Hindsight is 2020: identifying missed leadership opportunities to reduce employee turnover intention amid the COVID-19 shutdown

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight how organizational leaders influenced the high 2021 turnover rates amid the COVID-19 shutdown. Design/methodology/approach This paper explores several factors that contributed to employee turnover intention before the pandemic and how unresolved leadership behaviors and toxic organizational cultures exacerbated circumstances that led to what is now known as The Great Resignation of 2021. Findings This paper suggests that while the pandemic shutdown temporarily paused employee turnover, organizational leaders missed an opportunity to retain their employees by not recognizing and changing factors that led to pre-existing employee turnover intention. Originality/value This paper explores solutions to help leaders support and retain current and future employees as the pandemic continues and in the event of futures crises. It offers recommendations for leadership development support to help strengthen leaders in their highly complex roles.