2021 has been called “The year of the counteroffer”. We were in a talent crunch before the pandemic, and now that companies have changed their business practices in response to COVID, we are right back where we were before.
It’s no mystery why a company would want to keep their employees, and why they’ve become more likely to extend counteroffers when employees resign. In one recent study, 67% of managers have tried using counteroffers to get employees to stay with their company. And to be honest, a counteroffer can give you a great ego boost. A counteroffer makes you feel wanted and appreciated because your employer is telling you just how much value you hold for the company, and just how far they’re willing to go to keep you.
So, should you accept a counteroffer? No. And here’s why.
Your Current Job Hasn’t Changed
The reasons people change jobs are complicated. It’s tempting to think that employees leave because of money, but that’s not the end of the story. In fact, money is rarely the most important reason for changing a job. People leave for several reasons. Maybe they don’t like the direction the company is taking, perhaps they don’t work well with the manager, or it could be that they don’t see a lot of potential for career advancement if they continue to work for their current company.
The thing about a counteroffer is that it’s unlikely to address any issues you have other than money. Now, more money is good, but think about it - your performance and skills haven’t changed. The only thing that has changed is the fact that you’ve told your company that you’ve found another job and in response, they gave you more money. But when those other issues continue to be unaddressed, they’re still going to be a problem. Maybe that’s why over 50% of employees who accept a counter-offer leave their current employer within twelve months anyway.
You’re Considered Expendable
It may not be fair, but it’s undeniable – deciding to leave your employer for another job, even if you change your mind, proves that you’re disloyal. This means that you’re no longer in a position of trust and you’re unlikely to be seriously considered for a promotion or even a transfer to another department. Management knows that you were willing to leave once and may be willing to leave again. It’s only reasonable that your company will be looking to backfill your position as soon as possible so they aren’t caught short when you finally leave. And if they can find someone to fill your position before you leave, then you might be the one caught short.
When you Accept a Counteroffer, You’re Burning Bridges
It takes time and effort to find the right person for a job. During the hiring process, a company goes through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes. They also have multiple interviews to wrangle, and multiple meetings to have before a company decides who they will hire for a particular position. The hiring process is a big deal, and depending on the job (and the company) it may very well be a bigger headache than you will ever know.
When you get an offer of employment, and you accept it, you have given your word. The company that extended you the offer has every reason to take you at your word when you accept the offer and give them a start date. Backing out after that point is unprofessional, to say the least. It’s also bad for your professional reputation and may even be bad for your career.
Getting a counteroffer is flattering, but it’s not the best career move. Think carefully before you decide to look for another job and stick by your decision. You’ll be better off in the end.
Let Optimum Staffing Solutions Guide You
Optimum Staffing Solutions can help both candidates and employers with the placement of accounting professionals. For the best staffing agencies in Greensboro, NC, as well as for the best staffing agencies in Charlotte, NC, contact Optimum Staffing Solutions.
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