According to new data, quitting can spread in an organization. After one person resigns, the team members left behind are more likely to follow suit. In fact, when one member of a team quits, their colleagues are 9.1% more likely to do so as well, and they usually quit within 135 days of the first resignation.
If a team member is fired or forced to resign, their colleagues are 7.7% more likely to follow suit within 105 days. Interestingly, the larger the team, the more likely people are to quit after the first resignation/firing. In fact, in teams of 6-10 people, turnover is 14.6% more likely to be contagious.
To stop the quitting contagion, managers should watch for signs such as decreased productivity. They also should have career conversations and provide opportunities for team members to meet their goals and opportunities for career advancement.
