Failure to Meet Employee Expectations Impacts Talent Retention

In today’s dynamic work landscape, companies must meet the expectations of their employees or risk losing them as the trend of rage applying continues to gain popularity.

Rage applying refers to the phenomenon where individuals, driven by dissatisfaction in their current jobs, engage in mass job applications, according to the World Economic Forum. Some reasons employees choose to leave their jobs are low pay, no opportunities to progress, feeling disrespected, lack of flexibility, poor benefits and burn out, as reported by the US Chamber of Commerce. 

When employees experience negative events in their current job, they tend to apply to multiple jobs. This trend resonates more with Gen Zs as many of them emerged from the pandemic with completely transformed lifestyles and career trajectories. Gen Zs and millennials have high expectations for their employers and for businesses overall, according to Deloitte.

“It is a more aggressive evolution of what frustrated team members are doing following the “quiet quitting” phenomenon. It is a more active way to respond to one’s dissatisfaction,” says Amy Zimmerman, Chief People Officer, Relay Payments, to CNBC. 

Through rage applying, employees might find themselves in roles and companies that do not align with their desires and requirements. This is due to the fast-paced hiring process where employees have limited time to make a conscious decision, according to TIMES.

To avoid resignations it is important to monitor employee turnover rates and take measures to ensure that employees feel valued. Also, employees want to feel that their leaders care about them as individuals, not just as workers. Leaders who show compassion can create a sense of community and belonging in their team, which can be critical to maintaining a positive work environment as reported by MBN. 

Other proactive measures include offering competitive salaries that align with employees' skills and qualifications. Additionally, providing benefits and perks such as flexible working hours, telecommuting options and health insurance coverage can enhance job satisfaction and retention. Eliminating unfair practices and recognizing employees' efforts through rewards and personalized gestures can demonstrate appreciation and create a sense of belonging and accomplishment, according to Alpha Sphere.