“Should I stay or should I go?” This popular song by The Clash is being sung by many employees as the recession eases. Should you stay with your employer or look for a better opportunity? Pent up disappointments about pay increases, bad strategic decisions by companies and poor leadership behavior are all drivers for this question.

The following questions should be asked to help you make the “stay or go” decision.

1. Do you know how the business is doing where you work? Is the business growing or declining?
2. Has the organization been straightforward and honest about the reasons for the lack of pay increases, or benefits cuts and when they might be returned?
3. Is your relationship with your boss a good one? Does your boss communicate openly, professionally and frequently? Do you know where you stand with the boss and the organization? Do you feel valued and have you been told why?
4. Do you know if your reputation is a good one within the organization? If you don’t know, then it is important to find out.
5. Will the grass be greener at another organization? Before any job move, research an organization thoroughly and review its market position, leadership and strategy.

Leaders and managers need to assess the risks for employee desertions. Many leaders receive poor grades for employee communications. Employees need to know the investments that are being made, and the future of the organization. Critical retention efforts include developing opportunities that could be available to employees to increase their visibility, skills and enhance their careers.

Regardless of the decision to stay or go, all employees need to understand their marketability and be available via LinkedIn and other professional associations. Managing one’s career is not an annual event anymore during a performance appraisal but an ongoing assignment.

For a personal analysis of your “stay or go” options, contact Bernadette Kenny