Departures

Prepare for Employee Departures

As employees learn, grow, and develop, they may choose to leave your company to advance their career paths. But sometimes leaving isn’t a choice; you may need to make staffing changes for any number of reasons (e.g. financial difficulties, employee performance issues, labour restructuring)

Regardless of the reason, an employee’s departure should be managed with respect and professionalism in order to minimize disruption within the work environment and avoid potential costly legal and financial liabilities.

Plan for Employee Departure Scenarios

Assess
  • Carefully consider termination options (with/without just cause) and risks. Review performance management documentation, employment contracts, and other information to make an informed decision.
Acknowledge
  • Voluntary terminations Request and acknowledge all voluntary terminations (resignations) in writing (e.g. email or text)
Educate
  • Be aware of employer and employee legal rights and responsibilities regarding terminations, layoffs, recalls and resignations.
Prepare
  • Plan final meetings in advance – Location, attendees, script (keep it brief). Document the discussion and determine how you will advise remaining employees of the departure.

Educate

Termination Checklist Template

Templated document for properly handling an employee termination.

Acknowledge

Reference Letter Template

Sample reference letter to be used when endorsing a job candidate.

Acknowledge

Reference Letter Sample Template

Sample reference letter for endorsing a prospective job candidate.

Acknowledge

Voluntary Resignation

Voluntary departures are often easier to manage because the departure is the employee’s choice. However, it is important to carry out the following procedures to help minimize any negative impact on the business.

Educate

Exit Interview Template

Templated document for conducting an exit interview.

Prepare

Off Boarding Checklist Template

Templated checklist for off-boarding an employee.

Assess

Termination Request Form Template

Templated document to assist with termination request.

Assess

Involuntary Termination

Effective employers realize the importance of preserving the self-respect and dignity of departing employees, while also ensuring that termination and dismissal must comply with legal obligations and be in the best interests of the business.