5 Signs I Have Lost My Employees

Keeping your employees engaged in their work while also maintaining their respect can be a tricky balance. The success of any small business is dependent upon employees.

Therefore, it’s essential to be able to identify the  signs that indicate you’re losing your employees so you can take swift steps to fix the problems.

1. Your Employees Consider it a Job and Not a Career

If your employees view their position as a job instead of career, they’re not likely to be invested in their work. Instead, they’re more likely to watch the clock and dream about a better job down the road.

Provide your employees with a decent wage and benefits that will help them see their position doesn’t need to be temporary. Provide opportunities for advancement based on their merit. Encourage them to strive for new positions when they qualify for advancement.

2. Your Employees Don’t See the Big Picture

When employees don’t see the overall picture of the business it can be hard for them to really be excited about their work. They’re also not likely to understand the decisions you make when they’re only seeing things from their perspective.

Provide employees with information about how the business operates at other levels. Help them see that there are policies and procedures that need to be put into place to help the business operate as a whole.

Obviously, you don’t need to tell your employees everything about your business. However, giving them an ample amount of information can help them be more accepting of changes and of policies that may be less favorable to them.

3. Your Employees Don’t Feel Valued

When employees don’t feel valued, they’re not likely to be very productive. They’re also not likely to offer their input about projects or ideas as they may feel you don’t care.

Help employees find ways to contribute to the business and show them that you value their work, ideas and input. Show respect, praise their efforts and make it clear that you want to hear what they have to say.

4. Your Employees Aren’t Able to be Creative

Bored employees are likely to be negative and less productive. If you micromanage everything they do, they’re likely to bore quickly and feel frustrated.

Provide employees with opportunities to be creative. Give them some freedom to make decisions on their own and chances to spark new ideas. Show an openness to change as well.

5. Your Employees Don’t Feel Like Part of the Team

When employees don’t feel like they’re part of the team, you’re likely to lose them. They’ll likely feel isolated and won’t trust that you are glad they’re working for you.

Show your employees that their contribution matters and that their unique skills and talents help drive the success of your business. Help your employees see how their specific contribution matches up with the goals of your business.

If you feel like you’re losing your employees take action now to win them back. The sooner you mitigate damage, the more successful you’ll be at improving your retention rates.