Have you ever been suspicious that one of your team members is about to quit?
It can be tough to tell, especially if they’re not giving any clear signals. But if you’re keenly observant, there are a few subtle signs that an employee might be ready to call it quits.
In this post, we will cover a few signs. Keep an eye out for these signals, and if you see them, start preparing for a potential departure.
Spending less time socializing
There’s a big difference between being friendly and wanting to spend time with people. When someone is gearing up to leave their job, they will start withdrawing from the social dynamics at work.
Dressing differently for work
Maybe they’re not putting as much effort into their appearance, or they’re coming in with clothes that are noticeably different than usual.
This is often one of the first signs that someone is thinking about quitting. It’s not always the case, of course, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. Employees usually don’t just turn up and quit without giving any red flags.
Being less engaged at work
Are you noticing that your employee is being less engaged lately? Maybe they’re not as vocal in meetings or they’ve been turning in work that’s not up to their usual standards.
If you’re seeing these alerts, it’s necessary to address them as soon as possible. The reality is that your employee might be ready to quit and if you don’t do something about it, you could lose them for good.
Taking more time off
If you start to notice that an employee is taking more time off than usual, this could be a sign that they’re getting ready to quit.
Maybe they’re not as committed to their work as they used to be, or maybe they’re not coming in on time anymore. Whatever the reason, it’s good to pay attention and see if there are any other forewarnings.
If the employee does eventually quit, you will want to be prepared. Have a plan in place so you can quickly find a replacement and minimize the disruption to your team.
When an employee begins exhibiting any of the signs listed above, it may be time to start thinking about how to ask them to stay or fill that position—preferably before the employee hands in their notice. If you’re prepared, you can avoid any unnecessary stress or disturbance to your team operations. If you’re worried about an employee’s future with the company, keep an eye on them and see if they start demonstrating any of the signals mentioned in this post. If they do, it may be time to commence scheduling their departure.