How to stop people leaving after summer holidays

Posted by HR GO Recruitment on 20 Jul 2016

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What’s the peak time of year for people to grow dissatisfied with work and start yearning for pastures new?

According to research by CV-Library, 52% of workers say there’s a greater chance of them looking for a new job after a summer holiday.

This is hardly surprising. Taking time out - especially in summer - is a way to recharge physically as well as emotionally, and an escape from the normal routine brings perspective on situations or issues that might be niggling you in everyday life. That time to think and reflect means you’re more likely to make key life decisions - like hunting for a new role.

So what can you do as a manager to minimise the chances of staff returning from their annual breaks with not just a tan, but also deep dissatisfaction with their role?

Put things in place before a holiday

Do you have concerns a particular member of staff might be feeling unhappy at work? Don’t wait to do something - they may actually decide not to come back from their holiday.

Aim to have a chat with that employee before they clock off. That way, they get to address their concerns - and you’ll have a chance to put extra things in place if necessary. Booking them on a course for the autumn or scheduling a mentoring meeting on their return might change how they feel about work when they’re away, or if there are more fundamental issues you can talk about how you could tackle them together.

Let employees totally switch off

Smartphone and tablet technology have revolutionised how many of us work, and made flexible working easier than ever. But do you allow staff to totally switch off when they’re away?

As tempting as it might be to fire off a quick email asking for information you think only they have, or text an apologetic but urgent work-based request ‘just this once’, think carefully about the consequences.

The ‘always-on’ culture doesn’t just harm work-life balance at home, but equally when you’re on holiday. Plus, it gives out the signal that as a company you don’t respect employees’ time off, which can lead to added resentment when they get back to work.

Ease them back in gently

A member of staff has had their holiday and now they’re back. But if you tend to pile them high with extra tasks and projects to make up for lost time, think again.

Some 34.1% of respondents to the CV-Library study said they felt their employer puts too much pressure on them when they returned to work. And 29% of people said that the hardest part of coming back from a holiday is going into the office.

Turn it to your advantage

Knowing that employees are the most dissatisfied after a summer holiday could be music to your ears if you’re planning to recruit this summer.

But in order to persuade some top talent to join you, it’s still vital that your offering is right. At HR GO, we know everything there is about boosting your chances of attracting great staff. From crafting the best job description to knowing what salaries your rivals are paying, for example - and lots more.

Summer time is definitely a great time to advertise vacancies - so why not make the most of this key season to help your business thrive?