5 Reasons Why People Resign

Tammy Harvey • April 5, 2017

Staff turnover. It’s a dreaded word, especially if it seems to be increasing at your company. But your organisation is a good place to work, isn’t it? Or so you might think… Here are five reasons why people resign.

1. Management

They say that employees don’t always leave an organisation, but often a manager. Management style is an important factor that can greatly influence employee satisfaction and subsequently, performance. On the other hand, you might find certain personalities clashing which can make it tricky territory to work in.

2. No opportunity for growth

If your workers feel like there is no space for them to grow and advance their careers, it’s likely that most will opt for moving on further down the track. Providing opportunities for this where possible is important, as well as giving tasks that will keep them engaged.

3. Lack of work-life balance

It’s something that seems to be growing in popularity and keeps popping up in the wants and needs of several of our candidates. Work-life balance has really taken off in recent years as people start to understand just how important it is. Although it is understandable that you may not be able to have someone off on a holiday every month, there may need to be a little leniency in giving your employees time off as well as understanding that life throws some curveballs sometimes!

4. Underappreciated

This is a very obvious reason why someone might not be so thrilled working with the company. If they feel underappreciated, what’s stopping them from finding a place where they do? Appraisal is important, make sure good work doesn’t go unnoticed, make sure you have regular catch ups ( or 121’s), let them know when they’re doing well.

5. Overworked

This point coincides with a lack of work-life balance, however, it is still noteworthy. Understandably, nobody likes to wake up for work with an impending sense of stress every day. That stress can roll over into personal lives, and that’s where things get messy, potentially resulting in a resignation in search for a less stressful job. Aside from the fact that people’s lives can change directions, these are just some of the reasons why you might be finding your employees keep resigning. Although not an exhaustive list, they are definitely worth looking at.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Kalinda Campbell August 7, 2025
In this legal market update, industry leaders Emma Elliott and Damian Gordon join Kalinda Campbell to explore the top pressures and opportunities shaping legal practice in 2025. From salary trends to generational shifts, they share actionable insights on how firms across Australia and New Zealand are adapting.
By Kalinda Campbell August 4, 2025
Australia's legal sector enters 2025 with high demand for experienced lawyers and legal support staff, but limited supply. Law firms are expanding, yet many remain under-resourced. This update explores the pressures driving recruitment, the role of flexible work, and what firms must offer to stand out in a tight hiring market.
By Bianca Luck July 31, 2025
Across Australia and New Zealand, finance leaders are balancing automation, flexibility, and rising pay demands. In this joint update, Leanne Allen and Chris Yam share how stable teams, upskilling, and strategic roles are redefining accounting and finance for 2025.
By Liz Punshon July 28, 2025
Australia's labour market in 2025 is marked by rising applications, fewer job vacancies, and growing uncertainty for both employers and job seekers. While it may appear to be an employer's market, challenges like irrelevant applications and low candidate reliability persist. This update breaks down the state-level trends and strategic responses shaping recruitment.
By Aiden Boast July 24, 2025
With AI reshaping content and remote teams on the rise, the marketing world is in flux. In this update, Nicole Clarke explains how marketers can stay ahead by mastering new tools, preserving quality, and adapting quickly. Discover what it takes to lead in the age of automation.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us