Transform: August | Here's What You Might Have Missed from GMN

Amid Uncertainty, Talent Retention and Enthusiasm Are Non-Negotiable Leadership Priorities

In June, about?4.2 million Americans resigned, a number far above pre-pandemic levels. These numbers show us that despite a potential recession looming and layoffs making news seemingly weekly, employees aren’t afraid to quit. Their reason for leaving? Turns out it’s about more than compensation.

According to a?McKinsey survey?published earlier this summer, the top reason traditional employees left their current positions was a lack of career and professional development opportunities (followed closely by a quest for flexibility and meaningful work). Younger workers put an even greater emphasis on the importance of career growth – in a recent?LinkedIn survey?40% of young workers said they’d take a 5% pay cut in order to work in a position that provided career growth opportunities.?

If it wasn’t already a priority, it’s a non-negotiable now: companies must put programs in place that make employees feel valued and support their career growth. On this season of Leader’s Playbook, our guests shared how they’re thinking about professional development, and how investing in employees has a ripple effect on diversity and inclusion, employee enthusiasm, and productivity. Here are just a few of their thoughts:

• Zaina Orbai , Chief People Officer at The RealReal , sees virtual work as a way to connect team members who may not have had the chance to meet, much less learn from, opening up a world of opportunities for employees to share knowledge and grow.?Listen to her full episode.
• Mary O'Hara , Executive Vice President of People & Engagement at Blue Shield of California , has seen first-hand that the level of care and effort you put toward recruiting and nurturing employees directly impacts the level of loyalty they feel toward your company and has a huge impact on the bottom line.?Listen to her full episode.??
• Andrea Alexander , Chief People Officer at Rent The Runway , sees professional development as a nuanced process that should be customized to the employee’s needs. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, she builds professional development into their review process.?Listen to her full episode.

For the most up-to-date news and resources, join us on?LinkedIn?where you’ll never miss an update. We hope to see you there soon!

Kate Renwick-Espinosa

President, VSP Vision Care

With 20+ years of #leadership experience, Kate Renwick-Espinosa has plenty of wisdom to share about her journey. She's committed to helping other leaders and employees feel trusted, connected, and informed. Get to know Kate.

Paul Markovich

President and CEO, Blue Shield of California

Paul Markovich is President and CEO of Blue Shield of California, a three million member not-for-profit health plan. Paul climbed the ranks to CEO over the past 20+ years, proving his commitment as a leader and his passion for?transforming?healthcare and designing a workplace that’s collaborative, engaging, and flexible. Get to know Paul.

This season of our #podcast, Leader's Playbook is a wrap –?but you can catch up on all eight episodes wherever you get your podcasts! This season, we chatted with innovative thinkers across various sectors to hear about the best tools, resources, practices, and strategies to help you and your team reach the top of their game. Catch up on Spotify.

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