5 Tell-Tale Signs Your Remote Employee Is Looking for Another Job
Are you worried that your remote employee is looking for another job? When you can’t see staff members in person, it makes it that much harder to ascertain whether they’re happy in their current position.
Nearly half of employees are now looking for another job, taking advantage of the momentum created by the great resignation. Workers hope to get higher salaries, better benefits, or career progression by switching jobs. But how do you know if your remote employee is looking for a new job?
From changes in engagement, to a lack of productivity and a decline in work quality, there are many signs that your employee might be looking for a new job.
Of course, it’s possible that an employee displays some of these behaviors but isn’t actually looking for a new job. Either way, you should have a conversation with the employee to see what’s going on and whether there’s anything you can do to help them feel more satisfied at their current position.
But before you act on your suspicions, here are five tell-tale signs your remote employee is looking for another job.
They have recently been turned down for a promotion
When remote employees feel like they are stuck in a rut, it is not uncommon for them to start looking for other jobs. In fact, a new Pew Research Center survey found that low pay, a lack of career progression opportunities, and feeling disrespected at work are among the top reasons why Americans leave their jobs.
If they have just been turned down for a promotion, this may have exacerbated these feelings. Chances are they are feeling rejected and may be on the lookout for other opportunities. This is especially likely if you’ve recently had discussions about their career and they’ve voiced they want to take on more responsibilities.
The good news is, you can turn this around. Here are a few ways to keep employees after they have been rejected for a promotion:
- Work with them to come up with a plan of action to ensure they are successful next time.
- Explain why they have been turned down this time and talk to them about their career and financial goals to support them in meeting them.
- Offer paid training opportunities for your employees to help them meet their goals.
- Offer to let them work on projects that interest them.
- Show your employees that you care about them and their career progression.
By taking the time to invest in your remote employees, you can prevent high turnover rates and maintain a strong team.
They are using LinkedIn more than usual
While it’s always a good idea to encourage your employees to build their personal brand, you should be aware that increased activity on LinkedIn could be a sign that they’re looking for another job.
If you notice that your remote employee is suddenly spending more time updating their profile, asking for recommendations, or posting comments, it’s possible that they’re polishing their online presence in preparation for a job search. Of course, this might not be cause for alarm — after all, everyone has the right to network as they please.
However, if you’re concerned that your employee is considering leaving, it’s important to have a conversation about their future with the company. By doing so, you can gauge their level of commitment and determine whether or not they’re planning to move on.
They are taking more time off than usual
Is your remote employee suddenly taking more time off than usual? If an otherwise healthy worker is suddenly attending multiple doctor’s appointments, this could be a cause for concern.
They may be looking for another job and interviews tend to happen during working hours. This is especially the case if your remote employee is respectful of your time and doesn’t want to be accused of time theft if it emerges they have been attending interviews during work hours.
While you can’t prevent your remote employees from looking for other jobs, you can stay on top of the situation by being proactive and communicating with your team frequently. If you notice an uptick in time off requests, or if an employee seems distracted or disengaged, reach out and inquire about what’s going on.
Showing that you’re invested in your team’s success will help to build trust and keep your remote employees happy and engaged.
Their performance has slipped
If your remote employee’s performance has slipped over the last few weeks, there could be several reasons. For instance, they could be feeling overwhelmed, undergoing personal issues, or experiencing burnout.
But, it is also possible that they are looking for another job because they’re no longer interested in their current job. They may be putting all their energy into the job search, hence the poorly delivered work and missed deadlines. They have lost interest in their current work and may be doing the bare minimum.
This is likely if they have been stuck doing the same work for years with no opportunity for progression, no professional development, and no significant pay rises.
If you suspect that your employee is looking for another job, there are a few things you can do to talk to them about it. For instance, you could:
- Try to schedule a meeting with them to discuss their recent work performance.
- Ask them if everything is okay and if there’s anything you can do to help.
- If they admit that they’re looking for a new job, talk to them about their dissatisfaction with their current role.
- See if there’s anything that can be done to address their concerns.
- Finally, let them know that you’re open to talking about any specific issues they might have with their current job.
By being understanding and supportive, you may be able to convince them to stay with your company.
They are not as engaged as usual
If your employee is remote, you may not have as many opportunities to interact with them on a daily basis. However, there are still some telltale signs that they have become disengaged at work, both personally and professionally.
For example, if they have stopped attending optional social meetings or stopped interacting with their colleagues, they may be distancing themselves and preparing to sever the ties they’ve had with the team.
This could also manifest in them not volunteering for long-term projects where they usually would enthusiastically ask to be included. If your employee is suddenly exhibiting a lack of engagement, it could be a sign that they are looking for a job change and no longer feel invested in their current position.
While personal issues could also be at play, it’s important to keep an eye on these signs so you can address them before it’s too late.
Are your remote employees about to quit?
Around half of workers are currently looking for a new job. Chaces are, some of these workers are your own employees.
This means that employers need to be more proactive in retaining their employees. Losing even a single worker can be costly, as you not only lose their skills and experience, but you also need to spend time and money recruiting and training a replacement. So if your employees are starting to show signs that they wish to quit, it’s important to take steps to retain them before they leave.
One way to do this is to focus on engagement. Make sure your employees feel like they are being supported and that their work is meaningful. Check in with them regularly and see how they are doing. If remote employees are feeling isolated, consider ways to help them feel more connected to the team.
Another way to retain workers is by offering attractive benefits and perks. This could include flexible working arrangements, additional vacation days, or bonuses. Employees will be less likely to leave if they feel like they are being well-compensated for their work.
Finally, make sure you provide opportunities for career growth. Employees who feel like they are stuck in a dead-end job are more likely to start looking for other options. Offer training and development opportunities so your employees can work toward their career goals. Offer meaningful raises to discourage employees from seeking higher wages elsewhere.
It is not always easy to spot whether your employees are planning on leaving. But there are steps you can take to retain them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you know if your remote employee is looking for another job?
There are several signs your remote employee is looking for another job. Employees who have been passed over for a promotion or raise may also start to look elsewhere if they feel like their career is stagnating or like they’re worth more. Further, if employees are taking more time off than usual, exhibiting poor performance, or showing a lack of engagement, it is likely they are looking elsewhere.
How do you stop remote employees from feeling disconnected?
Keeping remote employees from feeling disconnected can be challenging, but there are steps you can take. Try to establish regular communication channels and check in with them frequently. Also, offer them career progression opportunities in line with those offered to in-office workers, if applicable. Finally, try to create a sense of community by organizing social events or starting remote employee groups. By taking these steps, you can foster a sense of connection and prevent your remote employees from feeling isolated.
How do you stop your remote employee from quitting?
There are a few things you can do to help retain your remote workers. First, make sure to stay in communication with them and provide feedback on their work regularly. This will help them feel like they are part of the team and that their work is valued.
Second, offer opportunities for professional development and growth. Remote employees may feel like they are stuck in a rut if they don’t have opportunities to develop their skills. Finally, consider offering perks and benefits that would be appealing to remote workers, such as flexible hours.
By taking these steps, you can help to engage your remote employees and prevent them from quitting.
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