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What is Resenteeism? Understanding Frustrated Employees in Today’s Workplace
Resenteeism refers to employees who feel disgruntled or frustrated with their jobs, managers, or employers. They may feel underappreciated, unfairly treated, or disappointed about their work situation. However, they don’t believe they can easily quit and find a better job, so they stay put while disengaging mentally and emotionally.
Several factors have contributed to the rise of resenteeism. Concerns about a tight labor market and economic uncertainty have made employees reluctant to leave their jobs, even if they are unhappy.
Additionally, widespread layoffs across industries have eroded trust between employers and employees, weakening company loyalty. Many workers also feel frustrated with employers who did not continue the flexibility and work-life balance that became common during the pandemic.
How is Resenteeism Different from Quiet Quitting?
Resenteeism is sometimes confused with quiet quitting in the workplace, but despite sharing similarities, both terms mean very different things.
Quiet quitters tend to silently withdraw effort and stop going above and beyond, sticking to the minimum in their job descriptions. In contrast, resentful employees may be more vocal about their discontent. They often actively dislike their jobs and can negatively impact company culture rather than simply being passively disengaged.
Examples of resenteeism include:
- complaining to coworkers about managers, pay, or company decisions
- appearing to lose interest in company goals or contributing less to team projects
- making uncharacteristic mistakes, missing deadlines, or letting the quality of work slip
Like quiet quitters, resentful employees mentally check out and stop caring about excelling in their roles. They feel trapped and stick around in jobs they dislike out of necessity rather than loyalty. Over time, their frustration can boil into toxicity and even open hostility.
Why Does Resenteeism Happen?
Many believe that resenteeism is the latest evolution of the post-pandemic pushback against hustle culture.
It can often reflect workers prioritizing their well-being and wanting more autonomy over how, when, and where they work. When employers aren’t keeping up with these changing needs and attitudes, resentment grows.
It’s important to recognize that the problem isn’t the resentment itself. Resentment is a natural human response when employees feel their needs aren’t being met, their opinions aren’t valued, or their contributions aren’t recognized.
The real issue is the deeper disengagement driving the behavior. The solution lies in understanding and addressing the root causes.
Tips to Reduce Resenteeism in the Workplace
Here are some tips to help your company spot, prevent, and address resenteeism.
Watch for Warning Signs
Managers should be alert for changes in attitude, lack of enthusiasm, emotional distance, and declining work quality. An employee who previously engaged and now avoids optional meetings or turns down growth opportunities may be resentful.
Talk With Employees Frequently
Don’t wait for annual reviews. Have consistent one-on-one check-ins bi-weekly to discuss workloads, roadblocks, support needs, and career goals. Use these conversations to gauge employee satisfaction.
Ask for Feedback and Input
Proactively seek employees’ opinions on policies, projects, and decisions that impact them. Collaborative cultures where workers feel heard and valued tend to see less resentment.
Prioritize Flexibility and Autonomy
Embrace hybrid and remote arrangements and flexible schedules where possible. Empower employees to have more control over their work. Flexibility is also now a key priority for many job seekers.
Invest in Employee Growth
Provide coaching, training, and clear advancement pathways so employees feel they have room to grow. Stagnation can breed resentment in many instances.
Lead With Empathy and Transparency
Train managers to tune into their team’s stress levels and support their well-being. Communicate openly and honestly about company decisions and changes.
Address Issues Directly
If an employee shows resentment, initiate a caring conversation to identify the reasons and collaborate on potential solutions. Ignoring resentment allows it to spread.
Ultimately, the antidote to resenteeism is making employees feel valued, heard, and empowered with the flexibility and growth they crave in today’s work world. When companies invest in a people-first culture, resentment fades, and engagement rises.
How to Use PIPs to Rebuild Employee Trust and Engagement
If approached with empathy and a genuine intent to improve the situation, a performance improvement plan (PIP) can rebuild trust and engagement.
When communicated effectively through a PIP, clear expectations can serve as a roadmap for resentful employees, helping them understand their position and the company’s expectations.
If these efforts do not improve the situation, it may be necessary to part ways respectfully.
Wize Words
Build a thriving workplace by reducing resentment. You can prevent resentment from taking root by proactively nurturing an empathetic culture where employees thrive professionally and personally.
At the same time, open communication, growth opportunities, flexibility, and responsive management can transform resentful employees into enthusiastic team members who bring value to your company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing resenteeism requires effort from both employees and employers. Individuals should communicate their needs and frustrations. However, companies are responsible for fostering a positive employee-centric culture and providing channels for feedback, flexibility, and growth. It takes a collaborative team effort to create productive and healthy workplaces.
Yes, resentment can be reversed if caught and addressed early. It requires open communication, willingness to identify issues on both sides and concrete changes to improve the employee experience. Showing empathy and responsiveness to workers’ needs goes a long way. Instead of a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter approach, focus on addressing the unique concerns of each employee.
Unresolved resentment tends to intensify and spread to other team members, damaging productivity, collaboration, and retention. It can also lead to absenteeism, errors, conflicts, and turnover. That’s why addressing potential problems sooner rather than later is important to protect your company culture and promote a healthier, happier work environment for everyone.
Resenteeism is when employees stay in their roles despite feeling frustrated or resentful about their work or environment. It’s often due to unaddressed issues like lack of recognition, career growth, or misalignment with company culture.
Yes, resenteeism can be reversed by addressing employee concerns openly, providing support for career growth, and building a positive work environment that fosters trust and appreciation.
Resenteeism can lower team morale, reduce productivity, and contribute to higher turnover rates. Disengaged employees are less motivated, impacting overall team results.
Signs include lack of enthusiasm, decreased productivity, and disengagement. Employees may become less communicative, resistant to feedback, or show reduced interest in growth.
Leaders can prevent resenteeism by creating a supportive, inclusive environment that values feedback, provides growth opportunities, and consistently recognizes employee contributions.
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