Top 5 Reasons New Hires Say They Quit Their Jobs … And They’re All Fixable

A study by software company BambooHR found that one in three people have quit a job within the first six months.

The firm surveyed 1,005 U.S. employees over the age of 24 to learn if they’d quit a job, why they quit, and what which onboarding efforts might have kept them around longer.

Here are the top five reasons U.S. workers gave for leaving new jobs:

1. Bad career move: They were deciding on a career, and didn’t like the one they’d chosen.
2. Not as advertised: The job description didn’t accurately reflect the position.
3. Boss was a jerk: Doesn’t require further explanation.
4. Insufficient training: Employee felt they were put to work without adequate tools.
5. Job was zero fun:  Work was never amusing, engaging, uplifting, inspiring – or even remotely fun.

What They Said About Onboarding Efforts

Those surveyed were also asked what onboarding efforts they wanted most in the first week. They said:

• On-the-job training
• Review of company policies
• Tour of the building/facility
• Desk/equipment set up and ready
• Being assigned a mentor

Respondents also indicated who they want showing them the ropes:

• 33% said a manager
• 28% said someone from HR
• 27% said co-workers
• 23% said a dedicated trainer
• 22% said a colleague, and
• 19% said an assigned mentor.

Other interesting finds in the survey included:

• The five things workers want employers to do differently to help them stay.
• The types of positions workers are abandoning early.
• What lousy onboarding is costing companies.