Workers are poised for a mass exodus next year, according to a poll of more than 1,400 workers in North America by Right Management. Employees are feeling increasingly restless and intend to leave in droves if opportunities open up in the job market. Eighty-four percent of the employees polled say they plan to look for new jobs in 2011, up from 60 percent reported in Right Management’s survey a year ago. Only 5 percent now say they intend to remain in their current position.
Instead of quoting you some outrageous number about the cost of employee turnover, I’ll let you figure out exactly what your cost is. You can do so by reading Would You Like Some Dessert With That Turnover? One thing we can all agree upon is that turnover costs companies money both in the short and long run. Here’s what you can do today to prepare or avoid this situation all together:
Find out what your employees are really thinking. Small companies have a real advantage here as you can find this out by being observant and engaging in conversations with your people. Watch for signs that all may not be well. For example, have employees cleared their workspace of all personal items? Have you noticed an increase in the amount of sick time being used by people who are rarely absent?
Has it been years since your people have received a raise? Perhaps it’s time to delay the purchase of a new piece of office equipment so that your people can finally realize the pay increase they deserve.
Are your leadership skills lacking? It’s no secret that people leave their bosses as opposed to their employer. Perhaps it’s time to remove ineffective managers and to provide training to those who could benefit from a tune-up.
I’m sure some of you who are reading this are thinking, “If they are so unhappy, let them go elsewhere.” Will you be singing this same tune when your days are filled with appointments with job candidates instead of customers?
Roberta
E-mail me at Roberta@yourhrexperts.com for a complimentary copy of the bonus chapter for Suddenly in Charge. The book is now available on Amazon at 42% off the list price!
