The pitfalls of accepting a counteroffer: Why it may not always be the best idea

When considering leaving your current position, it's not uncommon for your employer to make a counteroffer to keep you on board. In fact, only?38% ?of hiring managers reported not making counteroffers at all. From retaining top performers to avoiding the costly process of recruiting, there are many reasons why companies may opt for this route.

So, why shouldn’t you accept an employer’s counteroffer? We explore the reasons you may want to think twice about before deciding:?

Your current employer may not follow through on their promises

While it's natural to hope that your employer will follow through on their promises, it's important to be realistic. Your employer may not be able to deliver on what they had outlined in the counteroffer, or they may make changes that are not in your best interest. Therefore, it’s essential to get any changes you expect to see clearly outlined before deciding.

Underlying issues may not be addressed

According to research , 80% of candidates who accept a counteroffer from their current employer end up leaving within 6 months. This comes as no surprise when you consider that?89% of bosses ?think that money rather than workplace culture issues drive their employees to quit. This means a counteroffer may be solely revolved around salary or promotion, rather than addressing the conditions that prompted you to look for a new job.

Whether it’s a difficult boss, poor management, limited opportunities for career progression, or simply not liking the job in general, it’s unlikely that a counteroffer will address these problems long-term.

Missed opportunities

It’s not uncommon for candidates to miss out on a great opportunity if they decide to remain with their current employer. In fact, many employees accept counteroffers based on financial gain and to avoid the hassle that comes with starting a new job.

Ultimately, they may have turned down a role that’s more suited to their long-term goals. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of both opportunities based on how they align with your personal needs and values, and not feel pressured to stick with your existing employer.?

It could create uncertainty in your existing role

When accepting a counteroffer, it’s essential to consider the longevity of both job offers. Especially if a counteroffer is tempting because it involves a higher salary, it could put your position in the existing company at risk.

Whether it’s finding a candidate who is more committed or aligns better with the workplace culture, it’s not uncommon for an employer to begin searching for a replacement if an employee decides to stay.?

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether you accept a counteroffer will come down to personal circumstances. However, it’s important to consider all the potential drawbacks that have been outlined before you decide. If you do decide to accept, be sure to address any underlying issues that led you to look for a new job in the first place and make sure that your employer is committed to addressing them.

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