10 Reasons Employees Quit

By: Adrienne Selko

1) Bad Boss
A Gallup poll of more than 1 million employed U.S. workers found that the top reason employees quit their jobs is because of a bad boss or immediate supervisor. To have a toxic relationship with the person an employee reports to undermines the employee’s engagement, confidence and commitment, explains Susan Healthfield, an HR expert.

2) Boredom
Once employees are bored with their jobs then trouble begins. A survey by Alpin finds that 50% of employees say once they start thinking about leaving, they put in less effort. Gallup estimates that actively disengaged employees cost the U.S. $450 billion to $550 billion in lost productivity per year.

3) Relationships with Co-workers
Research from the Gallup organization found that of the factors that indicates whether an employee is happy at their job is having a best friend at work.

4) Inability to Use Skills
When employees use their skills and abilities on the job they feel a sense of pride, accomplishment, and self-confidence. If an employee can’t see a path to continued growth in their current organization, they are likely to look elsewhere for a career development or promotion opportunity.

5) Disconnect with Company Goals
Employees need to feel they are part of an effort that is larger than just their job. Many managers assume employees know the company’s goals. If they don’t feel part of a company you’ll lose them explains Susan Healthfield, an HR expert.

6) Lack of Autonomy
Workers who believe they are free to make choices in the workplace — and be accountable for their decisions — are happier and more productive.

7) Meaninglessness of Job
This aspect of job satisfaction is especially important to Millenials. A study by the iOpener Institute found this group’s belief in the firm’s economic or social purpose, and pride in the organization and its work, had a strong correlation with job retention.

8) Company’s Financial Instability
Financial instability -- a lack of sales, layoffs, salary freezes - all lead to an employee’s lack of trust, says Susan Healthfield, an HR expert. However if they respect the company’s judgment, direction, and decision making, they will stay, she says.

9) Lack of Recognition of Job Performance
The Aon Hewitt survey found recognition was the fourth most important driver of engagement globally in 2012, behind issues such as career opportunities and pay. And it’s particularly important for millennials, ranking third globally.

10) Corporate Culture
Does your organization appreciate employees, treat them with respect, and provide compensation, benefits, and perks that demonstrate respect and caring? Your overall culture keeps employees – or turns them away.

See this and other newsletter articles at http://amt-mep.org/files/5414/3862/0390/2015-08.pdf

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