Question

Preventing highly valuable employees from leaving is an important strategy that cannot be ignored. It is not only the cost of losing these employees but also the loss of essential knowledge and the effect on company morale. Organizations can mitigate voluntary turnover by recognizing signs of a progression of withdrawal and taking actions to retain these individuals. Employees may show signs of job withdrawal through behavior change, physical job withdrawal, and psychological job withdrawal.

In this exercise, please read the following mini-case and answer the questions that follow.

Work had become so burdensome for Michelle that she dreaded having to show up every day. Her managers and co-workers were extremely critical and less than friendly with her. Michelle reminded herself that her position at Battelle was just a job. The most important aspects of her life were her family and her love for outdoor activities including hiking and skiing. Every chance she got, Michelle updated her resume and searched websites like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com for opportunities elsewhere that would allow her to quit her current job. In the meantime, she found herself constantly showing up late for work and taking a day or two off every other week.

Michelle had wanted to voice her concerns, but since her manager was part of the problem, she did not know whom to speak to about her issues. She eventually set up a meeting with her boss's boss, where she was able to air her grievances. He was supportive and told her he understood her concerns. Since he did not want her to leave the company, he decided to find a position in another group that Michelle could apply for, and hopefully obtain, through an internal transfer.

The series of behaviors that Michelle demonstrated to avoid her job suggests that she was experiencing ____________________.
"Grass is greener" view of employment elsewhere
- Progressive discipline
- Employee discrimination
- Progression of withdrawal

Answer 1

Michelle's behaviors, such as job searching, tardiness, and absenteeism, indicate she is experiencing a progression of withdrawal from her job due to a stressful work environment and critical colleagues.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mini-case described regarding Michelle indicates that she is experiencing a progression of withdrawal from her current job. This progression happens when employees start to emotionally and physically detach themselves from their work environment. Michelle shows signs of withdrawal by updating her resume, searching for new jobs, and avoiding time at work through tardiness and increased days off. Her case is a classic example of how stressful work conditions can lead to employees distancing themselves from the job and eventually leaving the organization.

Employers must be vigilant in recognizing these signs to retain valuable employees and maintain overall company morale. By providing a supportive environment and addressing grievances, as what ultimately happened with Michelle's superior's intervention, employers can potentially reverse the job withdrawal progression and retain their top talent.