5 tips for avoiding silent leavers in your team
The modern working world is increasingly confronted with the phenomenon of "quiet quitters": Employees who only do the bare minimum and do not feel engaged in their work. This behavior is often due to frustration at work, dissatisfaction with salary or a suboptimal work-life balance.
As a result, loyalty in the workplace is no longer a given. Retaining top talent is crucial today - given the tight labor market - and requires employers to take a proactive approach that focuses on employee wellbeing.
To help managers overcome these challenges, Evi Melkenbeke, HR Manager at Swiss recruitment agency Robert Walters, has put together five valuable tips.
Tip 1: Organize regular performance reviews
Evi: "Regular performance reviews are important to establish an open channel of communication between managers and employees. Increasing the frequency of these conversations, for example to once a quarter or even monthly, gives managers a better overview of the progress of ongoing projects and any obstacles employees are facing, and allows them to provide direct support to help them succeed. This frequent interaction also fosters a sense of appreciation and engagement among employees and makes them feel heard within the company."
Tip 2: Address expectations quickly
"It's crucial that employers are clear about job expectations and how they will develop, especially when hiring new employees," warns Evi. "By discussing the duties, responsibilities and development opportunities of the position fully and honestly during the interview, you prevent potential misunderstandings and ensure that professionals feel better prepared and supported when they start their new role. Setting out a clear and realistic career path will help motivate employees and prevent disappointment that can lead to a silent resignation.
Tip 3: Promote leadership and learning opportunities
Evi: "Offering learning and leadership programs is an effective way to increase employee retention. Giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and progress within the company encourages them to stay engaged and contribute to the success of the business. This not only strengthens the sense of commitment and pride within the team, but also ensures that employees feel committed to the company in the long term."
Tip 4: Recognize and reward performance
Appreciating outstanding work is invaluable in retaining committed and motivated employees. Through a rewards and recognition program, employers can effectively recognize and reward their employees' achievements, which not only boosts their self-confidence, but also increases their motivation to stay committed to the company. "Whether it's a sincere compliment, a bonus or a promotion, recognizing employees' achievements contributes to a positive work culture and strengthens the bond between employees and employers," says Evi.
Tip 5: Respect boundaries and work-life balance
Finding a balance between work and private life is often a challenge, but one that is essential to avoid fatigue and demotivation. "After all, burnout in the workplace is one of the main causes of silent resignations," says Evi. "Employers can contribute to a healthier balance by respecting employees' boundaries and offering flexibility in terms of working hours and expectations. By encouraging breaks, limiting overtime and providing opportunities for time off, employers can create an environment where employees feel supported, which in turn improves engagement and productivity."
Evi emphasizes the importance of these prevention tips: "By actively investing in employee engagement and wellbeing, companies can prevent silent resignations and maintain a strong, engaged workforce."
Source: www.robertwalters.ch
