Workplace Trends in Chicago: Insights and Observations

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workforce, a new trend is causing concern among employees and experts alike. The phenomenon, known as "the Great Detachment," is characterised by a growing disengagement and feelings of being stuck in one's job.

Andy Challenger, a senior vice president and labor expert for outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, has been discussing this trend on ABC7. According to Challenger, new technology, particularly AI, is causing widespread anxiety and disengagement in the workforce.

This detachment is not limited to a specific generation. While it is particularly concentrated among the youngest generations, disengagement from the workplace is happening across all age groups. Akilah Bradford, a Human Resources expert and career coach, echoes this sentiment, noting that employees might notice signs such as nitpicking behaviors or being excluded from meetings as potential indicators of quiet firing.

Quiet firing, a subtle passive way that employers push employees out the door, is not a new concept. However, it now has a title, and the trend is gaining attention from experts on current working conditions and trends, including labor economists, workplace consultants, journalists from major economic media outlets like Business Insider and The Wall Street Journal, and HR specialists from large companies.

The ongoing political and economic instability in society is contributing to the detachment that many employees are experiencing. Uncertainty, difficult politics, and bad economic data are impacting employees' feelings of detachment. Furthermore, employees might notice not being up for promotions or raises as another sign of quiet firing.

Experts warn that this trend is causing widespread anxiety and disengagement in the workforce. Employees who feel detached from their jobs may be less productive and more likely to leave their positions, leading to a potential talent drain for companies.

As the discussion on the Great Detachment continues, it is essential for employers to take note and address the concerns of their employees to maintain a productive and engaged workforce.