Your top performing employees are one of your biggest assets in business. It is invaluable to be able to recognize when an employee is about to jump ship. If you have identified, that employees are getting ready to leave. You also need to check why this might be happening. Or you risk watching your best assets walk out the door!
In most cases, I have found visible signs that an employee is about to leave. At this point awareness is vital. Why are they leaving, do you want them to go or do you want them to stay? I’ve not always wanted an employee to remain in the business. So I’ve allowed them to move on for the greater good of the team.
But, if you know the signs and you think a top performing employee is about to hand in a resignation letter and head of the door. I recommend you raise it with them before it’s too late.
So, here are some key signs to look out for:
Lazy Work Habits
Be aware of when your best employees start to miss deadlines. Or they don’t deliver the high-quality work you’ve come to expect. A sign they have disengaged. A one-off or infrequent occurrence should not set off alarm bells. What you should be concerned about are consistent gaps in quality, productivity and effort.
It could be a sign the employee has grown tired of their work. One of the first signs I tend to notice is when an always on time employee starts to arrive late. Or they are taking regular sick days. Then it’s time to become more observant of other tell-tale signs.
Your sales might be giving you a hint.
If sales from your best customers are starting to drop. It might be an indication that your high-performing employee is no longer motivated and is off their game. Keeping an eye on sales and understanding why they are dropping can clue you into an employee who’s just not motivated.
No Interest in Social Interaction
When you notice a change in your employees’ social habits at work. It is a clear sign that something is not quite right. Is a usual outgoing employee now withdrawn and silent? Is the employee not a proactive in meetings as they use to be? Another sign is when employees are receiving calls on their phone that need privacy. If this is the case, again it’s time to have a chat with them. Find out what is going on, and investigate how you can assist.
Change in Attitude
It becomes evident that your employee is thinking of leaving if you notice a change in attitude. Perhaps they are complaining about everything. Or bitching to other employees about the company or their manager. A surge in negativity, along with a lack interest is a sign that change is on the horizon.
Again, it’s time to have a conversation with the employee. Ensure you approach your team member with a personal touch. You genuinely have an interest in helping. Business owners can tend to take things personally. This can hinder your ability to be open to an honest discussion. Be aware of becoming defensive, it won't help you solve the problem.
The best approach is to be open minded. Talk with the employee to see if there is an issue you can address to keep them in the business.
Obviously, don’t go overboard. I have always believed that if an employee is at a point where they don’t want to be working in your business, then perhaps they should move on. As the business owner, trust your judgement on this one, it will serve you well.
Of course, prevention is better than a cure. Aligning your employees with company goals. Recognize and reward good work. Offer incentives around culture and you can prevent your best employees from walking out the door.