In today’s workforce, ghosting has become an increasingly prevalent concern for employers. Ghosting occurs when candidates or employees avoid difficult conversations by going silent or disappearing without notice. This can have detrimental effects on the workplace, such as the loss of time, effort, and resources. Employers need to understand the underlying reasons why ghosting occurs and take proactive steps to minimize it.

Jump in Front of the Rising Trend of Ghosting

Recent statistics show very real and serious implications on hiring efforts:

• 28% of job seekers admitted in 2021 to ghosting an employer – an increase from 18% in 2019
• 76% of employers reported being ghosted by job seekers in just one year!
• 54% of those who had admitted to ghosting experienced repercussions due their actions – significantly higher than the 6% reported facing consequences at this time two years before
• 25 percent of employers even revealed that newly hired staff members didn’t even show on their first day at work.

Examples of Ways that Employees may choose to ignore their Employer

New behaviors in the workplace are an emerging issue that can take on different forms. Let’s explore a few examples of workplace ghosting:

1. Failure to appear for scheduled interviews: Candidates sometimes skip interviews without providing prior notice or any explanation.
2. Not showing up on the first day of work: Employers often find themselves in a challenging position when new hires choose not to attend their first day on the job.
3. Resigning without providing prior notice: Employees may abruptly cease attending work without providing prior notice, often evading their employer’s efforts to contact them.
4. Disregarding communication. Employers or employees may choose to disregard emails, phone calls, or other forms of communication without offering any explanation.

Ghosting is a common occurrence to evade conflict or uncomfortable situations, often arising from social anxiety, burnout, or simply carelessness.

Uncover 4 Reasons Behind Ghosting in the Workplace

The first reason is to avoid conflict or awkward situations. This may stem from social anxiety, burnout, or carelessness. Individuals who struggle with these issues may find it difficult to confront uncomfortable situations.

The second reason is the pursuit of pleasure. This follows Sigmund Freud’s pleasure principle, where people seek pleasure and avoid pain. The moment they feel discomfort, they abandon interaction.

The third reason is anger or dissatisfaction. Employees might ghost their employers because they are unhappy with something that happened at work, such as the way their employer handled a situation.

The fourth reason is communication failures. Miscommunication during the hiring process or at work can cause frustration for both companies and candidates, leading to ghosting.

No more ghosting: Take proactive steps now!

Firstly, improving communication during the hiring process ensures clarity and manages expectations. When expectations are clear beforehand, candidates will have a better understanding of what is expected of them.

Secondly, fostering a positive work environment that encourages open dialogue and addresses employee concerns can promote healthy communication. Employees should feel comfortable enough to discuss concerns they have, and employers should listen and address them.

Thirdly, employers can be proactive in addressing potential issues and conflicts. By addressing conflicts before they become a problem, employers can prevent employees from feeling the need to ghost.

Finally, offering support and resources for employees dealing with social anxiety or burnout can help prevent ghosting overall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ghosting in the workplace is an increasing concern for employers. To minimize the effects of ghosting, it’s essential to understand why it occurs, as well as taking proactive steps to prevent it. Employers can improve communication during the hiring process, foster a positive work environment, address potential issues and conflicts proactively, and offer support and resources to prevent employees from feeling the need to ghost. By taking these steps, employers can promote healthy communication as well as increase overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Source List

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/risks-ghosting-candidates-how-can-tarnish-your-employer
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-danger-ghosting-job-youve-accepted-get-hired-by-linkedin-news
• https://www.biospace.com/article/how-ghosting-can-single-handedly-ruin-your-professional-reputation-/
• https://www.shiftbase.com/blog/ghosting-job-applicants
• https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220311-why-workers-and-employers-are-ghosting-each-other
• https://www.fastcompany.com/90801125/the-dramatic-rise-in-employer-ghosting-is-well-just-say-it-scary
• https://www.peoplescout.com/insights/ghosting-in-the-workplace/
• https://hbr.org/2021/05/so-you-got-ghosted-at-work
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• https://resources.workable.com/hr-terms/what-is-employee-ghosting
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• https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220311-why-workers-and-employers-are-ghosting-each-other
• https://www.fastcompany.com/90801125/the-dramatic-rise-in-employer-ghosting-is-well-just-say-it-scary
• https://www.indeed.com/lead/impact-of-covid-19-on-job-seeker-employer-ghosting
• https://www.zenefits.com/workest/ghosting-by-new-hires-is-up-heres-why-and-what-to-do-about-it/
• https://www.peoplescout.com/insights/ghosting-in-the-workplace/