Have you heard of the term ghosting? This is the practice where someone (perhaps someone you just started dating) just simply disappears, and you never hear from them again. The term, coined by millennials, is starting to impact the workplace almost as much as Tinder.

In most places, including Utah, unemployment is the lowest it has been in decades. There are more jobs than there are skilled workers making the job market favorable for employees. With so many job opportunities, employees often feel less obliged to give the traditional two weeks’ notice before leaving their current job. Instead they simply stop showing up and then cutting off all communication, or providing only a note, email, or text about their intention to leave. Often these employees feel that if they are leaving for a better opportunity, they would rather avoid an awkward conversation with their manager than worry about burning a bridge.

This practice, while partly a result of our changing culture, communication, and views on work, may also be a symptom of some bigger issues in your workplace that may be costing you time and money. Recruiting new employees takes time and when someone just leaves, other employees have to pick up the slack, decreasing morale and overall productivity.

If you frequently see employees ghosting rather than providing a notice, it may be time to take a look at your internal management and communication practices. Here are some ideas for combating and preventing ghosting:

  1. Review your onboarding and exit management processes. These two processes need to remain simple and concise to help employees better move through the system.
  2. Encourage better relationships between managers and employees. If an employee doesn’t feel comfortable with their manager, it is easier for them to simply leave without giving notice.
  3. Cultivate a talent community focused on building lasting relationships with each employee, even if they leave your organization. These long-term professional relationships can be useful for future opportunities.

Each company is different and has its own needs. Think about ways you can make it easier for employees to join, stay, and even leave your organization. Need help? Our HR experts can help you get started.