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Why Do People Quit Their Jobs

And What Companies Could Do to Prevent It




You might feel lately that you dread Sunday, just for being the day before Monday. And maybe that Sunday night becomes a norm of being a sleepless one because your mind turns to think of work tasks and can't be put off.

You get sick more often than you used to before and start questioning everything. You dread your work tasks and your manager's reaction to your work.

Then, you question whether you should change and search for a new career opportunity.

People leave jobs for various reasons, and understanding these reasons can help employers take steps to retain their employees. Here are some common reasons why people leave their jobs:


1. Lack of Growth Opportunities

Employees often seek opportunities for growth and advancement in their careers and don't want to remain stuck in the same position for years. If they feel that there is limited room for growth or that their skills are not being utilised effectively, they may consider leaving for a job that offers better prospects and helps them feel they make a difference and have a purpose.


2. No Life After Work (or an almost inexistent one)

When employees feel overwhelmed with excessive workloads or long working hours, it can lead to burnout and prompt them to look for jobs that provide a better balance. An exhausted employee doesn't have the energy and time to have a personal life in the few hours left when returning home, so he might feel that his days are passing with no real-life opportunities.


3. Inadequate Compensation

Compensation plays a significant role in employee retention. If employees feel that they are not fairly compensated for their work or that their salaries are not competitive compared to the market, they may be tempted to seek better-paying opportunities elsewhere.


4. Lack of Recognition and Appreciation

Feeling valued and appreciated is essential for employee morale. When employees do not receive recognition for their contributions or feel undervalued, it can impact their motivation and job satisfaction, potentially leading them to leave. Also, when employees are constantly criticised and do not receive constructive feedback for their work, chances are that sooner or later, they'll be looking for other career opportunities.


5. Poor Management and Leadership

Employees often leave due to management issues. Poor leadership, lack of communication, micromanagement, and a toxic work environment can all contribute to employees feeling dissatisfied and ultimately deciding to leave. Being constantly micromanaged and having no work autonomy or flexibility also leads to job changes.


Well, those are the main causes that lead to employee turnover. Naturally, there are more, and they could even be from a harassment register or other work-type bullying, but this article doesn't get into that kind of cause. We'll leave them for another story.


Still, what can do the employers to retain employees? We all know retaining is more efficient than hiring and training new ones.


1. Offer Growth Opportunities

Provide employees with opportunities for skill development, training programs, and clear career paths within the organisation. Regularly communicate with employees about their goals and aspirations to align them with the company's growth plans.


2. Promote Work-Life Balance

Encourage a healthy work-life balance by implementing flexible work arrangements, promoting time off, and fostering a supportive company culture that values work-life integration. Allow people to choose where, when possible, and when they work. Give your employees time off without making them feel guilty for not working. Also, managers shouldn't impose meetings outside the working hours, even if they are meant to be informal - not every employee might like them.


3. Provide Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Ensure that employees are compensated fairly and competitively. Regularly review and adjust salaries based on market trends. Additionally, it offers attractive benefits packages that cater to employees' needs.


4. Recognize and Appreciate Employees

Regularly acknowledge and appreciate employees' efforts and achievements. Implement recognition programs, provide constructive feedback, and create a culture of appreciation and gratitude within the organisation.


5. Foster Effective Leadership

Train and support managers to be influential leaders. Encourage open communication, provide opportunities for professional development, and promote a positive work environment. Address any toxic behaviour promptly.


6. Conduct Stay Interviews

Regularly conduct stay interviews to understand employees' concerns, aspirations, and needs. Actively listen to their feedback and take appropriate actions to address any issues.


Remember, employee retention requires ongoing effort and investment. By addressing the reasons employees leave and implementing strategies to retain them, organisations can create a positive and engaging work environment that promotes loyalty and long-term commitment.


hands holding three pots of growing plants


Organisations grow with the help of their people. Even in the AI era, people need stories, and people make good stories that keep us together.


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