6 signs an employee is about to quit (and what you can do about it)

Sometimes, an employee can seem to quit their job out of nowhere. But, if you look closely, the writing is often on the wall that an employee is about to leave.

This article looks at the signals employees can give off just before they quit their jobs, and what you can do as an employer or manager to convince them to stay.

1. Their attitude changes

One of the first clues an employee might be thinking of quitting is that their attitude undergoes a noticeable shift. Employees who were once enthusiastic, engaged contributors, can suddenly become withdrawn or disinterested just before they leave.

That said, sometimes the change can be subtle, especially if the employee is hard to read. It may be that they’re less proactive, they start putting off meetings or avoiding tasks.

According to one McKinsey study, disengagement is a common precursor to resignation. Although disengagement doesn’t always mean an employee will resign. Perhaps disturbingly, the study found that 50% of all employees in large organisations were disengaged and 10% of these wanted to quit.

2. Productivity begins to drop

Disengagement is almost always accompanied by a drop in productivity.

When an employee is contemplating their next move, they usually stop putting in the same effort as before. Telltale signs can be things like missed deadlines, incomplete tasks and a general lack of focus.

That said, a drop in performance might not always signal disengagement—it could also point to burnout, personal challenges or issues within the team. Again, by communicating openly and checking in with employees you should be able to get a better understanding of where the issues may lie.

3. They start taking more days off

A rise in absenteeism is another common sign someone is about to walk. Employees planning their exit might be even using this time away from your workplace to attend job interviews or to deal with the logistics of transitioning to a new role.

According to one Gallup study, disengaged employees take 37% more sick days than their engaged counterparts. While there can obviously be very legitimate reasons for taking time off, it’s often a good idea to have an informal check to make sure everything is okay.

4. They start complaining and nitpicking

When employees become dissatisfied or want to leave, they can also become more vocal about what’s bothering them.

That means complaints about company policies, management or workloads might increase. Some employees might also start nitpicking small issues that they would have overlooked in the past. This could be a sign that they’re mentally weighing up their reasons for leaving.

It’s important to listen to these grievances carefully. While they may indicate that someone is planning to quit, they could actually reveal broader issues within the team or workplace.

5. They stop communicating altogether

On the flip side, if an employee has genuinely checked out, they’re just as likely to go quiet as air their frustrations. If someone who typically offers ideas, feedback or concerns suddenly stops speaking up, it could be a sign they’ve disengaged.

When employees stop providing feedback—positive or negative—it often means they’re no longer invested in the organisation’s success: they’re simply waiting for the right moment to leave.

6. Social media changes

Finally, an employee’s social media activity can sometimes provide clues too. Employees planning to quit may start updating their LinkedIn profiles, connecting with recruiters or even interacting with your competitors.

Changes to job title, profile picture or status updates can be subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signs they’re seeking new opportunities.

While it’s essential you respect your employees’ privacy, observing these changes can help you anticipate turnover.

What to do if you think an employee will leave soon

If you suspect an employee is about to leave, it’s time to evaluate the situation and decide on the best course of action.

Here are our tips for what to do if an employee looks like quitting.

Ask whether you should let the employee leave?

Before taking any action, consider whether you want the employee to stay. Staff retention is often something employers pay enormous attention to, given hiring and training replacements can be costly and time-consuming. However, some level of staff turnover is actually healthy and, if someone no longer wants work for you, forcing them to stay can hurt the whole team’s morale and productivity.

Is it worth trying to keep an employee who’s checked out?

Not every disengaged employee is beyond saving. Sometimes, external factors like personal stress or temporary dissatisfaction can make a good employee seem less committed.

A frank conversation can help uncover the root cause and determine if their concerns can be addressed.

On the other hand, if the employee has mentally moved on and their performance is declining, it might be better to let them go. It’s up to you as  manager to weigh up the impact their disengagement might have on the rest of the team, and then decide the best course of action.

What to do when you notice an employee wants to leave

When you notice signs of disengagement, open a dialogue. Ask the employee how they’re feeling about their role and whether there’s anything you can do to support them.

Be prepared to listen—you might uncover problems you weren’t aware of or find ways to improve their experience.

If the employee confirms they’re considering leaving, discuss ways to make the transition smoother for both parties. That might involve helping them exit gracefully or finding a way to re-engage them.

While some turnover is inevitable, understanding the warning signs can help you reduce its impact and retain top talent when it matters most.

In the end, the goal is to create an environment where employees feel valued and supported.

Want more information on staff retention?

If you’d like to know about how to build a great staff retention program in your business, get in touch with our team of expert HR consultants.