ANDERSON – Leaving a job, whether voluntary or not, can often leave people regretting their decision to leave.
Nearly a quarter of more than 1,000 professionals polled in a study created in conjunction with national staffing data analyst Accountemps regretted their decision to leave a former job.
One of the biggest regrets cited by 28 percent of workers surveyed included leaving friends and colleagues behind, followed closely by regret for leaving for the wrong reasons, which was cited by 27 percent.
“Leaving one job and starting another is exciting, but it can also be a stressful decision,” said Michael Steinitz, executive director for Accountemps. “If you’re unhappy with your current role, carefully consider your options before you make a move you might regret later.”
Though regret can sometimes be unavoidable, especially when it’s because of losing friends or mentors, Steinitz offered tips for workers planning to leave.
First, exit gracefully by providing an employer ample notice of plans to leave, as well as work to offer feedback during an exit interview, which could help improve the overall workplace.
Steinitz also said to be wary of counteroffers by the employer you are leaving.
“Now that you’ve quit, don’t look back and renege on your agreement with your new employer by accepting a counteroffer,” reads the report. “It not only burns bridges, but it likely won’t resolve the original issues you had with your current job.”
According to another report by Accountemps, 62 percent of employees said having coworkers who are friends outside of the office positively affects productivity.
However, only eight percent of CFOs said they believe work friendships very positively affect productivity.
A separate survey from Robert Half, the parent company of Accountemps, found that professionals who feel they have good friends at work are 1.6 times more likely to be happy at work than those who don’t.
“You don’t need to be best friends, but having an office buddy can do a lot of good for your career,” said Steinitz. “Employees with strong work relationships are happier and have a built-in support system and sounding board when they need it.”