Hi friends !
Indeed atrition is the pain in neck now a days. However, more I think about why people leave a job, more I feel it is about our basic instints.
I have talked to people who leave jobs (personally as well as officially), I have talked to people who join organisation and I have had reactions of people who appear for interviews (Why do you want to leave your present employment? :) )
Further, I have personally have had 3 employments in my 6.5 years career.
I feel leaving a job is based on our basic instincts - "Fight or Fly".
In complex organisational environment we face so many situations which we feel are hostile to us. And in hostile situation we animals (including social animals) tend to react by "fighting and flying".
Animals infact prefer avoiding fight as far as possible but opt it as last option for self defence. The first option is flying. Even when fight is opted, one constantly keeps looking for a way to escape (fly). And as soon as an opportunity to escape / fly is there, it is opted, leaving the fight unfinished.
I have seen reasons like better pay, job satisfaction, career opportunities being discussed.
However, most cases I have seen are flying away from pressure due to high expectations and fear of not meeting them. The hostile perceived situations are reacted with fight or fly. Job responsibilities are becoming ever complex.
Once a Manager told me, "In organisations you will come across situations which are not as per our expectations, situations in which we are uncomfortable. We can accept them or change them or go away." The first is easy but does not guarrantee a permanent solution. We may feel discomfort even after accepting it. Our mind does not allow us to accept it. Changing the situation is very difficult. It is painstaking and emotionally drenching. It needs time, patience and courage. Very few opt for this. The easiest is to go away from situation. Which most people do."
In present situation where there are so many opportunities to "escape / fly" in form of job opportunities, very seldom people opt for "fighting and changing' the situation.
I know this is a debatable issue and would like to have your views, arguments. Also if someone throws some light on how to make people not perceive situations as hostile will be appreciated.
Regards,
- Hiten