A candidate agrees to an interview but doesn’t show up. Another accepts a job offer but fails to arrive on the first day of work. An employee leaves the office at the end of the day per usual, but never returns. There’s no explanation, no resignation and no communication.
“Ghosting” is one social norm that made its way into the workplace, and increasingly common in today’s tight labor market. Rather than deal with confrontation and put in a two-week’s notice, employees just don’t show up, or they don’t call back to decline an extended offer if they accepted another position elsewhere.
Here are 3 things you can do to prevent future ghosts and encourage transparent communication:
Ask to Hear the Bad News
According to Amanda Bradford, founder and CEO of The League, and online dating app, “Ghosting has almost become a new vocabulary among younger generations in which no response is a response.” Now, people are carrying this dating practice into the workplace to avoid confrontation.
However, this isn’t just a millennial thing. All generations have defaulted to saying, “I don’t have to respond.” To combat this habit, be upfront with candidates and encourage courageous communication. Ask directly if they have any hesitations about the role, or if they’re considering other positions elsewhere. When you demonstrate empathy and that you understand people change their mind (and that it’s okay to do so!), the candidate will be more likely to communicate if they accept another role, and you can move on in your search.
Be a Ghostbuster
People who ghost have a short-term lens on their career. Pay attention to candidates’ motivators. What are their long-term goals, and how does your organization fit in? In addition, conduct reference checks to ensure the candidate hasn’t ghosted an employer in the past.
When possible, conduct interviews face-to-face. Pay attention to nonverbal cues like body language. Are they truly excited about the job or organization? Face-to-face communication allows you to get a tangible feel for where the potential employee stands.
Promote your Culture
With both potential employees and current ones, creating a positive work environment is key. The unemployment rate is at a low, and job seekers have options. It’s essential to focus on your organization’s culture and ensure employees love where they work for the right reasons. If interviewees or current staff sense a mismatched workplace culture, they can move on. When presented with multiple opportunities, professionals are preferring to ghost than directly say “no.” Through fostering engagement, investing in training and listening to employees’ concerns, you can prevent getting ghosted.
Need staffing support? Let us help. Get connected with us here.
