Driven by a stagnating labor market and growing fears around job security, workers are now clinging to roles they’ve outgrown. And just like how people stay in unfulfilling romantic relationships (allowing resentment to build so that when the inevitable breakup happens, they’re already over it and ready to move on), this trend is seeing workers doing the same in the jobs they’re currently stuck in.
And it’s leading to a sort of cabin fever at the workplace. “As workers move down the scale toward disliking or even hating their jobs, they become more disengaged and demotivated,” Rosencrans warned. “No one feels motivated to perform at a high level when there’s a job, company, or manager they’re not excited about—or especially one they strongly dislike.”
Toxic relationship habits are shaking up the workforce
Similar to a bad date, they’re not showing up for job interviews without as much as a phone call.
One of the best ways employers could turn it around is by proactively asking young staff members what they can do to help.
“If a manager or HR team senses this is occurring, it’s important for them to step in and try to find the root of the issue,” Rosencrans said. “Setting up a one-to-one meeting to get a pulse check on the employee is an important first step.”
“They should ask that person directly how they’re feeling, what they’d like to work on that’s different, their ideas for making the team culture more exciting or rewarding, and their ideas for what they can do to create a better support system,” she added. “From there, the manager has actionable insights and must act more than just listen.”
Even when budgets are tight and hiring isn’t a focus, Rosencrans stressed that companies should still be putting an emphasis on workplace experience. “Not only does this lead to better engagement, but it also creates happier and more loyal employees for the long-term.”
