If you’re worried about the staffing at your business, then you should pay close attention to these three employee turnoffs. They are common problems that can make otherwise successful employees decide to work elsewhere.
A Thankless Position
This scenario happens when an employee is asked to do much more and it’s related to some kind of management issue. For instance, a shortage of staff means someone is performing more than one job.
And this is an ongoing issue that doesn’t appear to be moving toward any kind of resolution. Someone is being asked to do a lot more, with no additional compensation or perks.
Most people will understand, in the short term, this happens. But if they feel management is dragging its feet in the hiring process or is not aggressively pursuing candidates, then this becomes one of those employee turnoffs that has people updating their resumes.
If an employee has to cover for a vacant position, thank them profusely, at a minimum. Consider if there is any work you can take off their plate.
And seriously think about what else you can do to show your appreciation. Remember, you’re saving money with a vacant position.
If you just overwork an employee, then that person will leave and you’ll likely not find a replacement that matches their level of organizational knowledge.
No Career Path
Another of our employee turnoffs sees people feel like they are stuck in their jobs. There doesn’t seem to be any opportunities to move up or improve their skills in their current positions.
Do you offer training opportunities to better engage your team? Or do you ever talk about possible employee career paths, including internal opportunities?
If people feel like they are just drones in a position, then they may not show you much loyalty.
Sometimes, there is no room for advancement in your organization because the higher ups stay put. But you can still have a conversation about an employee’s career path and how you can help them move to their next opportunity, even if it’s not with you.
It’s better to have a high performing, motivated employee, who in time is looking to leave, rather than someone who feels stuck in a job.
A Missing Mission
Do employees feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves, when they work for you? You may have a clear mission but it may not be communicated to employees.
Let’s say you run a restaurant. Would you say something like, “We make food.”
Or would you say, “We’re committed to creating unforgettable cuisine, giving customers an experience that provides an escape from their everyday problems.”
Which place would you want to work?
This isn’t about worksmithing but rather taking the time to explain why you do what you do and how the employee fits into the big picture. If you skip this step, then you open the door to employee turnoffs.
Let’s Create a Memorable Meeting
