Are your employees quiet quitting? Quiet quitting is a rising trend in the workforce. All employees will have an ebb and flow to their work, but there’s a distinct difference between quiet quitting and an employee who is struggling. How do you distinguish between the two? This week we will discuss signs of a quiet quitter, how to resolve it, and why it might be an issue for your company.
Signs of Quiet Quitting
The signs of quiet quitting are similar to a disengaged employee. Quiet quitting looks like performing at the lowest level possible while still getting by. It’s about doing just enough.
Employees who are quietly quitting begin withdrawing from being engaged. You may see less of them in meetings. Where ideas once flowed, they may become reserved or even bored. They may also engage less with their coworkers and managers. They may opt out of doing extra work or stop trying to move toward things that could lead to promotions.
According to Gallup, in 2022 employee engagement plummeted to 32%. With this in mind, it can be hard to tell who is quietly quitting and who is burning out.
So What Can Be Done?
Make Communication & Accountability a Priority
The best way to tell what is happening with an employee is to communicate with them. Avoid assuming by setting up one on one meetings. Ask the employee for feedback. Communicate expectations. Set up benchmarks with employees to show what needs to be done and timelines. Show grace. If an employee is struggling, find ways to provide more training or to relieve their stress if possible. Sometimes it’s better to save a relationship with a current employee than to find a new one. However, if you discover they are quietly quitting, set deadlines with the employee to protect the company from further costs.
Be Realistic About Workload
In the age of remote work, it’s vital to create boundaries around work-life balance. Are several of your employees quietly quitting? It could be a response to a demanding environment. Let your employees know they aren’t expected to respond on their days off. Be reasonable with PTO and sick days. When employees are overwhelmed, consider hiring a temp to help with extra work. These win-win solutions will help your company avoid quiet quitters in the long run.
Adding to Your Team? PSU Can Help
PSU offers staffing solutions that work for you! From temp or contract workers to direct placement, we are North Carolina’s premiere source for hiring. Check out all of the services we offer on our FAQ page. Don’t let your employees get burnt out! Hire extra hands this summer to help. Contact our office today for more information!
