Impact of Coworker Departures on Workloads Quiz

The Impact of Coworker Departures on Workloads

As workplaces navigate fluctuating employee turnover, the departure of colleagues can have far-reaching effects on the remaining team. One such impact is the redistribution of workloads, which can shape the experience of employees who remain and their decision to stay or leave.

The Role of Workload in Employee Turnover

Research consistently highlights that workload is a strong predictor of employee turnover. When employees experience high workload, they are more likely to consider leaving their current job or profession. This correlation is a central concern when discussing the impact of coworker departures, as the distribution of work often shifts to remaining team members.

The Departure Effect

A study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) found that the departure of employees, whether due to layoffs or voluntary resignation, can trigger further departures among their colleagues. This effect is particularly pronounced for high-performing employees, whose departure can boost turnover rates among both high and low performers.

The Great Resignation and Unsustainable Workloads

A McKinsey & Company survey found that unsustainable workloads and expectations were a leading cause of employees leaving their jobs. The departure of a coworker can exacerbate the workload of remaining team members, potentially leading to further departures if the workload becomes unsustainable.

The Importance of Support

Coworker departures can disrupt the social fabric of the workplace and negatively impact the support system for remaining employees. Supportive relationships among colleagues are crucial for mitigating the emotional exhaustion and intention to quit. When coworkers leave, the remaining team may have fewer colleagues to rely on for support, leading to increased stress and an elevated risk of turnover.

The Impact on Workplace Efficiency

Coworker departures can also negatively impact the efficiency of the workplace. When employees leave, their work must be distributed among the remaining staff, potentially leading to a short-term decrease in productivity and an increase in stress for the team.

The Consequences of High-Performer Departures

When high-performing employees depart, the workload is often distributed among the remaining team, which can exacerbate existing stressors and lead to further turnover. This effect is particularly pronounced when job security is not guaranteed, leading employees to feel undervalued and unappreciated.

In conclusion, coworker departures can have a significant impact on the workloads of remaining employees, potentially leading to increased stress, unsustainable workloads, and an elevated risk of turnover. Employers must proactively address the workload imbalances that arise from coworker departures to maintain an efficient and healthy work environment.