Here’s the No. 1 Reason Americans Are Quitting Their Jobs

After millions quit their jobs during the past couple of years in what has come to be called the Great Resignation, many workers are now considering resigning once again.

In the past 12 months, 21% of U.S. workers took a new job, according to a Grant Thornton survey. Of that group, 40% already are looking for another position.

What is driving so many workers to quit? A FlexJobs survey of around 2,200 people uncovered these common reasons why Americans continue to look for new work.

1. A toxic company culture

Respondents who cited this reason for quitting: 62%

Few things in life can wear you down like reporting to a job where you dislike your boss and co-workers and all the shenanigans that go with it. Working in a toxic culture is a dead-end for many employees, and they know it.

So it’s no surprise they aren’t sticking around at such workplaces for long. In fact, escaping a toxic company culture is the No. 1 reason people are quitting their jobs.

2. Low salary

Respondents who cited this reason for quitting: 59%

Honest workers typically will admit they work for one reason above all others: to pay the bills.

So if you are making a low salary — and know you could do better — you aren’t likely to stay at your current job for long. For more on getting what you deserve, check out “8 Tips to Negotiate Your Salary.”

3. Poor management

Respondents who cited this reason for quitting: 56%

Good leadership helps businesses thrive and grow. On the other hand, bad management drives employees nuts — and sends them away in droves to seek new opportunities.

4. Lack of healthy work-life balance

Respondents who cited this reason for quitting: 49%

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded all of us that a long, healthy life is not guaranteed. In light of that insight, many worker bees have decided that it’s time to fly away from their desks a bit more often and go smell the roses.

If you are among them, read “12 Remote and Flexible Companies With a 4-Day Workweek.”

5. No remote work options

Respondents who cited this reason for quitting: 43%

Prior to the pandemic, remote jobs were a bit of an oddity. Now, they are becoming the norm. And a lot of workers like it that way.

Many employees who are being forced to return to long commutes into the office are saying “no thanks” and looking for new roles. For more on the reasons behind this trend, read “8 Ways Remote Workers Say Their Lives Are Better Now.”

6. Burnout

Respondents who cited this reason for quitting: 42%

One of the oldest reasons for quitting your job — simple burnout — remains among the most common motivations for those who move on from their positions.

For more, check out “10 Signs You’re Suffering Job Burnout and 5 Ways to Cope.”

7. Not allowing flexible schedules

Respondents who cited this reason for quitting: 41%

Juggling both a career and raising a family is tough. So is trying to work as you care for aging parents or struggle to balance the demands of seeking ongoing medical care with being at your desk for work.

In such circumstances, flexibility is worth its weight in gold. And if you don’t get it, you are likely to look elsewhere until you find it.

8. Limited advancement opportunities or career progression

Respondents who cited this reason for quitting: 37%

Ambitious souls who hit a glass ceiling at their current workplace are likely to become restless.

However, if you are stalled out at your job but still love where you work, you might want to try another approach before you quit. For more, check out “7 Workplace Missteps That Ensure You Never Get Promoted.”

9. Other reasons people are quitting

Additional reasons for quitting that workers cited in the survey were:

• Lack of or poor benefits: 31%
• Limited PTO or sick time: 27%
• Poor mental health support: 22%
• Long-term job stability: 21%
• Amount of travel required: 19%
• Not having diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in place: 19%
• Lack of connection to the company’s mission: 18%
• Concerns over COVID-19 vaccine requirements: 17%