
The last few years have been plagued by corporate controversies. Almost every month, there’s another breaking headline that leads to a CEO resigning or employees being let go. As for the employees left behind, they’re faced with a serious question: should I stay, or should I go?
In fact, an ongoing survey from Officevibe found that 15 percent of employees don’t see themselves with their current company next year.
The medical sales world isn’t exempt from these types of controversies. As a sales rep, it’s important to know when it’s worth sticking it out and when things will only get worse. Here are four signs it’s time to move on to the next opportunity:
1. Leadership is frequently turning over
After a scandal, it’s understandable that responsible leaders need to leave the organization. This re-establishes accountability in the company. But if leader after leader is replaced, something more is going on.
Company culture and values start at the top If there’s a new person at the helm every other month, then it won’t be long before there’s confusion about what the organization stands for. Without a clear company mission, it’s difficult to stay invested at work.
Given the chance to meet with new leaders, ask about their vision for the company. Hearing how they define the organization in their own words will help you see where the team is heading.
If what they say doesn’t resonate with your professional goals or beliefs, then it’s time to look for a better employment match.
2. Promises are broken
In times of change, it’s understandable for plans to fall through. But when managers and leaders are constantly saying one thing and doing another, it’s a huge red flag. It shows that transparency is no longer an organizational priority.
For employees, this is a deal-breaker. In fact, the aforementioned Officevibe survey found that one in five employees feel their managers aren’t transparent. This leaves employees without an honest touchstone to guide them.
Pay attention to how a lack of transparency and follow-through is affecting your day-to-day work. Are you constantly having to redo work because of change? Do you have access to all the information you need to succeed? Can you trust that your hard work will receive credit?
If the answers are no, then your company is currently too far gone to fulfill your needs.
3. The majority of employees are unhappy
A workplace is a community. What hurts one co-worker likely impacts another. So, if most of your team is unhappy, it’s only a matter of time before the negativity begins to affect you. And that’s not a healthy work environment.
Also, hearing your co-workers’ feelings on the situation can help give you perspective. In fact, the Officevibe survey found that 82 percent of employees value their co-workers’ opinions and input. It helps them see whether their own worries are valid or just a reaction to stress.
Try reaching out to a variety of your teammates to gauge how they’re feeling. Don’t just rely on your closest friends in the office because they’re more likely to just repeat what you say.
Hearing what different people from different departments think will help you form a more complete picture of the status of the organization. With that information, you can make a more educated decision for yourself.
4. Your instincts won’t quiet down
Sometimes you react from a place of fear. After hearing there’s been a big controversy, you immediately feel the need to run. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you in the long run. Other times, your gut keeps telling you, day after day, that something is wrong.
If you’re going into work every morning feeling like something is off, respect your instinct. This doesn’t mean you need to quit right then and there. However, it is a smart time to start looking for a new job. This way, if things do get worse, you have an exit plan in motion.
After a company controversy, it can be difficult to know what to do next. While it’s important to be loyal, you don’t want to go down with a sinking ship. By looking for these signs, you can make a better decision about when it’s time to move on.
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What are some more signs that it’s time to leave after a company controversy? Share in the comments.