Has Your Employee Outgrown Their Role?

It can be difficult to tell when an employee has outgrown their role. After all, they were successful in the position at one point, so what’s changed? And, more importantly, how can you tell if it’s time for them to move on?

There are a few key signs that your employee may have outgrown their role. If you notice any of the following behaviors, it may be time to have a conversation about their future with your company.

7 signs your employee have outgrown their role

They’re Bored

If your employee seems bored or unchallenged by their work, it may be a sign that they’ve outgrown their role. When employees are no longer engaged by their work, it can lead to a drop in productivity and quality of work. If you’ve noticed a decrease in your employee’s output, it may be due to boredom.

They’re Constantly Seeking Feedback

Employees who are constantly seeking feedback may be looking for validation that they’re on the right track. While seeking feedback is generally a good thing, it can be a sign that an employee is unsure of their place in the company. If your employee is constantly coming to you for feedback, it may be time to reassess their role.

They Have New Ideas…But They’re Not Being Implemented

An employee who has new ideas is usually a good thing. After all, fresh perspectives can lead to innovation and growth within a company. However, if an employee has ideas that are routinely shot down or ignored, it can lead to frustration. If your employee feels like their ideas are falling on deaf ears, it may be time to give them a bigger platform to share their ideas.

They Avoid Certain People or Tasks

If your employee starts avoiding certain people or tasks, it may be a sign that they’re not comfortable in their current role. When employees feel like they’re not able to adequately perform their duties, it can lead to anxiety and avoidance behaviors. If you notice your employee start avoiding certain tasks or people, have a conversation with them to see if there are any underlying issues.

They Complain…A Lot

While everyone complains from time to time, employees who regularly complain about their job may be unhappy with their current situation. If your employee is constantly complaining about their workload, schedule, or co-workers, it may be indicative of a larger problem. Unhappy employees are often unproductive employees, so it’s important to nip this behavior in the bud as soon as possible.

They Miss deadlines…Regularly

Missed deadlines are one of the surest signs that an employee is struggling in their role. If an employee routinely misses deadlines, it’s likely because they feel overwhelmed or underqualified for the tasks they’ve been assigned. If you notice this behavior in an employee, sit down with them and see if there are any areas where they need help or support.

They Volunteer for Less Desirable Projects or Tasks

If an employee volunteers for less desirable projects or tasks—or none at all—it may be because they don’t feel challenged enough by their current role. When employees become complacent in their jobs, they often disengage from company initiatives and become less productive overall. So, if you notice an employee shying away from taking on new projects or tasks, have a conversation with them about how they’re feeling in their current role.

How do you support employees who have outgrown their role?

The first step is to have a conversation with your employee. Find out what they're looking for in their next role and see if there's anything that can be done to help them grow in their current position. If there isn't, then it might be time to start looking for a new role for them within the company.

If you don't have an opening in their desired department, see if there's any way to cross-train them so they can broaden their skillset. This will not only make them happier in their current role, but it will also make them more valuable to the company as a whole.

Creating a short-term plan (3-6 months) with your employee also helps. This is the best time to go back to the drawing board. Start by creating a professional development plan or start using OKRs for better understanding their needs.

Need help in planning and utilising objectives and key results (OKRs)? Harissa Business Partners is here to help. Please contact us on 0400 790 593 or info@harissabp.com.au

The last resort

And if all else fails, sometimes the best thing you can do is help them find a new job outside of the company.

No manager wants to lose a good employee, but sometimes it's inevitable. If you have an employee who has outgrown their role, the best thing you can do is have a conversation with them and see what can be done to help them find satisfaction in their current position. If that isn't possible, then look into other options within the company or help them find a new job outside of the company. With a little effort, you can keep your employees happy and motivated—and keep your company moving forward.

Goodbyes are not easy, but Harissa Business Partners is here to assist you offboard as well as provide outplacement and exit strategies.

Do not forget to evaluate your employees regularly

It’s important to check in with your employees on a regular basis—not just when there’s a problem—to ensure that they’re still engaged and challenged by their work . By taking the time to evaluate your employees regularly, you can head off any potential problems early and ensure that everyone is happy and productive in their roles . Do you have any other tips for spotting when an employee has outgrown their role? Be sure to let us know by contacting Harissa Business Partners on 0400 790 593 or email info@harissabp.com.au.