Let’s talk about counteroffers. They are frustrating beyond measure for the firm/company who just made the offer with great excitement to their hopefully-new-future-employee. And on the employee side, counteroffers don’t always work out the way the employee would hope, once accepted. Let’s dig in…
When a valued employee gives notice, the first thing that comes to mind to the employer is offering more money to the employee, followed by making promises on all things the employee wished they had prior to giving notice. The goal at hand is to retain the employee, period. If the counteroffer is accepted, everything appears to go back to the status quo. But does it?
Once the dust settles, the powers-that-be who made the counteroffer may begin to feel a bit of resentment that their employee was looking for another position in the first place. Attitudes change. Attitudes, and many times, future decisions regarding the employee. Things are not the same, and there are times when all the money and promises to the employee on the front end don’t make up for any backlash that may come.
This is not to say that ALL counteroffers that are accepted are poor decisions. However, it is my experience that they typically do not work out. Interestingly enough, the employee winds up leaving for many of the same reasons that had them looking in the first place—and possibly even more—and the employer resents the fact that they wound up giving the employee what they weren’t willing to give them in the first place.
My advice to any employee would be to look at your current situation and examine exactly why you’re looking to leave. If you like or love where you are, consider going to management regarding your concerns and/or requests. You may be pleasantly surprised that these things can be resolved very easily. If after examining, you conclude that you are truly ready to seek other opportunities, then I recommend committing to that. If you don’t feel valued now, it’s not likely a counteroffer will have you truly feeling valued later. Move on. You will indeed find an employer every bit as excited to have you on board as you are to be there!
My advice to any employer would be to listen to your valued employee and try to resolve any concerns and/or requests on the front end. It certainly keeps morale up and ensures your employee’s commitment to you and your organization. When you have a star, hold tight!
Make it a great day, everyone!