19 signs someone is about to quit their job
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They start taking more time off
They begin calling in sick more often, or using up their vacation days sporadically, which may mean they are feeling very disengaged at work, possibly even to the point of using the time off to search for other employment, says Kerr.
"And using up their sick days and vacation time (and even getting a lot of dental work done suddenly) might be a red flag that they are getting ready to jump ship and want to make sure they max out any benefits they feel owed to them."
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They show a drop off in any interest in work
Have you noticed that some of your employees have stopped offering suggestions or ideas at meetings, they offer little input into new projects, or seem suddenly disinterested in any of the broader details related to work?
"This can be a sign they've lost their mojo and no longer really care what happens down the road because they know they won't be there in the future," Kerr says.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They were recently passed over for a promotion or a raise they deserved
When someone is up for a raise or promotion (they they deserve) and they don't get it, it can be very frustrating and discouraging.
The employee will likely feel undervalued and may be inclined to go look for employment with a company that would appreciate and reward them for their contributions.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They lack a sense of humor
Employees who are about to bail may no longer joke around, says Taylor. "Their demeanor is more straightforward and factual versus friendly and lighthearted. Perhaps this is because they're less worried about appearing supportive or trying to impress anyone."
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
You can read it in their body language and facial expressions
Subtle clues might give hints that your employees are either disengaged or even feeling guilty because they've been job hunting and they know that they are not sticking around for the long run, Kerr explains.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They seem distant
Do you feel a sudden chill when you approach your staff? "The first few times, you chalk up to their having a bad day. Then you notice it among more team members ... more frequently," says Taylor. If this is the case, one or more employees may be preparing to leave.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They've been demoted
Similarly to being passed over for a promotion, an employee who is demoted will likely feel pretty dejected and may decide to take their talents elsewhere.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
There's a noted change in attitude
They may become more irritable, or they may make more sarcastic comments than normal about work-related issues, revealing a lack of fundamental belief in the direction the company is headed, says Kerr.
A sudden lack of enthusiasm is also a big sign you may be losing one or more of your employees, Taylor adds.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
There are changes in their behavior
If they are acting differently — maybe they're suddenly keeping to themselves more and more, or they begin going out to lunch with coworkers every day — the employee(s) may be pulling away from work or commiserating with colleagues.
"If a group of team members who rarely went to lunch together before are now doing so, they may be discussing their plans to move on," says Taylor. "Seeing new behavior in who goes to lunch and how often, however, is certainly no cause for concern if other signs are not evident."
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They tell you about major changes on the home front
If there's a major disruption in their family life, this may lead to them looking for new opportunities for a host of reasons (to be closer to home, for example, or to work in a less stressful environment), Kerr explains.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
Their productivity drops
If your employees are suddenly late getting reports in, or their sales have fallen enough that it seems unusual, something might be going on. "Any behavioral changes that point to 'presenteeism' — the phenomenon of employees showing up at work without being fully present — are huge red flags," says Kerr.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They approach conflict differently
When people are ready to bolt, they may change how they handle disagreements, Taylor explains. "If they tended to push back before, they may no longer do so because they don't feel it's worth the bother. They have emotionally checked out."
However, someone who was generally agreeable before may become more argumentative out of frustration or resentment, she says.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They're uncomfortable discussing long-term projects and deadlines
If your employees are seeking greener pastures, they will become visibly uncomfortable discussing projects that are several months out, says Taylor. "When longer-term deadlines involve them directly, they'll attempt to be noncommittal or vague."
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
Colleagues tell you they think something's going on
If your coworkers approach you with concerns that something's changed or "something's going on" with a specific employee or group of people, they may be on to something.
"Other colleagues closer to the action may read the signs well before you do, so if they bring concerns forward, pay attention," says Kerr.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
They stay under the communications radar
"If your team members are contemplating resignation, they're less likely to communicate often — by email, in person, or in general," says Taylor. "The thinking is that, to the extent they're less accessible, they won't risk being put on the spot ... answering sensitive questions that could jeopardize their job when they're not yet ready to move."
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
Their schedule suddenly changes
When they start keeping unusual hours — working later, arriving late, shifting their hours in any noticeable way — it could be because they are searching for work or interviewing with other employers while still trying to balance their current workload, says Kerr.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
You inquire about possible issues, but get little feedback
Do they seem closed off? Are they not willing to work through issues with you?
"If one of your team members or several of them already have one foot out the door, they'll act as if nothing is wrong when you address any issues," says Taylor. This may be because they have already shut down and mentally moved on.
19 signs someone is about to quit their job
You have a bad gut feeling
If you feel awkward moments in your office more often or a discomfort around your team you can't explain, this may be a sign they're about to quit. "Your instincts count for a lot and most people don't put enough stock in them; instead, they second-guess themselves."
Trust your gut. There's a good chance it's right.
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