Why do employees prefer to resign?

Hi there Cathy, here in the UK research shows time and again that the main reason employees resign is over their relationship with their manager (or lack of relationship).  In other words they don't get on with their manager and the employee feels they have no other choice than to resign.  Hope that helps

Hi Cathy, I think the answer is about UK working culture and it's what in the uk is called a clash of personalities.  Broadly speaking this would be a difference between the way an individual wants to be managed and the way the manager actually manages.  If you know about Douglas McGregor's theory x and y around management it may be that an individual prefers to be managed by a 'y' manager but actually is managed by a 'x' manager.

The culture of the Comapny may have a lot to do with this and the individual may feel that they have no choice but to leave.  I hope that makes sense as I'm trying to explain quite a big issue in a few sentences.

I would find it easier to pack up and find an opportunity somewhere else and start on a clean slate. Sometimes there are a lot of underlying issues that are way beyond your control that it's not even worth your time and energy. And if management does see or do anything about it then why waste your time hoping that things will change...?! There are plenty of good opportunities out there...

Hi Cathy,

Why do employees prefer to resign - in preference to what?

- Shooting the boss? A common strategy in the US but is a little bit messy :)
- Moving within the company? Many companies are too small to have visible promotion options and many others are hopeless at developing careers.
I suspect also that data on internal movements are not collected or publicised, I worked in a company where I changed roles (and bosses) every 3-5 years. When I was made redundant the HR department had no record of that, only my start and end dates.
- to taking parental leave? Despite equality moves etc in many companies this is only an option for half the population. Males taking 3 or months of parental leave are rare and some may resign to have a better family life
To being made redundant? - unless you have an incredibly generous payout coming no one likes to be forcibly removed form their job
In conclusion employees prefer to resign because it is generally the only way to move to a new and different role.

Relationship with their manager or no career progression.

Cathy,

Hi - not withstanding the research and the other opinions here, the act of resignation can also be about control and the official record. If someone resigns rather than being dismissed or made redundant, then the control remains or is perceived to remain with the individual. It also allows the employee to create a set of reasons for their resignation that suits them, which isn't necessarily bad for the employer either. Also a 'resignation' can support a career change/rethink explanation for a period of not being in work.

Ian.