Our team of experts fields real-life everyday questions from HR managers and gives practical answers that can be applied by any HR pro in the same situation. Today’s question: What’s the best approach when it looks like an employee is going to resign to go to work for another company?
Question:
We’ve heard strong rumors that one of our employees is getting ready to resign to go to work for another company. So, what’s the best approach to take if the employee offers a resignation?
In the past, we’ve let most employees work out their last two weeks after they’ve offered the resignation, but we’re not sure that’s the right course of action.
What is the best approach?
Answer:
It depends on a number of factors, according to HR pro Susan Heathfield. But you generally can make the decision by answering some questions about the circumstances:
Consider letting the employee work the two weeks if —
- the staffing need demands it, and
- the employee is leaving on good terms
Consider letting the employee go immediately if —
- the “next job” is with a competitor
- the manager involved suspects the employee won’t accomplish much by staying, or
- the employee has a history of problems with performance or conduct