Do you think you can identify an employee who is about to leave you based on the fact they take more time off, come to work late and leave earlier, do not respond to phone calls or dress better than usual? Then you are wrong - at least according to research by Tim Gardner, associate professor of the Utah State University Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, reported on Blr.com.
The author himself says in a university press release that he was surprised by the results of his findings. If anything is a clear sign of a voluntary departure, it is a loss of engagement. Disengagement causes changes in employees' behaviour a month or two before they decide to leave. If a member of your team is showing at least six of the following ten descriptions of behaviour, it is 80% sure they will leave.
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They make fewer constructive contributions at meetings.
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They become less involved in long-term projects.
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They are more reserved and quieter.
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They are less interested in career advancement opportunities within the firm.
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They are not trying as much as before to please the boss.
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They avoid social meetings with their supervisor and other managers.
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They bring fewer new ideas and innovative approaches.
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They do the minimum required amount of work but are unwilling to do more.
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They are less interested in training and development programmes.
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Their productivity decreases.
Gardner was less surprised by these ten points than other points not on the final list. Factors such as more frequent visits to doctors, unexpectedly coming to work in a suit, or a CV left in the copier have not proved any connection with planning a departure. The same applies to late arrivals, ignoring phone calls or e-mails and wanting more days off.
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