Quiet Quitting” And How to Prevent It
The term "quiet quitting" has been on the rise, and many employers are unaware of what it is and the warning signs that their employees may be quietly quitting. In the upcoming paragraphs, we will define what quiet quitting is, the five main reasons your employees are quietly quitting, and how you, as an employer, can take steps to prevent your employees from engaging in quiet quitting.
What is Quiet Quitting?
Quiet quitting means abandoning the "hustle culture" and the idea of going above and beyond at work. Quiet quitting can lead to employee engagement and morale declining, as well as decreased productivity. Employers must be aware of the warning signs that their employees may be quietly quitting, so they can take steps to prevent it.
What are the Warning Signs of Quiet Quitting?
The warning signs of quiet quitting can include an employee who is disengaging from their work, exhibiting signs of burnout, and who is no longer putting in the extra effort they used to. Knowing the warning signs is the first step to preventing your employees from engaging in quiet quitting.
If you notice any of these warning signs in your employees, you must be proactive and take steps to address the issue.
How Can an Employer Prevent Their Employees from Quietly Quitting?
Employers can help prevent their employees from quietly quitting by implementing five steps:
Create a supportive and positive work environment
Creating a supportive and positive work environment prevents your employees from quitting quietly. Employers can foster a positive work environment by ensuring that their employees feel valued, that their ideas are valued, and that they are allowed to grow and develop within the company. Employees who quit their jobs state a lack of appreciation from their employers as the number one reason for leaving. Anne M. Mulcahy, the former CEO of Xerox, says that "employees are a company's greatest asset—they're your competitive advantage." You want to attract and retain the best people, to provide them with motivation and stimulation, and to make them feel like they are an essential part of the company's mission."
Encourage employees to voice their concerns and grievances
Many employees quietly quit because they feel their concerns are not being heard or addressed. Some successful ways to encourage employee feedback include regular one-on-one meetings, anonymous surveys, and focus groups. One employer that has been successful in encouraging employee feedback is Google. They have an "open-door policy" which allows employees to voice their concerns to their managers without fear of retribution. Encouraging your employees to voice their concerns helps them feel valued and appreciated and will help you identify any potential issues before they lead to quiet quitting.
Keep your employees engaged and motivated
Participating in regular training sessions about employee engagement and morale will help your employees understand the importance of their work and how it contributes to the company's overall success. Conducting an annual or semi-annual company-wide employee engagement survey can also help identify any potential issues. Cascading the survey results to employees and holding yourself accountable will help ensure they know their voices are being heard. LinkedIn is an excellent example of a company that has successfully trained its employees about the importance of employee engagement. The company offers an annual "Engagement & Retention" course to all employees that cover the importance of employee engagement, building and maintaining engaged teams, and how to spot the signs of disengagement.
Help employees discover their hidden talents
Sometimes, employees quietly quit because they feel their talents are underutilized. Helping your employees discover their hidden talents at work can prevent them from feeling frustrated. Focusing on the 20% that makes your employees happy will help them with the 80% they know they must do to be successful. It may seem counterintuitive, but making your employees happier at work will make them more productive. One organization that has been successful in helping its employees discover their hidden talents is Zappos. The company focuses on hiring for "fit" and then trains its employees on the company's culture and values. This helps ensure that each employee is in a role they are passionate about and will succeed.
Maintain a communication line with employees
Open and honest communication is vital in preventing your employees from quietly quitting. Employers should make themselves available to their employees and encourage them to come to them with any concerns. Additionally, employers should keep employees updated on company news and developments. A company that truly understands this is REI. The company has a "Leadership at REI" blog written by senior leaders and covers a wide range of topics, from the company's strategy to its environmental initiatives. This helps employees feel connected to the company's mission and know its direction. Providing that your employees feel informed and involved will help prevent them from feeling like they are in the dark and make them more likely to stick around.
Conclusion
Employees are more committed to a work-life balance these days and are less likely to tolerate an unhealthy workplace culture. If your employees feel their concerns are not being heard or addressed, they will be more likely to quit quietly. Encouraging employee feedback, participating in regular training sessions about the importance of employee engagement and morale, helping employees discover their hidden talents, and maintaining a communication line with employees are all great ways to prevent them from quietly quitting. By taking these steps, you can create a workplace culture conducive to employee retention and engagement.
