Letter of resignation

Employee retention is as a big a topic as recruitment these days. Remember back in the day when your mum and dad thought that the job you had ‘passed’ the interview for, meant that you would be happy for life? All settled in a good career with two happy parents gloating how you had done so well for yourself...

It’s rare in today’s business economy for employees to stay with one company forever. Though 25 years ago that was normal, today research suggests the average person changes jobs 10 to 15 times during their career!

 

 

Employers today are dealing with a multigenerational workforce, more career opportunities than ever before, a global skills crisis and an online world that has changed everything significantly.

In today’s posts, we want to explore the main reasons why employees currently leave their employers; which surprisingly are many and varied.

We also recommend you take a look at our 2017 Workplace Survey Report which collates the thoughts of employees and employers to identify trends in the workplace.

 

1. Their Own Life Events

 

 

As human beings, we go through many stages during our adult life. From finding love, to experiencing heartbreak and moving away to avoid it, some decisions stem beyond simply the job role, how good your company culture is or how your remuneration package compares to others. 

Family orientated millennials are likely to want to spend more time with elderly parents or to take career breaks.

The truth is, be prepared for any of these events to occur. If employees are great hires, and depending on the size and scope of your organisation, is there an option to backfill a vacancy or allow an individual to work from home?

 

2.  Poor First Line Management

As an established commercial recruitment company for over 30 years, one of the most common reasons given  about why a candidate wants to leave an organisation is because of a poor relationship with their direct line manager.

Employees are people, and respond well to direction and motivation from their managers. A post on SME Insider website showed the Federation of Small Businesses to find that many SME’s lack management training. The report even cited that perhaps the evident lack of management capability and leadership skills could explain why almost half of UK start-ups fail in the first three years.

If a brain drain is happening in your company, it might be time for analysis as to why?

 

 

3.  Remuneration

Though money is not always the driver many people think it is, the well known saying of a “ fair days work for a fair day pay”, does spring to mind.

Are you paying the going rate and on par with other companies in the area? If not you will eventually lose staff.

Download our latest salary guide on our blog here to find out if your salary is in the correct range.

Abraham Maslow, the famous psychologist, summarises this well with the hierarchy of needs. Our base level starts with food, water, and shelter, before moving up the scale to respect and achievement. By focusing on all of these levels, and you will be doing almost everything you can to retain your employees.

 

 

4.  Training and Development

In an earlier post, we reviewed changes to the workforce and how gen Y and millennials have a different view on career development. It is likely that if they don’t feel stretched or can’t see a career path ahead of them, they will leave.

With these generations progressively making up a larger proportion of our workforce, it’s a good idea to ensure you have a documented career path for everyone in your organisation.

 

 

5.  Culture Fit

In today’s HR and recruitment circles, the buzz word is culture.

Company culture is more important than ever when it comes to happy and motivated employees. It’s not for anyone to say one culture is ‘bad’ and one ‘good’ it’s more about how individuals will fit.

Chatting to a friend of mine, recently she shared that she had moved from one organisation where ripped jeans where the order of the day and the business approach was incredibly laid back, to another where tea and cake were served on a Friday and the whole team had a social gathering.

In one culture she was dreadfully unhappy, and yet the other was perfect for her.

Embrace your culture and make sure that it’s part of your own recruiting process.

 

 

 

Can we help?

At Lucy Walker Recruitment, we have placed and filled over 100,000 temp and permanent assignments over the last 30 years so have a range of techniques, ideas and platforms which could help you. Why not call us on 0113 367 2880 to have a conversation with one of our team. Alternatively drop us an email here or check out our Testimonials and Case Studies.

 

About the Author: Lucy Walker

Lucy Walker is the founder and Managing Director at Lucy Walker Recruitment.Lucy has an extensive knowledge of the issues and workings of the West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester Commercial markets developed over 25 years in the profession