You thought you found the perfect candidate. They aced the interview, charmed the team, and seemed to be the missing piece to your company’s puzzle. They seemed stalwart, immovable, but then, without warning, they drop the bombshell – they’re leaving, and you’re left reeling, asking yourself what you missed!
Need to stay ahead of the curve? – surprises can be costly, so being in front of it is make or break! Here’s what you do: you recognize these three signs of an impending exit. Trust us: it can help you salvage the situation or, at the very least, learn from your mistakes.
Sign #1: The Disengaged Employee
Your once-enthusiastic new hire has become distant, unresponsive, and seems to be going through the motions. They’re no longer contributing to meetings, and their workload has slowed to a crawl. This is not just a case of the “Mondays”; it’s a sign that they’re disconnected from the company’s goals and values.
“When employees feel undervalued, unheard, or unchallenged, they start to disengage. It’s like being in a relationship where the spark has fizzled out – it’s only a matter of time before they move on.” – Rachel, HR Manager
Sign #2: The Constant Critic
Your direct hire has become the office critic, always finding fault in processes, policies, and even their colleagues. Continuous
complaining from a team member can be a pretty clear indicator that they’re no longer about the company’s well-being.
“If an employee is consistently unhappy with everything, it’s likely they’re not just unhappy with the company – they’re unhappy with themselves. It’s time to have a tough conversation to identify the root cause.” – David, CEO
Sign #3: The Social Butterfly (or Not)
Your new hire has either become extremely social, networking excessively on LinkedIn, or they’ve gone dark, hardly posting
anything. Both scenarios can indicate that they’re actively looking for new opportunities or already have one foot out the door.
“In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for networking. If an employee is overdoing it, they might be signaling to the world that they’re open to new opportunities. On the other hand, if they’ve gone silent, it could mean they’re hiding their job search from you.” – Emily, Recruitment Specialist
Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Why
So, why do employees want to exit? Often, it’s not about the money or the job itself, but about the work culture. Are you:
- Fostering a toxic work environment?
- Failing to provide opportunities for growth and development?
- Ignoring employee feedback and concerns?
- Not recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance?
Let’s get real about your company culture – what are the hidden habits and dynamics that drive your team’s success or drag them down? Low turnover rates, happy employees, and a surging sense of camaraderie – that’s what happens when you prioritize building a team that feels seen, heard, and valued.
The Takeaway
Recognizing the signs of an impending exit is crucial, but it’s only half the battle. It’s crucial to identify why your team members are unhappy – doing so will allow you to craft a workspace that naturally attracts and keeps the best talent. Don’t wait until it’s too late – keep your eyes open, your ears listening, and your door open for honest conversations.
Remember, a happy employee is a retained employee.
