Do you have an amazing real estate employee you’d hate to see go? Discover the warning signs that reveal she or he, is possibly about to quit.
1. Change In Routine
People are creatures of habit who tend to follow a regular routine and mingle with the same social groups. Therefore, if your star employee starts altering their habits, the times they show up and leave, or detach themselves from friends in the workplace, this could be a sign they’re ready to move on.
2. Not Taking Up New Opportunities
If your usual “go-getter” is no longer volunteering new ideas and initiatives, then this is a red flag. If they’re usually the one taking the lead in meetings and proactively leading projects and are now sitting back to let others jump in, this is definitely a warning sign that they may burnt out or overwhelmed, or worse, don’t see themselves as part of the team for much longer.
3. Attitude Change
If you or their work colleagues notice a shift in their attitude, it’s time to sit up and take notice. Dissatisfied employees will often drop hints they’re unhappy or wanting to make a change. It’s not until after that person is gone, that you may look back and remember that there were hints of their impending departure. Don’t ignore these signs and address any issues that need resolving.
4. Equipment & Email Changes
If a staff member suddenly switches to using their personal email account for communicating with clients, or begin working from a personal laptop, instead of the company computer, then it’s possible they’re hiding correspondence because they’re planning to leave. Worse, they could also be soliciting clients in preparation for their new role.
5. No Talk Of The Future
An engaged employee is usually not only focused on their day-to-day responsibilities, but also motivated about ‘what’s next’ for the company - such as new listings, new clients, and new projects for the team etc.
If one of your top performers isn’t talking about anything except what’s happening that day or week, then it may be a clue they know they won’t be around a few months from now.
6. Not Fighting Back
When people check out, their work starts to matter less to them. Even if you don’t see a change in their quality of work, you may still notice a lack of passion for what they do. Your once strongly opinionated and energetic star, who normally challenges your constructive criticism, is now silently taking your feedback without a single objection.
People who feel invested in a company are more motivated to assert their point of view, even if involves some conflict. People with one foot already out the door, can no longer be bothered.
7. Declining Listings & Results
If the volumes from your best performer starts dropping for no obvious reason, you may be dealing with an employee who is no longer inspired to work for you.
It may take a little detective work, but keeping tabs on missed opportunities or results, can be a clue that they’ve lost their drive to perform, or they’re tidying up loose ends ready to jump ship.
8. Increased Sick Leave & Vacations
If your best employee is not usually the type to take a sick day here and there, and that suddenly changes, then they may well be using their sick days for attending interviews.
Similarly, if they start to request additional holiday days for stress leave, or regular time out, then this could be a warning that their current position is taking its toll.
Finally, remember, that sometimes even the best employees must move on. So, if your best employee really wants to leave, then you may have no choice but to let them go.
However, a good leader will keep an open relationship with their staff and try to understand what makes them tick. What motivates them. Some employees are motivated by money or ego, where others are looking for a nurturing culture and strong leadership skills from their managers. Some may want a mentor with ongoing professional development and training throughout their employment. Everyone is different and it’s all about communication.
Show your employee’s that you're interested in what they have to offer. Be the kind of leader that inspires them. Show them you care about them and their future. For many, this will go a long long way.