Everyday Workplace Policies

9. Departures

Do not wait until someone leaves before you explain the procedures involved. Do it on day one, preferably in a company handbook, alongside the other key information in 2-9.

9.1 Keep notice periods as short as possible.

• Consider how long it would take you to find and train a replacement.
• Even the most conscientious people will be gone, in spirit, if not in body, once they have given in their notice. Less scrupulous employees can cause problems.
• In cases of redundancy or dismissal, it is common for employees to leave straight away and receive pay in lieu of notice.

9.2 There should be a job handover where appropriate, especially if the employee is leaving on good terms.

• Get leavers to use the last few weeks to create 'job packs' for their successors, listing important contacts and information.

9.3 Use a standard checklist to identify all the company property that must be returned.

• For example, keys, credit card, security pass, car, laptop and mobile phone.

9.4 Except when someone retires, there is no reason for the company to contribute to a gift for a departing employee.

• If other employees wish to have a whip-round, that is up to them. You may want to contribute in your personal capacity.