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How to Properly Handle a Top Employee’s Resignation

February 14th, 2018

Occasionally, you get a clue it’s coming soon. Perhaps your employee seems disengaged at work or leaves the office several times a week for “appointments.” Sometimes it’s out of the blue, a complete shock to your team. No matter the situation, employee resignation is part of the professional reality.

 

Every employee who leaves will have their own reason for going, but it’s your job to make sure the transition is handled smoothly. To ensure minimal issues, try the following steps.

 

  1. Get It In Writing

If you receive a verbal resignation, make sure the employee gives you a letter containing the final date of employment with your company. Without an official document, issues with unemployment may arise, causing more problems.

 

As tempting as it might be to try and counteroffer, now isn’t the time. Unless approached directly looking for an offer, it’s better to simply accept this employee is ready to go and let them leave without a problem. If you have a good relationship, see if they’ll consider working through their two weeks and helping prepare everything for when they’re gone. If it’s a welcome resignation, assume the last day is the day they notify you. Whatever the case, the decided date should be noted on the resignation letter.

 

  1. Communicate With Your Team

Let your team know about the employee’s departure as soon as possible. If the day of notice is the employee’s last day, immediately send a notice around announcing the change. If the employee is working out their two-weeks’ notice, let the team know, with as much detail as the employee is willing to share, about the departure.

 

More than just letting them know who is leaving, use this opportunity to develop a plan of work for the transition. This will prepare other members of the team for an increased workload and create action steps to follow.

 

  1. Conduct an Exit Interview

No matter the reason for leaving, it’s important to speak with every employee before they leave about their experience with your company. A meeting with HR can help make it easier for the employee to be honest in their evaluation of what they liked and didn’t like about working at your company. This information can help you improve your retention overtime and make sure concerns are heard.

 

Need a New Employee Fast?

Even with a plan in place, sometimes one person’s work is too much for your team on top of their daily responsibilities. Don’t overwork your current staff – try a temporary employee! We can find you Atlanta’s most qualified talent to help keep your business running! Don’t waste any more time – contact Staffing Resources today!

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