Why Your Best Employees Are Walking Out the Door (And It’s Not About Money)

You just lost another good one.

Sarah from accounting—the one who always stayed late to help with month-end, who trained three new hires without complaining, who seemed genuinely committed to the team. She handed in her notice yesterday, and when HR asked why, she gave the usual polite response: “Better opportunity elsewhere.”

But here’s what she didn’t tell you: She’s been having anxiety attacks in the parking lot before work. The constant criticism from her manager, the impossible deadlines, the way her ideas were dismissed in meetings—it all added up. She didn’t leave for more money. She left because staying was slowly breaking her down.

Sound familiar? If you’re scratching your head, wondering why your best people keep walking away, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not powerless to stop it.