Employee ghosting
Employee ghosting, also known as “silent quitting” or “disappearing act,” refers to a situation where an employee suddenly and without explanation ceases all communication with their employer, colleagues, and sometimes even their manager. This phenomenon is characterised by the individual’s complete disappearance from work-related activities, often without providing any notice or reason for their departure.
In essence, employee ghosting involves an employee abandoning their job responsibilities, failing to report to work, and not responding to messages, emails, or phone calls from colleagues or superiors. This can cause significant disruption to the workplace, particularly if the individual was a key member of staff or held a critical role within the organisation.
Employee ghosting is often seen as a form of passive-aggressive behaviour, where the employee may be unhappy with their job, manager, or work environment but chooses not to confront these issues directly. Instead, they simply stop showing up and responding, leaving colleagues and management to wonder what has happened to them.
The term “ghosting” was originally coined in the context of dating and relationships, where someone would suddenly stop contacting a partner without explanation. However, its application to the workplace has become increasingly relevant as more employees experience burnout, dissatisfaction, or other issues that lead them to disengage from their job.
It’s worth noting that employee ghosting can have serious consequences for both the individual and the organisation. For the employee, it may damage their professional reputation and make it difficult to secure future employment. For the employer, it can result in lost productivity, increased workload for colleagues, and potentially significant financial costs due to recruitment and training of new staff.
In terms of HR management, employee ghosting requires a thoughtful and structured approach to address the situation effectively. This may involve investigating the reasons behind the employee’s disappearance, communicating with them (if possible), and implementing measures to mitigate the impact on the workplace.
AceRota’s automated shift allocation and scheduling features can help prevent employee ghosting by ensuring that staff are given a fair share of shifts, reducing the likelihood of burnout and resentment which may lead to employees dropping out without notice.
