The Real Reasons Women Quit Their Jobs

This one's a no-brainer. "First and foremost, women leave a job to seek higher more competitive wages," says Jennifer Boyd-Pugh, vice president for human resources at Barry University. "It's no secret that a woman's median salary compared to a man ranges from 75-80%. This percentage is even worse for women minorities which ranges from 53-63%." Yes, it's 2019 and this is still an issue. Ugh.

SEE ALSO: how to boost your salary without getting a raise. (Though, if you're up to it, fight for that increase — you deserve it.)

"People typically 'quit managers,' not companies due to feeling underappreciated and undervalued, says Gina Trimarco, founder and chief results officer for Pivot10 Results, though she admits the truth doesn't always come out. "I heard an expert recently speak on why millennials quit; it's not because of pay, it's because of not feeling appreciated, but in exit interviews they say they're quitting for a higher paying job because they want a good reference, thus not telling the truth."

It's been said that people don't quit companies — they quit people. So if you're not getting the proper management or support, whether it's someone who's difficult or doesn't communicate well (or both), among so many other things — that can be reason enough.

"Women tend not to want to work for or with a supervisor who lacks basic leadership skills," says Boyd-Push. "Women value supervisors who communicate well, collaborate, value teamwork and team input."

So if you've ever had a difficult, uncommunicative supervisor, one who doesn't give credit for valued work performed, or one that is so rigid and authoritative he/she doesn't care for your input, or someone who simply doesn't listen and is only interested in their own ideas, it may be time to get out of there. People have quit for much less.

SEE ALSO: the bamboo ceiling is a very real thing and hurts all POC.

Sometimes we just want to be better, to do better at our jobs, and need that challenge. So if that means learning new skills to further expertise, good on ya. But men have had more opportunities to develop certain skills, according to this ICEDR study, while women have gotten the shaft. And that's a lose-lose as it can not only make a big difference in a woman's career advancement but also to her place of employment that will utilize those newly acquired talents.

According to a study from consulting firm REAL, the scarcity of female mentors definitely factors in for young millennials who see the lack of representation as a bright red flag.

RELATED: 20 books by Canadian women writers that will inspire women to be their best selves.

While a workplace or its leaders are typically the cause of toxicity, there are also "individuals who perpetuate the culture," writes Hyacinth, which could mean anything from excessive absenteeism, gossiping and social cliques, or flat-out aggressive or bullying behaviour within.

And here's a little something for the introverts in the house.

Sometimes the benefits are not worthy of your time and effort. "Having access to basic benefits are critical," says Boyd-Pugh. But if there isn't access to health or dental, or disability and retirement, that just makes saving for the future that much harder. No one wants that.

"Women value workplace flexibility and will seek out employers who are able to provide the necessary scheduling and time away from work which allows them balance," states Boyd-Pugh. Because they're the ones juggling everything else in life. After all, we already know why women need to save more money than men for retirement.

Women are basically superheroes who like to do everything themselves and try to balance it all. But that can be overwhelming.

"In general, women juggle many competing priorities in life, whether that is taking care of children, aging parents, spouse/partner or just juggling the demands of singlehood," says Boyd-Pugh. And therein lies the problem. Women who are also caregivers can't bring a sick kid to work or take a last-minute sick day if they're caring for an ailing parent. Yet somehow, her male counterpart is never in that same situation.

Though Trimarco believes females everywhere should use her voice. "Many women simply don't ask for what they want or what they think they are worth, whereas men will." Speak up, ladies.

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It's obvious but needs to be said: "A toxic company culture will erode an organization by paralyzing its workforce, diminishing its productivity and stifling creativity and innovation," writes Brigette Hyacinth in her book, The Future of Leadership: Rise of Automation, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, who adds that those issues need to be addressed. "It makes the difference in retaining good staff and also whether your company fails or succeeds. Employees aren't afraid to jump ship when faced with a toxic workplace — and it's usually your high performers who will go first."