What is Ghosting Coasting and Why Is It Happening More Often
The workplace is rapidly changing, with new technologies being adopted at an unprecedented rate. With the introduction of AI, automation, virtual reality, and online tools that are changing the workplace, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive.
There is another significant trend that develops rapidly among the workforce – ghosting coasting. It tends to be a growing problem that’s happening more frequently these days.
What Does Ghosting Coasting Mean?
Ghosting refers to the act of suddenly disappearing or ending communication without a proper explanation or closure. Coasting, on the other hand, refers to employees who are not putting in their full effort or not actively contributing to the team’s goals and objectives. It is happening at a particularly rapid pace in the fast food industry, with restaurant workers and those who have a lack of skills.
According to the newer NPR reports, restaurateurs and other service-oriented businesses noted concerns over ghosting coasting in recent times. It has become a huge problem for retention rates in businesses, which is why the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has mentioned ghosting coasting in the new roundup of US economic trends in twelve districts.
It usually happens in the service and restaurant industry, but we hear it in manufacturing. Most people know someone who has ghosted an employer at least once. If you’re a twenty-something, chances are you have a friend who has worked for just a couple of weeks or days and moved on to the new restaurant without notice or explanation.
Why Are Employees Doing It?
Well, it’s a bit challenging to find the reasons for this trend. Ghosting coasting is associated with expanded unemployment benefits and other disincentives. However, other deeper reasons are related to modern social life.
A typical employee has turned themselves inside out looking after their kids at home and career in the last 2 years. Almost all employees have borne the brunt of the heavy economic burden caused by the pandemic in one way or another. Many people have worked on weekends and at night, thereby putting in more working hours during the coronavirus pandemic.
This has led to burnout and ghosting coasting. Many employees are dissatisfied with what they perceive to be inhumane working conditions, poor benefits, and low pay. Many burned-out workers need a break after two cruel long years.
Some of them were in danger of serious health issues or laid off because of health restrictions and closures. Furthermore, restaurant and store employees are still facing regular coronavirus exposure. They are continually tasked with working as mask enforcers.
Related: Why is the great resignation happening
What Are the Consequences of Ghosting Coasting?
Ghosting coasting is becoming a significant issue in a variety of sectors and it’s a big headache for many employers, not only restaurant owners. This kind of behavior is familiar to a growing number of small businesses and it affects the international labor market. Service-oriented workplaces are affected in particular.
The effects of ghosting coasting are substantial. More and more business owners are forced to provide their workers with expensive incentives such as longer breaks, free food, shorter shift hours, and housing subsidies. Many of them pay upfront bonuses and hire people with no prior experience to attract new workers. That can make employees feel motivated and valued.
Nevertheless, not every new hire works well. A lot of new employees are not willing to return to work and they often end up with multiple contacts. As a result, small businesses face daily closures or have to restrict their operating hours. In the worst-case scenario, they are compelled to permanently close their doors.
Related: How To Quit Your Part-Time Job in a Professional Way
What Can Employers Do to Address This?
It is not possible to avoid ghosting coasting altogether. However, there are many ways to reduce this problem and address it successfully. Here are a few things that employers can do in this regard:
- Beware bad hires – identify them during the hiring process.
- Taking care of loyal employees – try to encourage and retain them.
- Level up the value proposition as much as possible.
- Adjust your operating hours and go for shorter shift hours if needed.
- Determine the right wages and get them right.
- Shake up benefits and incentives from time to time.
Related: Tips to Get Hired in Hawaii
Final Thoughts
The future of work will be shaped by new technologies and how they are used to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve customer experience. Companies must be prepared to embrace workplace changes to succeed in today’s rapidly-evolving business landscape.
Moreover, they will also have to be more honest and creative to avoid ghosting coasting. It is hard to find loyal and dedicated staff today. As an employer, you need to get creative about how you retain, reward, and recruit your staff.