Jobs by JobLookup

7 Worst Ways to Exit an Employee



For you, it’s just another day at work. For them, it’s a life-altering moment.  

As a recruiter, I’ve seen the emotional scars linger long after the exit. It doesn’t end when they leave the office—it stays with them, shaping their confidence and future. đź’”  

How you handle an employee’s departure isn’t about you. It’s about their livelihood, dignity, and next steps.  

Here’s what **NOT** to do (and how to handle it better):  

---

**1/ Do It Over Zoom**  

↳ Delivering the news through a screen? That’s heartless.  

↳ **Do this instead:** Meet in person. Show respect and humanity.  

**2/ Keep Them Guessing**  

↳ Leaving them clueless about their performance or future? That’s cruel.  

↳ **Do this instead:** Be transparent and direct. Honesty builds trust, even in tough moments.  

**3/ Hide Behind HR**  

↳ Letting HR deliver the message? That’s a leadership failure.  

↳ **Do this instead:** Step up as a leader. Take responsibility for the decision.  

**4/ Blindside Them**  

↳ If they had no warning, you’ve failed as a manager.  

↳ **Do this instead:** Provide clear feedback and a chance to improve before it gets to this point.  

**5/ Forget It’s Traumatic**  

↳ For you, it’s business as usual. For them, it’s a seismic shift.  

↳ **Do this instead:** Show empathy. Acknowledge the impact this has on their life.  

**6/ Make It Robotic**  

↳ Reading from a script? That’s dehumanizing. đź‘Ž  

↳ **Do this instead:** Speak from the heart. Say a genuine “thank you” for their contributions.  

**7/ Cut Them Loose With No Support**  

↳ No guidance, no help, no resources? That’s a major misstep.  

↳ **Do this instead:** Offer a reference, severance, or assistance with their job search. Help them land on their feet.  

---

**🚨 Final Thought:**  

Exiting an employee with dignity isn’t just good leadership—it’s a **moral obligation**.  

If you can’t handle this with compassion and respect, you have no business leading others.  

Do better. Be better. đź’ˇ

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post