Resignation DOs and DON’Ts

A lot has been said about the best way to write CVs and the best answers to interviews. However, not so much about resignation dos and don’ts. And realize, unless you are fresh out of college, when you actually get that next job, you have to first bid adieu to your current employer, boss and team. Here are tips for you when you find yourself in that situation.

This is assuming you have done your fair share of research, consultations and have made your decision. So, we will first talk about resignation dos, then we will tackle resignation don’ts.

Resignation DOs

Have a 1-1/Heart-to-Heart Conversation With Your Immediate Lead. Ideally this happens regularly at weekly or fortnightly or monthly. Be sure to discuss your plan to resign or disengagement or concerns in one of these sessions. “No surprises” as they say and beyond this, it gives them the opportunity to help you, to engage you by addressing your concerns or retain you. If there is no regular cadence of connect calls, feel free to schedule one.

Submit your Resignation Letter. When you are 100% sure of your decision, submit your resignation letter. It does not need to be long, but there are components you need to ensure are there. Read more here for Resignation Letter Contents.

Serve Your Notice Period. Most companies have a 30-day notice period as aligned with DOLE (see below), while others have 45, 60, or even 90 days for higher level roles. Whatever it may be, it is always good to serve your notice period. This is to ensure you do the needful transition and any other requirement by your company. And when we say serve, be there for the duration. If there will be days when you will be out on leave, please ensure you have proper approval for these days. Remember that leaves are always subject to approval including leave days towards your last day. Notice that I did not

ART. 300. [285] Termination by Employee. (a) An employee may terminate
without just cause the employee-employer relationship by serving a written notice
on the employer at least one (1) month in advance.

The Labor Code of the Philippines (Renumbered)

Secure Resignation Acceptance. While this is not required by the Philippine Labor Code, it is prudent to seek one from your lead and keep this in your files. HR Departments would, usually, look for this and more and more this is something that prospective companies require as well. This signifies the employee left properly and is fully committed to the new role employee has in the new company. At least, fully committed as in no other concurrent company.

Observe Proper Clearance. Return your company assets on time and ensure they are in good condition. Start the clearance process as soon as possible and see to it that the last signatory clears either on your last day or upon return of assets. Follow through if you have to.

Resignation DON’TS

Certainly, the reverse of the aDOs and…

Go on Terminal Leave. I have two reasons why you should not do this. First, there is no such leave type. And second, it defeats the purpose of the notice period. The notice period is for transition and/or for the business to find replacement. Anyhow, let’s say you need these days off. If so be the case, be sure to always ask for leadership approval prior to going out on leave.

Burn Bridges. Some employees, in their haste to resign and impress the new employer, they leave without proper turnover and without care to relationships that have been built through the months or years. And by this, I mean it both ways. Both the employee and the lead or releasing manager. It is a small world, a small industry we are in. You never know when at some point of your career, you end up reporting to one of your current direct reports. So, as the leaver should continue to behave and perform at par what’s expected, the leaders and managers, too, to treat leaving employees with respect and care as you would your other employees. No shady schemes and no messaging conflict involving the leaving and everyone else for that matter. Remember that while we may change companies, we don’t necessarily have to change relationships and connections we have made.

Rush Timelines. After resigning, you will need to go through the clearance process (as mentioned above), then you will receive your final pay. Now, departments have their timelines in providing clearance all the way to issuing your final pay. Be sure to know this, ask if you have to and be respectful of them.

All the best and may you have a fruitful and fulfilling career journey ahead of you!