Al Gore and Tipper Gore Separation, and Employee Turnover

I don’t think anyone was really surprised when Sandra Bullock announced that she was separating from Jesse James. After all, the guy did have an affair with an alleged neo-Nazi. And, call me cynical, but I really never believe celebrity marriages will last.

But when it’s well-known and respected politians, especially ones who have been married for 40 years, it’s a little shocking. Which is why I think we were all shocked when the news broke that Al Gore and Tipper Gore announced that they are separating.

Yup, the former vice president is separating from his wife of four decades. And, as of this blog, there was no announcements of Al Gore having a secret mistress or dating one of his interns or him getting caught wearing diapers. Al Gore and Tipper Gore just mutually decided to split.

Al and Tipper Gore

Their marriage just wasn’t working anymore.

What the Gores Can Teach Us About Employee Turnover

Back in the day, people would work for the same company for their entire lives. Then they would get their gold watch and retire.

You don’t see much of that nowadays.

Many people don’t look for “careers” at a company. They get as much out of their company as they can, and then they move on to greener pastures. They might not even stay in the same field, but leverage what they’ve learned to do new things.

And that’s OK.

So, keep that in mind when you’re hiring. Do the interviewees have the best experience for what you need now? Sure, you want someone with growth potential. But remember that just because they’re perfect for the job doesn’t mean they’ll stay forever.

Don’t take it personally; although a lot of people quit their jobs because of a bad manager, many leave a company because they found something else that fits with the new skills they’ve picked up or their lifestyle (maybe the new job offers flexible hours or telecommuting).

Or, like the Gores, sometimes the relationship just comes to an end.

And it’s your job to find the next great employee, not mourn what could have been.

What’s your opinion on employees who only stay at your company a few years before leaving? Is it just expected now? What is the turnover like in your company, and why?

By Jessica Livingston