The concept of quiet quitting - in which an employee coasts along at work, doing the bare minimum of what the job requires - is definitely a hot topic in human resources circles, including at civil engineering firms. With all the change in the workplace the past several years (COVID, hybrid work, a hot labor market, etc.), it can be hard to tell if someone is quiet quitting, just struggling, or ready to resign, says Michelle Perry, a senior principal and the chief human resources officer at Walter P Moore. To help navigate these challenging times for employers and employees, Perry offers the following four observations: 1. The same behaviors that suggest someone might be quiet quitting could also apply to an employee who's experiencing burnout, disenchantment with the job, or even mental health issues. Is an employee who used to be a real go-getter no longer participating in meetings or interacting with co-workers? Did he previously volunteer for extra assignments but suddenly stopped? Is she taking off more time or disappearing for long periods? Those are questions to delve into, Perry says. Don't make assumptions; intervene early and ask questions if you notice changes in behavior.
展开▼
