by Donna Hamlin

Created on: March 07, 2009

In this economic market today, most employees talk about how grateful they are to have their job, even if they don't like it! Nevertheless, people do keep their eyes and ears open for opportunities which better suit their dreams. After two decades of looking at employee satisfaction studies, conducting employee "exit interviews" and negotiating ways to keep key employees who have become disgruntled and "loose in the saddle", here are the reasons I find employees are vulnerable to leave.

1. They feel the organization's mission and purpose has become muddy, lost or unclear. As a result, they don't feel they are doing work that is important anymore. If they identify with the goal of the organization, and believe their colleagues have the same high standards about how to achieve it - they develop deep, long-term commitments to reaching the goal.

2. Their role is unclear. Employees want to know their responsibilities, the expectations which are set for them and how they are doing. If communication about this is not both clear and candid, they become frustrated.

3. They do not believe their voice counts. If a work culture is biased and only certain people's ideas or opinions matter, employees decide to find where they will be valued more.

4. The company cannot or does not provide the tools and resources to do the job right. Trying to do work without the resources becomes "mission impossible" and employees don't like to hand their reputations on projects that are doomed to underdeliver.

5. They do not get recognized for jobs well done, personal contributions made or willingness to help above and beyond the call of duty.

6. The organization does not pay attention to their personal development and goals to grow professionally. If an organization does not offer formal or informal chances for employees to develop new skills and have new experiences, work can become stale. A balance of old and the new that keeps people engaged. A supervisor or key manager who checks in on them and coaches them lets them know they are valued.

7. They don't like their boss. Employees who respect and value a good boss will stay loyal and committed. If they disrespect the boss, they move out and on.

8. They don't have a chance to shine. Employees generally want to be proud of their work. If they don't have the chance to do work they are proud of, they will find another way to show they can do great work.

9. They don't like the people. People look for friends and mates with whom they enjoy working.

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