Today, we’re tuning into a critically important track: spotting the early signs of Disgruntled Worker Syndrome (DWS). Are you singing along to Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now,” or are you stuck in Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” when it comes to employee satisfaction?
As the great Sheryl Crow sang, “The first cut is the deepest.” Catching DWS early can prevent a small crack from becoming a full-blown workplace earthquake. So let’s sharpen our vision and look for those subtle clues.
Here are some early warning signs to keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for:
1. Changes in behavior: Is your usually chatty team member suddenly as quiet as a muted trumpet?
2. Decreased engagement: Are they skipping the team jam sessions (meetings) or contributing less?
3. Increased absenteeism: Are they calling in sick more often than a rock star on a bender?
4. Decline in work quality: Has their usual Grammy-worthy performance dropped to karaoke night levels?
Try using this phrase with your team leads: “Let’s make it a habit to notice and discuss any changes in team dynamics or individual behaviors early on. Early intervention can make a world of difference.”
Here’s a fascinating tidbit: Research shows that employees often exhibit signs of disengagement up to a year before they actually quit. That’s like having a year-long heads up before your lead guitarist leaves the band!
Remember, spotting these signs isn’t about being Big Brother. It’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued – like every instrument in a well-balanced orchestra.
