Employees can become disengaged for many reasons – maybe it’s because of stress, burnout, a negative culture, lack of communication or boredom. Learning how to recognise the signs of disengagement will help you support this employee and bring them back on track, for the sake of the company, the team and your employee.
They’re often absent
Frequent or unexplained absences could be a sign your employee is disengaged from their work. When we feel undervalued or bored, it can be hard to muster up the courage to turn up to work each day. Notice the patterns in their absenteeism.
There is conflict in the office
While we all strive to put our best foot forward most of the time, there are moments when our ropes have worn too thin, and we find it hard to keep things together. In these times of tension, interpersonal conflict can be rife, and your employees may become snappy and reactive towards each other. If an employee is blowing small things out of proportion or taking on a bitter tone in the workplace, this could be a sign of disengagement.
There’s a lack of collaboration
Many happy staff members cite their team as a significant support at work, but disengaged people may withdraw from collaboration, stay silent in meetings and opt out of group activities.
Their work lacks nuance and quality
Putting in the bare minimum could indicate the employee doesn’t connect with the team or isn’t interested in the task at hand. Their lack of connection means they are careless with detail and make simple mistakes – which can be a sign of disengagement especially when they produced quality work in the past.
Similarly, people who feel like the people around them undervalue their work, or who expect harsh criticism, may not see the point of putting in too much effort.
There’s an increased staff turnover
While there might not be much you can do when the employee has resigned, seeing an increase in the turnover rate should be your signal to provide support and guidance to their colleagues, who might be in similar situations.
What should you do about these signs?
To support your employee, open up the lines of communication, speak to them about their needs and reassure them that you are there to help. Listen to what they have to say without judgement and then think about what you could do to support them. Chances are, this employee wants to keep working with you; they need some support to help them flourish.
Noticed some of the warning signs in one or more of your employees? For advice on how to manage your disengaged workforce, speak to an Engage and Grow consultant. We’ll put your team on the front foot when it comes to employee engagement.