13 Signs Your Top Employee Might Be Leaving: How to Recognize Them

Losing a valuable employee can be costly — loss of knowledge, decreased team morale, and high recruitment expenses. It’s especially painful when your best employee is walking away. The good news is: there are usually warning signs — you just have to catch them early.

Here are 13 signs your key employee may be thinking about leaving:

1. Lack of initiative

They used to be proactive, full of ideas — now they only do what’s asked.

2. Distancing from the team

They withdraw from informal chats or team activities.

3. Loss of enthusiasm

No spark, no passion — just going through the motions.

4. Frequent absences

More sick days, more time off — maybe they’re attending interviews.

5. Increased LinkedIn activity

Profile updates, more posts, connecting with recruiters? Big red flag.

6. Declining performance

Tasks take longer, quality drops, mistakes increase.

7. Limited communication

Short answers, avoidance of conversations — especially with management.

8. Curiosity about the outside world

Asking about salaries in other companies, competitors, or industry trends.

9. Avoidance of future planning

No interest in long-term projects or upcoming goals.

10. Knowledge transfer

They start documenting processes or handing off tasks — just in case?

11. Emotional detachment

No excitement, no frustration — just indifference.

12. Increased secrecy

Private phone calls, closed laptop screens — something's up.

13. Drastic behavior changes

Sudden mood swings or major attitude shifts can signal inner conflict.

What can you do?

If you notice several of these signs, don’t ignore them.

Have an open, supportive conversation. Talk about growth, motivation, and future plans. Sometimes a single sincere talk can change everything.

Remember — retaining top talent is not about control. It’s about care and connection.