Development is like any sector: people transition in and out all the time, looking for a change, new opportunities, or just to have a break. But recent research conducted by New York City-based water NGO FLUSH found that there were very specific reasons people might be opting to step away.
The research, which focused on the water, sanitation, and hygiene, or WASH, sector, found that respondents cited a lack of professional development, limitations on pay, little support for roles that can be emotionally and physically demanding, and issues with diversity and representation.
“You want good people who can continue that work but when you’ve got people opting out and wanting to have an easier lifestyle, that is a red flag as to how we treat our people,” said Kimberly Worsham, founder and principal of FLUSH, who was driven to do the research after witnessing an exodus of colleagues.