7 signs an employee is about to quit

Editorial Team

5 min read
Employee looking frustrated in the office

Recent data suggests the Great Resignation continues–about 4 million people quit their jobs in February 2023.

If you want to help improve employee retention and reduce your turnover rate, it’s important to recognize the red flags that signal an employee’s impending departure. Here are seven signs an employee is about to quit:

1. Taking more time off than usual

Your employee might use vacation time to attend job interviews or orientation days with other companies, since these usually take place during working hours. Before an employee quits, they might try to use up the rest of their vacation time or sick days. If the work environment or culture harms their mental health or causes burnout, they might avoid coming in as much as possible before quitting.

2. Being reluctant to commit to long-term projects

Employees who are planning to leave a job to start a new one may be less willing to take on huge commitments like long-term projects.

3. Getting more active on LinkedIn

Research shows that 90 percent of recruiters use social media to find good employees. A sudden flurry of activity on an employee’s LinkedIn profile can mean that one of your staff members may be thinking about leaving. They might start updating their work history, connecting with people from other companies, or adding new skills to their profile.

4. Avoiding work-social events

Work-social events are often planned ahead of time, and employees that may be planning on quitting might not be keen to commit. Employees may also avoid events with work friends or company dinners to dodge awkward questions from managers and coworkers.

5. Going through a major life change

Major life changes in other areas of an employee’s life can trigger a change in a career. If an employee has recently moved, gotten married or divorce, or had a child, they’re more likely to quit for a new job that improves their work-life balance or increases their earnings.

6. Taking more personal calls

Interviews usually happen during normal business hours. If an employee is making more phone calls during their shift, it could be because they’re taking a phone interview or following up with a potential employer. 

7. Making unrealistic requests

Asking for a big raise or promotion out of the blue can usually be a sign that your employee is considering other options because they feel undervalued. If another employer has offered them a better opportunity, they might make one last attempt to stay by asking for what may seem like an outlandish raise. 

READ: Clover’s ultimate checklist for employee retention and satisfaction

What should you do if you suspect an employee is about to quit? 

Losing an employee can be an opportunity to identify small changes you can make to help attract new employees and keep your existing employees happy and engaged.

Here are three things you can do to help reduce employee turnover:

1. Ask for feedback

A simple conversation can go a long way. Give your employees a way to express their concerns and you might find that even a minor tweak in things like employee benefits or some flexibility in work hours can convince them to stay. 

2. Provide growth opportunities

Studies show that 82 percent of employees would quit their jobs if there’s a lack of career advancement opportunities. Keep your employees from looking outside your company for management and other senior positions by tracking your existing team’s performance and offering them a chance to prove themselves with increased responsibilities. 

3. Address employee burnout

Burnout can be a huge trigger that pushes employees to look for another job. Studies show that burnout has only gotten worse since the pandemic. Make communication a priority to address potential burnout before it becomes an issue. Conduct surveys and hold regular one-on-one conversations with your employees. Give them tools to stay connected with managers and coworkers. 

How Clover and Homebase can help you retain your top talent

A Clover POS system can make running your business–and retaining employees–simpler. It lets you accept all payment types with handheld devices like the Clover Flex and Clover Go and manage payment processing anywhere, anytime. It also helps you connect with your employees through Clover’s partnership with Homebase

Homebase provides you with the tools you need to manage your team all in one app–and keep them happy and engaged. You can create and share schedules with your team instantly through the Homebase app, so they always have access to the latest schedule. And, in-app messaging, performance tracking, and shout outs help you connect with and recognize employees–especially your top talent.

Homebase also offers features like Cash Out that give your employees early access to pay, in case they need to cover unexpected expenses. What’s more, when you need to grow your team, Homebase can make hiring easier with free job postings to top job boards, applicant tracking, interview scheduling, and more. 

Already a Clover merchant? Click here to get started with Homebase.

Interested in learning more about how you can run your business and manage employees with a Clover POS system? Contact a Clover Business Consultant today.

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