Compassionate Offboarding:
The Strategic Imperative for Employee Well-being and Company Success
As professional career transition coaches, we see firsthand the impact of job loss on individuals. Many people who lose their job share their feeling of lost and hopeless, but after going through a career transition assistance program, begin to thrive and many become grateful to their former employers for their support during the transition.
This past week, a person who lost their job sent me a note saying, “I’m forever thankful for career coaching with a collection of people to support me during this most difficult time in my live – they truly did help prepare me for my next role.” The company she worked for now has another loyal alumnus in the workplace because of their care for her on the way out.
This story highlights the importance of compassionate offboarding. When companies treat exiting employees with respect and dignity, they create positive outcomes for both the employee and the company.
The Importance of Purposeful Offboarding
Businesses spend a great deal of time and resources bringing new hires aboard and retaining employees, but little effort and few resources toward offboarding. Employees who leave may receive a cursory exit interview, instructions for handing off assignments, and a sheet of postemployment benefits and resources—but that may be about it.
The lack of attention to the exit process can be damaging to a company’s brand. Employees who leave may talk negatively about their former employer to friends, family, and potential clients. Additionally, a poorly handled offboarding process can lead to low morale and productivity among remaining employees.
Compassionate Offboarding is Strategic
The best offboarding plans incorporate the company’s mission, vision, core values, and culture. The way that organizations treat exiting employees sends a clear message about whether the company lives up to its championed commitments and values. They are not just words on a wall for everyone to see, read and in some cases memorize, but a commitment to the employees, even when offboarding them.
Compassionate offboarding is not just about providing severance pay and benefits. It is about supporting employees through the transition to their next role. This may include providing career counseling, job search assistance, and training. It is also important to create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their concerns.
Benefits of Compassionate Offboarding
There are many benefits to compassionate offboarding. For employees, it can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help them to find new jobs more quickly. For companies, compassionate offboarding can lead to improved morale and productivity, reduced turnover costs, and a stronger employer brand.
How to Create a Compassionate Offboarding Plan
The first step to creating a compassionate offboarding plan is to involve key stakeholders, such as HR, management, and legal counsel. It is also important to get feedback from employees.
Once you have a good understanding of the needs of your employees, you can begin to develop your offboarding plan. Here are some tips:
- Start early. The offboarding process should begin as soon as have decided to let someone go. This will give you time to transition their workload, provide them with support, and say goodbye in a meaningful way.
- Be transparent. Communicate with employees about their offboarding plan and what to expect. This will help to reduce uncertainty and anxiety.
- Be supportive. Offer employees the resources and support they need to make a successful transition to their next role. This may include career counseling, job search assistance, and training.
- Be respectful. Treat exiting employees with respect and dignity, even if they are leaving under difficult circumstances.
Conclusion
Compassionate offboarding is a strategic necessity in today’s work environment. When companies treat exiting employees rather by your choice or there’s, treat them with respect and dignity. It is the best way to create positive outcomes for both the employee and the company.
Additional Tips
- Consider offering outplacement services to exiting employees. Outplacement services can provide employees with personalized support during the job search process.
- Create an alumni network for former employees. This is a great way to stay in touch with former employees and show your appreciation for their contributions.
- Ask exiting employees for feedback on your offboarding process. This feedback can help you to improve your process over time.
By following these tips, you can create a compassionate offboarding plan that will benefit both your employees and your company.
During the holidays, companies need to be more compassionate as this is already a stressful time of year for most people.
