Staying put in a world of resignations, layoffs and moonlighting: unraveling the paradoxical puzzle

Purpose - This study aims to focuses on the paradox of the great resignation (GR), great layoff (GL) and moonlighting (ML) phenomena triggered by the unprecedented complexity, extreme emotional distress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic to explore ways for mitigating their impact on the intention to stay (ITS). Design/methodology/approach - A systematic literature review was conducted to explore the impact of the paradoxical GR, layoffs and ML on the ITS by the text analysis of a pool of 111 published articles across 57 journals between 2012 and 2024 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach. The factors impacting the ITS, and the underlying interlinkages of the paradoxical GR, GL and ML phenomena were subsequently inductively deduced using Nvivo software. Findings - The new theoretical framework explains the evolving dynamics of the ITS and prompts toward a concurrent approach of viewing the paradoxical GR, layoffs and ML through a “common lens” revealing novel insights. Practical implications - Employees have reprioritized work-life balance, mental health, multiple jobs for varied income streams, flexible work schedules and job satisfaction. Human resource managers should prioritize these aspects and adapt to the evolving workforce dynamics to create a resilient, employee-centric organizational environment where employees choose to stay. Originality/value - To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to concurrently examine the current paradox of the GR, layoffs and ML for enhancing the ITS, necessitating a re-evaluation of traditional perceptions of unemployment and job seeking.