Great Leaders Don’t Lose Great Talent – How to Stop Revenge Quitting in Its Tracks

The workplace is undergoing a seismic shift. Forget quiet quitting—employees are now making bold, dramatic exits in what’s being dubbed “revenge quitting.” This phenomenon sees talented individuals walking away from organisations due to unfulfilled promises, toxic cultures, and a lack of recognition. And they’re not just slipping away quietly—they’re making sure their departure is noticed.

So, what’s behind this trend? According to experts at Hogan Assessments, the key lies in understanding the deeper disconnect between employees and their workplaces. “Revenge quitting isn’t just about frustration over daily tasks—it’s a breakdown in communication and a failure to align employee aspirations with company culture,” explains Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments and Co-Host at The Science of Personality podcast. “The good news? It’s preventable.”

Companies that successfully retain their top talent have one thing in common: they take a proactive approach to employee engagement. Rather than scrambling for short-term fixes, they address core issues before employees feel the need to make a statement with their resignations. Here are three solid strategies to prevent revenge quitting and keep employees committed:

1. Move Beyond Perks—Understand What Employees Really Want

Today’s workforce expects more than just pay raises, free coffee, or pizza Friday. Remote work flexibility, work-life balance, growth opportunities, and employee wellbeing are no longer perks—they’re non-negotiables. In this regard, over a third (35%) of European employees believe there are insufficient opportunities for promotion or progression within their organisation to reach their career goals. When these expectations aren’t met, employees don’t just disengage; they make high-impact exits that disrupt teams and shake up workplace dynamics.

“To stay ahead, organisations must adopt transparent policies, offer genuine flexibility, and establish open feedback channels,” analysed Dr. Ryne Sherman. “Companies that listen and adapt to evolving employee needs will not only boost retention but also strengthen their employer brand.”

2. Leadership Can Make or Break Retention

Poor leadership is a fast track to revenge quitting. Toxic or absentee management styles drain morale, increase burnout, and drive talent away. Employees who feel unsupported or undervalued by their managers are significantly more likely to leave—and they’ll make their dissatisfaction known. In fact, a recent Gallup report highlights that managers are the linchpins of engagement, with 70% of team engagement attributed to the manager.

On the flip side, teams led by calm, organised, and empathetic managers report three times higher engagement. Investing in leadership development isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Organisations must equip leaders with the skills to support, motivate, and retain their teams effectively.

3. Develop The Ultimate Antidote: Psychological Safety

To grasp the scale of the current shifts in the workplace, it’s worth noting that 40% of workers globally say they may leave their jobs in the near future (source: WEF). So, what is the strongest defence against revenge quitting? Fostering psychological safety. When employees feel secure enough to express concerns, take risks, and be their authentic selves without fear of negative repercussions, engagement soars.

Companies that cultivate an environment of trust, inclusion, and mutual respect see tangible benefits: improved innovation, higher productivity, and, most importantly, greater talent retention. “Creating psychological safety isn’t just an HR initiative—it’s a business imperative,” said Dr. Ryne Sherman.

The Future of Talent Retention

The workplace is evolving, and companies that fail to adapt risk losing their most valuable asset: their people. The most successful organisations will be those that embrace authentic leadership, meaningful engagement, and a culture of trust.

“Hogan Assessments believes that businesses that get this right won’t just prevent revenge quitting—they’ll set the gold standard for workplace excellence in the years to come,” concluded Dr. Ryne Sherman.