Why People Quit Jobs: Lessons from Stoicism for Leaders and Teams

I read an article yesterday that was repeating that well-known phrase: “People don’t quit jobs; they quit managers and workplaces.” As you may know, I am into Stoic concepts, and I wondered how they would approach this topic. Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve left a number of jobs in the past because of the toxic staff dynamics that created divisive “tribes.”

Let me share a story with you.

In my transition from printer to radio breakfast show host in the 80s and 90s, I was still holding down a printing job, playing it safe while building my career in radio. One day, I caught a cold and did not show up for my printing job. Fortunately, I had a recorded program ready to go out on the air. However, the people at my printing job, listening to the show, tried to get me sacked. Top managers were sent from London to make an example of me. They even called my boss at the station to ask if any of the shows were pre-recorded.

My radio boss denied it, this was based on company policy and advertisers. Strangely the night before the official sacking, I’d had a dream reminding me of a signed document outlining the recorded backup show policy. In the morning I got up early and frantically searched for It, and armed with this evidence, I waited for the meeting.

As they were about to sack me after spending some time putting me down, there were about ten people in the room, I distributed printed copies of the signed form. I became a target after that But I turned the situation around, gaining the freedom to leave the job when I wanted—all because of the toxic jealousy in that workplace.

This story underscores how a toxic culture, bad management, lack of respect, and office politics can drive people away. These are not just workplace issues; they reveal how deeply we value ourselves and others. At its core, it’s about the human heart. As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Stoicism echoes this wisdom: the way we treat others leaves lasting impressions, either lifting them up or leaving scars.

Why Do People Leave?

Let’s break it down:

Toxic Culture: A workplace that fosters negativity, gossip, or a lack of trust erodes morale. Stoicism teaches us to lead by example, holding ourselves accountable to higher principles, even in challenging environments.

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." – Marcus Aurelius

Bad Managers: Poor leadership doesn’t just hinder productivity; it undermines trust and respect. A Stoic leader doesn’t seek power for its own sake but serves the team, acting with fairness and humility.

Lack of Respect: People crave acknowledgment of their worth. Respect isn’t just a courtesy; it’s an affirmation of shared humanity.

No Challenge: When employees aren’t challenged, they stagnate. The Stoics valued discomfort as a path to growth. Leaders should encourage their teams to step out of their comfort zones, not by overburdening them but by nurturing their potential.

Office Politics and Gossip: Pettiness and division create chaos. A Stoic team cultivates harmony by focusing on shared goals and avoiding trivial distractions.

Leadership as a Stoic Practice

So, what can we learn from Stoicism to address these issues? Leadership is not about control or power; it’s about service and example. Here are actionable ways to lead with Stoic principles:

1. Treat Your Team with Respect Respect is foundational. It’s not earned through titles but demonstrated through daily actions. Greet your team with kindness. Show them their contributions matter.
2. Listen to Their Voices Make people feel heard. Ask for their input on decisions that affect them. Listening is an act of humility and builds trust. A simple, “What do you think?” can transform how your team perceives you.
3. Pay and Promote Fairly Money isn’t everything, but financial stability and growth opportunities show you value your team’s efforts. Build a thriving business, not just for profit but to reward those who help it grow.
4. Mentor and Challenge Just as Stoic philosophers passed down their teachings, mentor your team. Help them develop skills and confidence. Push them—not to the point of overwhelm, but enough to encourage growth.
5. Lead with Humility A leader is not above their team but part of it. Humble yourself to serve those you lead. Lift them up, and they will, in turn, lift the organization.

Building a Culture of Respect and Growth

A Stoic workplace is one where people feel valued, respected, and empowered. It’s not without challenges, but those challenges are viewed as opportunities to grow stronger together. Treating people well is not only the right thing to do—it’s also the most effective way to build loyalty, creativity, and resilience.

A Question for Reflection

What makes you stay in your job? Is it the respect of your peers, the growth you’ve experienced, or the way your leaders inspire you? Share your thoughts below, and let’s explore how we can create workplaces where people want to stay, grow, and thrive.

"We are not disturbed by things, but by the views we take of them." – Epictetus

Let’s create workplaces that foster the right views—ones that inspire loyalty, productivity, and fulfillment.

Thank's

Gary