Catch the Early Signs of Employee's Dissatisfaction
It is quite common that dissatisfied employees, who feel their well-being is at risk leave companies. As discussed earlier, the reasons vary widely. However, it is also expected that employees do not just instantly quit once they feel dissatisfied.
Most employees will stay for some time as their resentment grows. Sometimes out of hope that things would get better, while at other times quite the contrary. It’s out of loss of hope, yet they try to adapt. However, we can try to catch the early signs of employees’ dissatisfaction and low well-being.
Early Sign 1: Poor Quality Work
Employees who are used to submitting work with high quality might suddenly start handing in work that’s not up to the standards. This should be a tell-tale sign. The poor quality could reflect interest that’s no longer there. Maybe the employee has been doing this job for some time and has lost interest. Or perhaps they could be suffering something physical such as poor eyesight. The reasons might vary. However, it is a sign that requires intervention from management through discussion and openness.
Early Sign 2: Missed Deadlines
Another vital tell-tale sign is missed due dates and deadlines. Employees who are usually committed to submitting their work on time would raise a red flag when they frequently start missing deadlines. Commitment is a value for those employees. Therefore, missing deadlines tells a lot. Maybe they are overloaded with work. Maybe the deadlines need review. Or the employee might no longer be engaged. Regardless of the reasons, it’s time to have an honest talk with them and understand what’s going on before it’s too late.
Early Sign 3: Frequent Absenteeism
You might start noticing employees reporting sick leaves frequently or simply taking lots of vacations. We are not implying that employees should not take holidays or days off. We mean high and frequent days off or calling in sick. Either the employee has a sudden sickness that requires medical intervention, or maybe something is going on at home, and it might also be that the employee is fed-up and getting ready to exit. All reasons might be valid times for a talk before they walk out the door.
Early Sign 4: Away from Desk Most of the Time
Employees wandering around the office finding numerous reasons to walk and stroll around the office might be bored of their jobs. They might lack purpose. Wandering around most of the day is a tell-tale sign of disengagement. It’s time to review their reasons and validate whether they have the right or not.
Early Sign 5: Withdrawn
Employees who seem sucked up in their world for long periods might be suffering from something personal, or it might be about their job. This is a definite sign something is not quite right.
Early sign 6: Lack of Initiative
Know that employee who is full of energy; always has a new initiative. Reports areas of improvement? Once they stop taking action and seem sulking and down is a downright sign things are not well. Don’t wait! Talk and initiate!
Early Sign 7: Complaining
Suddenly that quiet employee starts complaining. Their complaints stem from the job, low pay, and unhelpful colleagues, even you! Well, they might not be fully wrong. It might be pent-up anger, stress, and dissatisfaction. It’s a red flag that needs attention.
1Forbes, 8 Apr 2019, How to catch employee dissatisfaction in time to salvage their engagement, Accessed 4 Dec 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2019/04/08/how-to-catch-employee-dissatisfaction-in-time-to-salvage-their-engagement/?sh=3b2c42bc35b5
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