Keeping 'Em Silent: The Truth Behind Employee Quits and Bosses' Blind Spots
- by Victoria Robertz
- ⏱️ 4 Min
Reasons some employees opt to leave their jobs without disclosing them to superiors – underlying factors influencing their decision to depart. - Behind-the-Scenes Truths About Employee Departures: The Reasons They Don't Disclose to Their Superiors
Q: You claim that employees avoid telling their superiors the truth, resulting in resignations. Share your insights.
Managers might find themselves bewildered when an employee walks away without clear reasons. According to me, they're missing the core issue — employees feel overlooked and underappreciated. Despite thinking they've got communication skills down pat, managers often overestimate their impact.
A: Is it really all about the attention?
It appears that way, but it delves much deeper. The psychiatrist Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs suggests that every human has fundamental psychological needs, including work-related ones. Security takes precedence. Employees secure in their work environment can voice uncertainties or criticisms. With many remote or hybrid work models, individuals can quickly feel isolated and overlooked.
Q: So, why is vocalizing issues such a challenge for employees despite their concerns?
Ultimately, workers fear the potential disadvantages of expressing their woes. Another factor could be a lack of confidence in their abilities, thinking they're not contributing enough value to express criticism. Surprisingly, 45% of departing employees leave due to a lack of appreciation from their immediate supervisor—a feeling that can take a toll and lead to financial losses for companies.
Q: If employees avoid talking about appreciation, what excuses do they use when quitting?
In most cases, they cite an ill-fitting environment or unclear objectives. These generalizations don’t provide any useful insights for managers. To get to the heart of the matter, I'd ask: What was missing? What would have made you more content within the team? And what need remained unmet? Ideally, this vital discussion should occur before it reaches the point of resignation.
Q: How can managers inspire employees to speak up?
First and foremost, create a safe space where everyone feels heard. By lowering the hurdle for expressing fears and dissatisfaction, communication becomes smoother. This can be cultivated through active listening, fostering trust, and encouraging honest feedback. From the manager's perspective, focus on empowering employees by helping them develop and contribute, rather than relying on empty praise which can inadvertently create dependencies.
Q: How do I, as a manager, know if my communication is reaching my employee?
Always ask the employee for their interpretation and understanding of your message. In case of any discrepancy, clarify what you intended to convey and address any misunderstandings promptly. Remember, intentions don't always translate to effects.
Q: Any other tips for effective manager-employee communication?
Adopting the perspective that your employee is a customer of the workplace can be enlightening. This shift in mindset ensures that you don't just aim for satisfaction; instead, you strive for enthusiasm and a great overall experience. As a manager, your role involves fostering this positive work environment.
Capital, a partner brand of the stern, brings you selective content. Discover more insights at [www.stern.de/capital].
- Why Not Be Honest?
- Fear of negative repercussions or being seen as a troublemaker
- Lack of trust and support in management
- Cultural and psychological barriers stifling open dialogue
- Organizational structures obstructing open communication
- Cultivating a Culture of Openness
- Fostering a supportive work environment
- Encouraging feedback and constructive criticism
- Simplifying language and communication channels
- Promoting diversity and inclusion
- Leveraging technology for better communication
- Setting clear expectations and goals
- Monitoring and adjusting communication strategies as needed
- Managers might want to investigate if the core issue behind employee resignations is the lack of a supportive work environment, as employees often feel overlooked and undervalued.
- To help employees speak up, managers can encourage honest feedback, promote a culture of openness, and create a safe space for everyone's concerns, which can be achieved through active listening and fostering trust.
- The culture of openness can be strengthened by simplifying language and communication channels, promoting diversity and inclusion, leveraging technology for better communication, and setting clear expectations and goals, thus leading to a more engaged workforce and personal growth.
