It’s never easy when an employee decides to hand in their notice. But one things for sure that in most cases it comes completely out of the blue. When it comes to dealing with resignations, however much of a surprise they might be, you don’t want to be caught off guard. No matter how you feel about the employee who has just handed in their notice, you’ll want to keep it professional and not let emotions get the better of you.
Here are some simple dos and don’ts to keep in mind when that resignation comes about.
Don’t…
Take it personally. There could be many reasons why the employee is leaving. For example, a higher salary or because of the long commute time. So don’t immediately think that it’s about you, because nine times out of ten it’s not. No matter the relationship between you and the employee leaving don’t express your emotions publically – relief or mourning for losing your favourite worker. Wish them all the best and thank them for the work they did.
Argue
Don’t start to become confrontational and oppose their reasons for leaving. This will only make an already nerve wracking experience even worse and could leave the employee with no confidence and a very bitter taste in their mouth when leaving.
Do…
Thank them for their work They might be leaving but remember the work they’ve produced and time they’ve committed over their period with you. Showing they were valued and appreciated goes a long way and will mean they’ll leave on good terms.
Congratulate them and politely ask about their next role
Yes they’re leaving you but you know what it’s like to get a new job and the excitement you feel. Congratulating them and showing your happiness for their next career move will calm their nerves and will make it easier for them to work through their notice period without feeling they have to walk on egg shells.
Of course you want to know where they’re going and what they’ll be doing there, it’s simple curiosity. Showing interest can also make the employee feel that they can turn to you for support and help them with any questions they may have around their new position.
Think about next steps
Let them know that it might not be wise to tell everyone immediately that they’re leaving. Tell them you need to speak to HR to get everything settled before it’s announced but that HR will be in touch with an exit interview or questionnaire. If a counter offer can be offered discuss this too because you might be able to retain talent.
If you would like more advice on how to handle resignations and to manage those gaps in your team. Get in contact with Ward Williams HR and we will be happy to assist: sally.phillips@wardwilliams.co.uk or 01932 830664.