Stay or Go? Find Out What Attracts And Retains Talented Employees

Are you feeling the Monday blues? It happens when, on Sunday night, you dread coming to work. You think about the five days you must endure and muscle through until the subsequent weekend. It's a painful and exhausting cycle. 

Work isn't always a walk in the park. As you may have experienced some time in your career, some days or weeks are better than others. It's perfectly normal. However, languishing in a vortex of avolition and dispiritedness may be a sign to seek greener, more satisfying pastures. So, should you stay or should you #SEEKBetter?

Think about it: do you constantly discuss your challenges at work with your family members, friends, or even co-workers? Do you feel that you don’t have enough support to grow in your career? Before you hand in your notice, understand the finer points about why valuable employees, such as yourself, quit – and what employers could have done to retain talent. Realising these details may help you find a more gratifying role in your next job.

Why Do Employees Quit?

Employers need to do better regarding attracting and retaining talented employees. After all, JobStreet’s latest Future of Recruitment report reveals that 74% of Singaporean employees are approached with job offers multiple times a year. To add, the Great Resignation has inspired employees to quit their jobs and find the roles that best work for them, and in this current setting, many employees know what they want in a role. 

According to a Prudential poll, one in two people who resigned during the Great Resignation did so because they no longer felt engaged at work, while one-third changed jobs because of a toxic work environment or to prioritise their mental health.

The Future of Recruitment report confirms these results. The study, a collaboration with The Network and the Boston Consulting Group, highlights what Singaporean employees value most when it comes to a job. Seventy-one per cent – the highest in all surveyed countries – said that they are looking for a stable career with a good work-life balance so they can have time for family, friends, and hobbies. 

Aside from work-life balance, which Singaporean workers ranked second, they also value financial compensation (first) and having good relationships with their superiors (third).

Moreover, Singaporean workers generally understand they are in demand in their industries. Seventy-four per cent reveals they receive job offers multiple times a year – with 62 per cent believing they have a strong position when it comes to negotiations.

Truly, Singaporeans know what they want in their professional life – and they know there is a likelihood that the right offer would come along.

Staying or Leaving Work: When Is It Time?

So if the thought of jumping ship has crossed your mind, you are certainly not alone. Staying in a job you are unhappy with can lead to common workplace issues, such as burnout and poor mental health, which can spill over into your personal life. 

Yes, a job that no longer brings you joy or meaning may adversely affect your relationships and living situation. You may be carrying out your frustrations at work at home. Or, because you have quiet-quit, your career growth gets stunted, which may affect any other potential opportunity and even your lifestyle.

A study published in the Journal of Organisational Behaviour finds that defining your “work passion” can help you understand how you feel about your job, how committed you are to your occupation, and how well you perform. It can help you further assess your career to understand if you are still where you should be. After all, if you believe your job meets your needs and wants, then you would approach it more positively.

That said, while you may have misgivings about your current situation at work, perhaps all is not lost yet. After all, changing jobs is a huge move, and it comes with challenges and adjustments that may also impact your personal life. So when do you know when you need time off and a serious talk with your line manager or to move on?

It may be wise for you to reflect on why you’re considering it and whether it’s the right call for you. What are your motivations for considering a career move?

Six key factors influence your job satisfaction and happiness at work. Evaluating your situation against these aspects will help you determine whether you need to change jobs or whether you’ll be fine staying put for the moment.

Should You Stay or Should You Go: A Checklist

Wondering if you can still find positives in your current role or if it’s time to look for other opportunities? This checklist will help you decide.

Your current job offers you a competitive salary and package – you know you can get more.

While job opportunities are all around, having a good salary and compensation package at your company can be hard to beat – more so when you know you have room to leverage for a raise. It’s not just about the money, either: does the package include benefits that look after your welfare? Do you have ample health insurance or paid time off? However, bear in mind that no amount of money is worth sacrificing your well-being for. 

It's good if you have a well-rounded compensation package that pays you well and keeps your health in mind. It not only enables your financial freedom but allows you to work towards work-life balance.

You are surrounded by colleagues that inspire you to work and challenge your boundaries.

Perhaps there are one or two people in the workplace you don’t particularly enjoy working with. Yes, it can be a hassle. However, a few bad eggs shouldn’t cast doubt on the entire workplace. Don't overlook good colleagues, inspiring leadership, and a conducive working environment. 

Be discerning when it comes to finding this balance, however. Does the colleague in question work directly with you? Ask yourself why you don't get along – is it a clash in personalities or a project gone awry? Pick your battles and assess if the reason is something you can let go of and move on from. 

However, have a serious talk with your superior if the colleague you dislike seriously interferes with your ability to perform at work and even feel comfortable.

Do you fit in with the company's corporate culture?

Do your values and beliefs match the company’s working style and management culture? These days, employees thrive better in work environments that reflect their values – and not just on paper. Does the company fester office politics and unpleasant behaviour that does not bode well with you? Consider that a red flag.

Are you sufficiently motivated and challenged by your current job scope?

Feeling lackadaisical at work could influence your overall job satisfaction. If this is the case, what about volunteering to take on more responsibilities or initiating new projects? Impress your boss with your skills and competence. It may pave the way for a promotion or pay raise.

That said, if you feel you've gone as far as you possibly can, then it would be understandable to consider a career move. However, if you have not discussed your predicament with your supervisor, then you might want to schedule that conversation. If your employer values your contribution and wants to retain your talents, they will probably do their best to facilitate your career progression.

Learning all this may help you realise what you want in a new role that your old job just can’t deliver. Explain your reasons during your exit interview so your soon-to-be-ex HR might do more when it comes to attracting or retaining talented employees such as yourself.

Ready to cut the cord? Visit JobStreet and update your profile so the right hirers can find you. For more expert insights about work, visit JobStreet’s Career Resources section. Get the app, available on App Store and Google Play, for easier access.