work will fare better than those who are not.
It's worth noting that the Great Resignation is still ongoing and its effects on the labor market and society are still being evaluated. Some experts believe that it could lead to a significant shift in the way we work, while others argue that it's a temporary trend that will subside once the pandemic is over.