Aug 25, 2021
Why good employees leave?
The new version.
Everyone knows the reason good employees leave an organization.
They leave not because of the organization. They leave not because of bad bosses. They leave not because of toxic or hostile work environment either. They leave because bad bosses. toxic and / or hostile work environment affect their mental health and well-being.
I have had the experience of leaving an organization despite loving the job. The pull factor was great — better remuneration with a larger portfolio. I could not wait to dive straight in and face the challenges of the new job.
The push factor was even greater — toxic bosses and a toxic environment to work in. I could not wait to get out. I was not alone. The attrition rate was at an all-time high. Many left, seeking greener pastures elsewhere. I do not think it was for the money. More for mental health. There were some who joined but did not even last a week.
Not all employees work for survival or security. Many are like me. We want a sense of belonging — be part of something bigger and be an important member of an organization. We want to be recognized for our work and contribution to the organization. We joined with high enthusiasm, full of fire and we left with the fire extinguished.
I recalled during my interview, I was asked, “what would make me leave the company?” “Bad leadership”, was the answer. I got what I answered.
If you find yourself in an organization that permits toxic leadership, start planning your exit strategy — Roderic Yapp
I did exactly that. Now, as I looked back at those who stayed, I empathized with those who wanted to leave but could not. They did not managed to secure jobs elsewhere. Hence, stayed for security reasons. To those “Yes” men and women, I pity them. They are survivors and all organizations have such people. Their only role in the organization is to endorse everything the boss says. Cowards, I would called them as they could not even stand up for what they believed in.
Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so that they don’t want to — Richard Branson
I am compelled to create this new version of Branson’s quote, given the experience I had with this previous organization:
Don’t train people so they leave, treat them like dirt so that they leave faster — Gerald Lee
Brutal assessment? Yes, it is the brutal truth too.
