Employee Ghosting: What Is It and How Do You Put an End to It?

Ghosting—when communication abruptly ceases without explanation—has become a common issue in the workplace. HR teams often face the fallout, which includes work delays, increased workloads, and financial costs. This behavior, whether from employees or job candidates, can disrupt operations and strain resources. But why has ghosting become so prevalent, and what can organizations do to address it?

What is Employee Ghosting?

Employee ghosting occurs when an employee suddenly cuts off all communication with their employer, often by failing to show up for work or respond to outreach. Many individuals ghost to avoid conflict, but this approach often exacerbates workplace challenges, leaving teams scrambling to adjust.

What Is Candidate Ghosting?

Candidate ghosting happens during the hiring process, with applicants or new hires disappearing without notice. This behavior disrupts workflows, and diminishes the return on recruitment efforts. As with employee ghosting, the motivation often stems from a desire to avoid uncomfortable conversations.

Why Is Workplace Ghosting on the Rise?

Ghosting in the workplace has become a growing concern, with communication breakdowns occurring during hiring, onboarding, or even after employment begins. Research by Indeed estimates 70-80% of employees reported ghosting an employer in 2024.

According to SHRM, younger individuals are often perceived as the driving force behind the prevalence of ghosting in the modern workplace. This is partly attributed to their familiarity with apps where ghosting first gained traction, such as dating platforms and social media. Additionally, younger workers may prefer to avoid potential conflict rather than confront it directly.   

Another factor contributing to ghosting is the prevalence of remote work. The interpersonal connection between employers and employees has diminished in this setting. Candidates who never meet their potential employer in person may feel less accountable for maintaining communication. Similarly, the anonymity and convenience of remote interactions may make it easier to disengage without addressing potential conflicts or concerns.  

Additionally, when employees or applicants feel they have more leverage in a business situation, it can cause one-sided decisions. You pair this with a growing culture that labels ghosting as “the norm” and you begin to see an increased rate in employee and applicant ghosting. 

How Do You Stop Employee Ghosting?

• Prioritize Communication
  The first step to preventing ghosting is to ensure HR and managers maintain open lines of communication. Regular check-ins help employees feel supported, while structured updates during the hiring process keep candidates engaged. Tools like anonymous surveys can provide a safe space for feedback and conflict resolution.
  
  BerniePortal’s Recruiting Feature salvages communication throughout the hiring process by offering tools like in-app messaging, automated follow-ups, and collaborative review access for hiring teams. These features ensure candidates stay informed, hiring managers stay aligned, and everyone involved remains engaged. Strengthen connections and reduce miscommunication with BerniePortal’s recruiting solution
  
  
• Train Your Managers
  Effective management training is critical. Since employees often leave managers, not companies, having empathetic and well-trained supervisors reduces the likelihood of ghosting.
  
  
• Build Strong Relationships Post-Hire
  Communication shouldn’t stop once a candidate is hired. Maintain regular dialogue during onboarding and beyond. One-on-one meetings can help employees feel connected, supported, and valued.
  
  
• Highlight Your Organization’s Value
  Showcasing what makes your company special can help attract candidates who align with your vision. Transparency about workplace norms and policies through tools like a “Culture Guide” ensures employees have clear expectations from the start. To learn more, check out BerniePortal’s blog on Culture Guides here.
  
  
• Recognize Success
  Acknowledging employees’ contributions fosters a sense of belonging. Positive reinforcement encourages loyalty and reduces the likelihood of employees ghosting out of respect for their team.
  
  

What Should You Do If An Employee Ghosts You?

If an employee ghosts you, the first step is to attempt direct communication through all available channels, such as phone calls, emails, or text messages. If they remain unresponsive, notify their emergency contact to ensure their well-being, as the absence could stem from unforeseen circumstances. Document the absence by sending a formal letter to the employee’s address on file, outlining their missed workdays and the potential consequences of continued unresponsiveness. This is an important step, as the absence could be protected under policies like PTO, the FMLA, or disability insurance. While waiting for a response, consider hiring a temporary employee to manage the workload. If no response is received within the timeframe specified in your letter, it may be time to move forward with termination. 

Additional Resources

You can stay informed, educated, and up to date with important HR topics using BerniePortal’s comprehensive resources:

• BernieU—free online HR courses, approved for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit
• BerniePortal Blog—a one-stop shop for HR industry news
• HR Glossary—featuring the most common HR terms, acronyms, and compliance
• Resource Library—essential guides covering a comprehensive list of HR topics
• HR Party of One—our popular YouTube series and podcast, covering emerging HR trends and enduring HR topics
• Community—the HR Party of One Community forum, a place devoted to HR professionals to ask questions, learn more, and help others