Table of Contents
What is employee ghosting?
Employee ghosting refers to a situation where a job candidate or employee initially expresses interest in a position but suddenly and without explanation cuts off communication, fails to appear for interviews, quits without notice, or disengages from their responsibilities at work.
How common is employee ghosting in the workplace?
Employee ghosting is becoming increasingly common. Statistics show that a significant percentage of job candidates and employees have engaged in ghosting behaviour, such as not showing up for interviews or quitting abruptly without notice.
Why is job ghosting on the rise?
Several factors contribute to the rise of employee ghosting, including impersonal hiring processes, increased job market competition, and a sense of empowerment among job seekers. The reasons behind ghosting can vary but often include finding a better opportunity, feeling undervalued, or experiencing workplace issues.
What are some common examples of employee ghosting?
Employee ghosting can manifest in various ways, including candidates not appearing for interviews, new hires not showing up on their first day of work, employees quitting without warning, candidates not responding to follow-ups after interviews, and employees delivering poor-quality work before leaving.
How can employers prevent employee ghosting?
To reduce the likelihood of employee ghosting, employers can consider the following strategies:
- Build a talent community to establish relationships with potential candidates in advance.
- Improve the onboarding process to make a positive impression and engage new hires effectively.
- Avoid making overcommitments to candidates.
- Prepare an escape plan to identify and move on from unresponsive candidates.
- Be vigilant for warning signs of disengagement or dissatisfaction among current employees.
- Offer incentives based on seniority to encourage employee retention.
These strategies can help employers mitigate the risk of employee ghosting and foster stronger relationships with candidates and employees.