It’s hard when an employee decides to leave our team – especially when they are an A+ player (hopefully, all of your employees fall into this category). Let’s be honest, while we are happy for the employee and their new opportunity; we typically feel betrayed, sad, and overwhelmed by how their work will get done. Nonetheless, it’s important we thank them for their contributions. After all, they have helped our business get to where it is today! Not to mention, treating employees with respect, appreciation, and goodwill helps create a successful business.
Many of my clients express their gratitude to an employee who is leaving through a luncheon in
which he/she is the guest of honor. Here are some of their best practices for making it extra special and memorable:
■ Invite their family members to attend.
■ Give a speech recognizing their accomplishments and wishing him/her well.
■ Give him/her a:
▪ plaque with the company’s name, employee’s years of service, and thank you message.
▪ framed letter from you thanking them for their contributions.
▪ card that has been signed by you and all of the employees.
▪ a small gift that symbolizes your company’s industry or the type of work he/she did.
■ Have a cake with a special “thank you and congratulations” message on it.
Not only is showing your gratitude to a departing employee the right thing to do; you will also see some
Lipton that.
unanticipated benefits. For example, he/she will continue to work on your behalf — speaking highly of you and your business and referring potential employees and clients. And, your current employees are always watching how you treat people in any situation…afterall, we all want to work for and/or with businesses that treat people well.
YOUR TURN: How do you show your gratitude to an employee who is leaving your company? Please leave your reply below.
photo credit
Jennifer Brown is the founder of PeopleTactics LLC, she is devoted to helping small business owners implement solutions to prevent Human Resources problems that drain them of their time, money, and energy. Jennifer works with small businesses in order to help them build stronger employee relationships, understand and comply with employment laws, establish policies, and set up easy-to-use HR systems to consistently avoid problems.
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