An employee’s notice period is the last chance to make a positive impression about you, your unit, and IU. This last experience may make the difference in that employee serving as a proponent or detractor for others considering joining IU. It may also help keep the door open for IU to re-hire the employee in the future.
The following are some tips you as a leader can take to help create a respectful exit experience:
- Ask the employee to share what they would recommend changing about the position for the next incumbent and what could have made it better for them.
- If appropriate, discuss celebration ideas (e.g., going away party, final team lunch/meeting, etc.).
- If appropriate, send out a note announcing their departure and acknowledge their accomplishments while they were a member of your team and IU. Ask the employee to review it prior to sending it out.
- Request any final feedback about you as their manager, the department/unit, or their colleagues. Really listen and ask questions, but do not become defensive as it is their experience. Thank them for any feedback they provide.
- Be sure to say “goodbye” to the employee on their final day at IU. Stop by if you are in person or connect virtually with them if either you or they are working remotely.
- For staff who voluntarily resign, encourage them to complete any exit interview process that may take place in your unit or campus.