Gone are the days when people would work their entire lives for one single firm and get the gold watch at the end of it. Nowadays, workers tend to change their employers multiple times throughout their careers. Whether you leave your job for better prospects or higher salary, it is important not to burn your bridges at your current workplace.
Why leaving on good terms is critical
In today’s connected world, it is essential that you leave your employers on good terms. If you have any issues with your current employers, you may broach them during your exit interview. If your workplace does not carry an exit interview, you may state these concerns in your resignation letter.
However, under no circumstances, you should bypass proper resignation protocol at your workplace. Leaving your employer high and dry will reflect upon your potential ahead as employers tend to make informal enquiry before hiring new employees. Furthermore, you may also need your current employer to provide references in the future, so it is vital to maintain cordial relationship.
The same goes for employers of staff, they should treat them with respect and dignity until they leave.
A lot can be said about a company in how they treat their exiting staff and reputational damage could be maximized if this process is difficult.
Honour the notice period
It is paramount that you honour the notice period requirements of your current workplace. It is therefore advisable to convey your intent of leaving the jobs as early as you can. Notice period allows your employer to look for your replacement.
In the meantime, make sure that you still carry out your tasks diligently. If you are asked to train your replacement, you should ensure that you cover everything that matters. While you can give a longer notice than required by the terms and conditions of your employment, it is absolutely essential that you meet the minimum requirement set by your agreement.
Communicate with your boss first
If you have decided to leave your job then it is essential to communicate with your superiors first. This is not only courteous it is the professional thing to do. You do not want to run off and quit like Walter White did from Gray Matter Technologies or his teaching position at J.P. Wynne High School. White was not a professional, he was emotional and off balance. Do not be like him!
This will help you protect your name and when people think of you they will remember you as being a standup person. However, once you have told your boss about your intent, it is a final step which can be very difficult to reverse and if you change your mind your reasons need to be substantial. Telling your superior about your departure will help them in designing a proper succession plan.
Keep it official
In order to make the transition period productive for you and your company, make sure you inform your employer in a formal fashion i.e. you send a written resignation letter. This will not only help you meet the requirements of your employment contract but may also act as a ready reference in case of any dispute. The written communication of your intent to leave also ensures that there is no miscommunication and all the concerned parties understand the implications properly.
Make the best of in-person discussion
While you may have tendered your official resignation and notice period in written form, it is highly likely that your superiors or HR people may want to discuss your departure in person. It is best to take the formal and positive approach in this case. You may bring forth any grievance you might have, but do it in a constructive manner. Exit interviews and in-person discussions are not the time to play blame games. Try to keep the discussion positive and productive.
Departing remarks
We think it’s critical as both an employee and an employer that this tough period of change is handled with the least amount of friction. Change is hard on both parties but a decision has been made and that decision must be respected as the digital world is timeless and the last thing either party wants is a bad reputation.
Keiran Hathorn is the CEO & Founder of Big Wave Digital. A Sydney based niche Digital, Data & Technology recruitment company. Keiran leads a high performance, experienced recruitment team, assisting companies of all sizes secure the best talent.
