Employee turnover is a big concern for many employers…as it should be. Losing good employees is costly to the business. High rates of turnover lead to increased costs related to training and recruiting. It can also have a significant impact on productivity. Losing employees is expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating, so how can employers identify when an employee is about to quit? Although there is not always clear cut evidence to suggest that your employee is about to walk out the door, there are several behavioral changes that are strong predictors that this might be happening.
- Their work productivity has decreased.
If the same employee who is usually productive and reliable has suddenly become less dependable, this is a good indicator that the employee is going to quit. They are not fully present at work because they know their time there is short-lived.
- They have started complaining.
When a typically happy employee suddenly starts complaining about the manager, policies, or the work environment, this is usually a sign that something is not right. An employee who is constantly complaining is probably seeking new employment.
- Their work friends are leaving the company.
Most people would agree that having a few friends in the office makes them more productive and their job more enjoyable. If one employee decides to leave, chances are there will likely be others following them out the door.
- They have started missing work.
If an employee who rarely missed work or called in sick is now absent quite often, that’s a pretty good sign that they are about to jump ship. There is a good chance they are missing work to seek new employment or to attend interviews.
- They don’t commit to long-term projects.
When an employee has decided that they are going to leave a company, they are far less likely to commit to a long-term project. They are more inclined to try and complete their current work load so they can leave more easily.
- They act quiet during meetings.
Once an employee has made the decision to leave, they are probably going to act more reserved and quiet during meetings or company activities.
- They start taking more personal calls.
If you have an employee who is constantly stepping out of meetings or their workspace to take personal phone calls, this could be a red flag that something is awry. They could be talking to other potential employers.
- They were just passed up for a raise or promotion.
When an employee has just missed out on a potential advancement this could leave them feeling discouraged, angry, or undervalued. They might be inclined to look for a job where they feel more appreciated.
- They have a toxic relationship with a co-worker.
Relationships in the office are important. When there is friction between two employees there is a good chance one of them is going to walk out the door.
- They avoid social interactions with management.
If an employee has avoided interacting with their supervisor or manager more than usual, it’s a good predictor that they are probably going to quit.
Being aware of these signs is the first steps managers can take in preventing high turnover rates. While you can’t always stop an employee from going through with their resignation, you can take some steps towards keeping employees happy. Offer employers an attractive salary and benefits package, show them you appreciate and value their hard work, and provide opportunities for growth if you want to keep you best employees on staff.