Preparing for an Employee’s Departure: What Every Manager Should Know
At Career Image Solutions, we stay in tune with what career professionals say about our services. One key area that comes up often is how to handle employee departures effectively.
Did you know that the end of the year is one of the most common times employees look for new jobs? If you’re facing a staff member’s resignation—or planning to terminate someone—this guide will walk you through what to do next.
✅ What to Do Before an Employee Leaves
Every employee who enters and exits your company can shape your brand. They may act as a positive ambassador—or leave with negative impressions. That’s why handling their departure the right way matters.
Unless the employee is being terminated for gross misconduct, it’s important to treat them with dignity. Final impressions often last the longest.
Here are the three key steps to follow:
1. Schedule an Exit Discussion
It might feel awkward, but having a respectful conversation before the employee leaves is essential. During this talk:
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Address any unresolved questions or concerns
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Offer well wishes for their next chapter
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Be cautious with your words—don’t say anything that could create legal risk
2. Create a Succession Plan
If your team has been communicating effectively, this step should be smooth. You’ll want to:
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Decide how the employee’s responsibilities will be managed in the short term
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Plan for a long-term replacement or role restructure
This is a good time to involve your HR Advisor or leadership team.
3. Conduct a Thoughtful Exit Interview
Many small businesses skip this—but it’s a mistake. Exit interviews can give you a peek into the culture of your workplace from an insider’s point of view.
They can uncover:
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Management gaps
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Process flaws
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Team morale issues
To encourage honesty, have your HR Advisor or an external consultant conduct the interview.
Final Thoughts
When you treat departing employees with respect and plan their transition carefully, it strengthens your business. You build a better reputation, protect your culture, and gain insights that help you grow.
Author: Hennither Gant
Chief Human Resources Officer, Career Image Solutions
Empowering leaders and businesses with practical HR strategies that work.
