A new problem on the horizon: Negligent retention

[Mel Kleiman]

From a legal standpoint, most employers take pains to avoid hiring the wrong person (negligent hiring). Now, with turnover down because employees are staying in jobs (even ones the don't like) just for the job security, the bigger problem could be negligent retention. This happens when you keep employees on board who you know you shouldn't keep --- people who don't like their jobs and who would normally leave if times were better, but who just stick around..

By keeping these employees on the payroll, you risk being sued by either some of your other employees or your customers if that dissatisfied hanger-on does something or causes something to happen that in some way harms them.