Getting Ghosted by a Crush is One Thing, but Getting Ghosted by an Employee?

Imagine a scenario where a company is hiring new employees. Everything is going smoothly; an impressive CV, an outstanding interview, and even the employment contract has been agreed upon. However, suddenly, the prospective employee vanishes—without explanation, without a trace, like a ghost. This is what is called employee ghosting, a phenomenon where employees or candidates suddenly cut off contact without any notification to the company. Incidents like this have been increasingly common in Indonesia lately, especially among young workers, and have become a serious concern for companies.

Employee ghosting is a term inspired by the dating world, where someone disappears without a word. In the context of work, this can happen when a candidate doesn't show up on their first day or even when a long-time employee suddenly resigns without notice. According to a report by Jobstreet Indonesia (2024), around 15% of companies in Indonesia have experienced ghosting cases in the past two years, especially in the technology and retail sectors. The report states that the main causes of this phenomenon are the increasingly competitive job market and the changing mindset of Gen Z and millennials, who tend to be more flexible in seeking new opportunities if they feel uncomfortable or dissatisfied.

 

What Factors Make Employees Ghost?

There are several reasons employees or candidates choose to "sneak away" quietly. According to the survey, low wages are the main complaint. Data from Badan Pusat Statistik (Central Statistics Agency, BPS, 2023) shows that the minimum wage in many regions has not adequately fulfilled basic necessities, prompting employees to seek other options without hesitation. However, another equally compelling factor is the toxic company culture—such as excessive pressure and poor communication—which also serves as a reason. Research from MIT Sloan (2022) concluded that a poor company culture has 10 times more impact on the decision to resign compared to a low salary. A toxic company culture creates another factor that encourages some employees or candidates to "say goodbye" to the workplace, namely low employee engagement with the work environment, making them feel no loss in leaving the company just like that.

 

Human-centric Approach as a Solution

The company, through HR, plays an important role in addressing the issue of ghosting. The main requirement is to understand a human-centric approach that positions employees as individuals in the workplace, not just as company assets. By implementing the "Human Company" value, MUC Consulting creates a corporate culture that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of its employees, for example by fostering assertive two-way communication through systematic training sessions for all individuals from the director, senior, and supervisor levels. Second, by implementing policies such as hybrid working, MUC Consulting provides flexibility for its employees to work from anywhere with certain schedules. Third, through internal programs aimed at enhancing employee solidarity and emotional attachment, for example, CINEMUC; activities like watching movies together, as well as sports activities such as futsal, badminton, and others. Fourth, establishing a rewards system as a form of appreciation from the company to employees who have contributed to the company.

To prevent employees from becoming disengaged and ultimately ghosting, the company culture is the primary step that needs to be evaluated and then redesigned. A humanistic vision, a supportive environment, and facilities backed by specific programs or policies will create a sense of ownership among employees towards their company. Thus, the company not only becomes a workspace for employees but also a place for growth and development. Equally important is mental health. Some companies in Indonesia have already implemented free psychological counseling programs for their employees, including MUC Consulting. A report from Talenta (2023) found that companies with awareness of their employees' mental health have been proven to reduce turnover rates.                       

Employee ghosting is indeed a troublesome trend, but prevention is still possible. By understanding the root of the problem and implementing concrete steps, companies can create loyal employees who are satisfied with their work. However, retaining talent in the modern work era is not just about salary—but also about heart.

 

Sources: 

LinkedIn Indonesia. (2024). Survei Preferensi Pekerja Milenial di Indonesia.

Talenta. (2023). Laporan Engagement Karyawan di Indonesia. 

Jobstreet Indonesia. (2024). Tren Rekrutmen dan Perilaku Karyawan di Indonesia. 

Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS). (2023). Laporan Upah Minimum dan Kebutuhan Hidup Layak di Indonesia.