Why employees are voluntarily leaving their jobs in larger numbers than we’ve seen in nearly two years, and what employers can do about it.

It may seem like a slap in the face to employers who’ve worked hard to keep their employees happy (and employed) through this tough economy, but they’d better get used to this fact: employees are voluntarily leaving their jobs in larger numbers than we’ve seen in nearly two years.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of employees quitting their jobs surpassed those being discharged by employers this past February. And as quoted in the Wall Street Journal, a poll conducted by Right Management at the end of 2009 indicated 60% of employees intend to leave their jobs when the market improves.

Some employers are bracing themselves for major turnover. Formerly-nervous employees are starting to feel more confident that the economy will turn and employers will begin hiring again. And, they feel they’ve waited long enough to pursue better opportunities, according to the survey.

Another factor inspiring employees to jump ship could be low morale and job satisfaction. We’ve written about ways to keep employees motivated through the recession, as job responsibilities increased and perks disappeared. But some employers may have taken the “you’re lucky to have a job” approach to employee management too far—even if it was true!

Employees are again going to be faced with choices, as recruiters call and their networks start buzzing again with opportunities. While no one knows exactly when that will happen, history shows that what goes up (unemployment figures, for instance) must come down.

Employers concerned about losing good employees—and the associated costs, like recruitment, lost productivity and training—should think ahead and keep communication flowing. Talk to your employees one-on-one and hear their grievances. Ask for ways you can help improve the work environment. The goal is to catch your valued staff before they head out the door. After all, most employers know it’s much easier to keep a good employee than to find another one.