Why do talented people walk? Most often, it’s not because they loathe their company or even despise their work. According to studies done by Accenture/ICR, Ranstad Work Watch and Florida State University, the four top reasons talented employees cite for leaving all relate to how they are treated at work:

1. Their boss is a jerk. Many respondents reported that their supervisor gave them the silent treatment sometime in the past year.
2. Lack of empowerment. It turns out many employees don’t want to work less and have other people take the heat. In fact, 31% of respondents would like more responsibility at work, and would like to have more influence and impact on decisions.
3. Internal politics. Many companies don’t have great systems for internal career advancement, and, often, rising stars have to look elsewhere to move up in their careers.
4. Lack of employee recognition. Employees feel like they work hard and don’t get thanked for the effort they expend. Without recognition, they’ll resent the hard work and burn out fast.

So how do you get these talented employees to stick around?

1. Constant communication and feedback. There is never a guarantee that your employees’ personalities and work styles will mesh with your own. But frequent communication, clearly articulated goals and expectations, and constant feedback will improve your relationships with your staff and help them feel that you’re on their side.
2. Keeping employees looped in on company goals. Connecting an employee’s everyday work to high-level goals will keep them excited about work and help them feel they’re contributing to the bigger picture. Employee engagement begins at the top, and if everyone in the company knows what they’re working towards, everyone will be happier.
3. Recognizing and rewarding your stars. As a manager, it’s your job to recognize and reward your employees. Thank them for a job well done or staying after hours to finish up a big project. Rewards don’t need to be financial – even recognizing them in front of others or taking them for lunch helps raise an employee’s self-esteem, will inspire them to be more productive.

Here is the Center for Management & Organization Effectiveness’ awesome infographic on 5 Reasons Why Top Talent Leave Their Jobs:

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