Managers and HR professionals don’t want to think about employees leaving. The goal is to keep employees with your company for as long as possible. But you’ll have to face the reality that no matter what you do, an employee will decide that it’s time to move on. HR professionals and managers put a lot of effort into a new employee’s first two weeks at the company, but their last two weeks are just as important. Here’s how you can handle your employee’s last two weeks with poise and positivity.
Two weeks notice is typical in most workplaces as it gives both the employee and the managers and HR professionals a reasonable amount of time to get all their ducks in a row. If you have a two weeks notice policy, stick to it and accept it. If you react angrily when an employee gives you the appropriate notice, you are leaving a negative impression with the rest of your employees. If you are understanding and supportive when one of your staff resigns, the rest will feel more comfortable with their own departures and may even let you know further in advance of their plans. This will make it easier for you to find a replacement for them and both parties will leave the situation with their good relationship in tact.
Once an employee has given their two weeks notice, it can be easy for them to start loosening up on their performance. It’s up to managers and HR professionals to remind departing employees that you still expect the same quality in their work. You may not be able to hire a replacement before they go, so encourage the employee to keep on top of their work to create an easier transition for you and for their replacement. It’s natural for HR professionals and managers to get stressed during an employee’s last two weeks since you’re filling out paperwork and trying to find a new employee, but don’t take your stress or frustration out on the departing employee. Respect their decision. They’ll be more inspired to keep doing their best and leave things organized for you.
On a similar note, keeping the entire experience of the last two weeks positive is crucial to maintaining your reputation not just within your company walls but out in the wider world as well. HR professionals and managers may not always realize that the impression they leave with a departing employee during the last two weeks can have some serious consequences. Keep in mind that you want any employee that leaves your workplace to become a positive example for future employees. If you behave with a less than pleasant attitude toward a departing employee, their last impression of you will be negative. They may talk to their other career-seeking friends and acquaintances, or even post online, about the way you treated them during their last two weeks.
Of course, this works the other way, too. Managers and HR professionals who treat departing employees with respect and offer support will earn a great reputation among the workforce. Keep things positive and everyone will have an easier transition.