Why do employees leave an organization? There are a myriad of reasons, but regardless of the motivation to go elsewhere for work, the impact on your company is just as significant. Limiting turnover is a high priority at any business, and to ensure the effects of employee loss are mitigated, companies should be mindful of warning signs that might suggest a star worker is getting ready to leave.
Here are a few things to be on the lookout for:
A shift in attitude – Honesty and transparency are important qualities to have in a professional environment, but there's something to be said about knowing when to be open and honest. If an employee starts to show a lack of tact and they become brutally honest to a point where they are insensitive to those around them, they may be planning to leave by releasing all their pent-up emotions before they walk out the office door one final time. Additionally, if they seem to care more about the company's short-term goals and less about its long-term vision, that may be a sign they are making future plans that don't involve the organization.
More frequent absences – Did your employee go from having perfect attendance to constantly calling out sick and taking personal days? This could mean they no longer care about their long-term prospects with the company. They may be using this time to look for other work and go on interviews.
Improved grooming and dress – They say to dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. If your employee starts breaking their routine by overdressing for work, they may have their sights set on another position. This isn't always a bad thing. If there's a promotion opening up at the organization, they may simply want to make an impression so they can move up in the company. However, it's important to take note of this behavior as it could signify that an employee is preparing for their departure.
The right executives and senior managers will have the ability to recognize these signs and take immediate action. Ultimately, the goal of the organization is to keep its talent, so it's important for your leaders to work with their employees to develop solutions that can alleviate this risk.
Moreover, if you start to notice these signs in your executives and senior managers, it may be time to look elsewhere for the leadership your organization needs. A search firm can find the talent necessary to lead your company into the future by seeking out those with effective management techniques that limit turnover.
