Addressing "The Big Quit" with Hogan Assessments

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses are grappling with a surge in staff turnover, commonly called "The Great Resignation." To counter this trend, Hogan Assessments offers a comprehensive suite of tests designed to illuminate individuals' personalities, motivations, and values, providing crucial insights for organisations looking to enhance their workplace culture.

Hogan Assessments, led by Chief Science Officer Dr. Ryne Sherman and former CEO Dr. Scott Gregory, has been at the forefront of discussions regarding "The Big Quit" or "Great Reshuffle." While the United States has seen a slowdown in this phenomenon since its initial coinage in early 2021, the United Kingdom continues to grapple with its lingering effects.

The transformative shift to remote work and ongoing public health measures has significantly altered the work environment over the past two years. Thrust into a new reality, employees have reassessed their expectations, leading many to contemplate job changes. Organisations struggling to find a balanced return to in-person work have experienced varying degrees of success in this transition. Notably, those adept at navigating change often possess a deeper understanding of their team dynamics and individual personalities.

Dr. Ryne Sherman underscores that toxic workplace cultures, rather than external factors like pay, primarily contribute to staff turnover. Research indicates that workplace toxicity wields nearly three times the influence of the second-highest factor in resignations.

So, how can Hogan Assessments mitigate staff turnover? The key lies in comprehending the role of personality traits in the workplace. Hogan's psychometric testing offers valuable insights into individuals' personalities, empowering organisations to enhance workplace culture and counter the impact of "The Big Quit."

Dr Scott Gregory highlights that core personality traits remain relatively stable despite the evolving attitudes brought about by the pandemic. This stability is advantageous for businesses aiming to reduce resignations, as understanding the personalities within an organisation helps formulate a conducive working environment.

Extraversion and conscientiousness, in particular, are pivotal in influencing feelings of empowerment and decision-making. With its ambitious aspects, extraversion is linked to self-confidence, competitiveness, and a sense of mission. Meanwhile, conscientious individuals, known for their organisation and discipline, tend to possess a strong sense of agency.

The surge in retirements and individuals reassessing priorities, often driven by the prospect of remote work, has contributed to the evolving landscape. Personality assessments, like those offered by Hogan Assessments, provide organisations with insights into the traits that prompt individuals to seek new opportunities.

Despite the easing of Covid-related restrictions, workplaces have undergone significant transformations. While some have returned to full-office patterns, many companies maintain remote or hybrid working models.

Dr Sherman notes that individuals may experience post-resignation regret, realising that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side. Impulsivity and decision-making biases may contribute to regret, with the sheer volume of resignations during "The Big Quit" possibly leading to more significant post-decision regret. Moreover, the departure of colleagues may influence others, perpetuating a cycle of higher staff turnover.

Changes in circumstances or working patterns have led many to reconsider their positions. The shift to pre-Covid working has challenged companies, causing divisions in some environments.

Understanding individual differences, such as personality types, is crucial. Psychometric testing can have profound implications for organisations seeking to avoid widespread resignations. These tests enable businesses to grasp the motivations behind employee departures and align them with suitable roles.

Hogan Assessments, with its suite of assessments, offers insights that help understand and predict employees' decision-making. With this knowledge, businesses can make informed decisions to address or counter potential challenges.

Scott Gregory and Ryne Sherman from Hogan Assessments emphasise the practical benefits of psychometric testing in enhancing workplace cultures and motivation. By leveraging the understanding provided by Hogan's assessments, businesses can foster improved relationships and reverse the trends seen in "The Great Resignation."

For consultation and training on implementing and interpreting Hogan Assessments psychometric testing, Awair can help. Reach out to Awair today to explore how Hogan Assessments can improve your workplace culture and reduce staff turnover.