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5 culture sins to avoid when your employee quits

Nothing is more important to a culture than the treatment of employees on their way in and out. Truth is, it sucks when an employee quits, especially when you don't see it coming. It's a part of the business and it happens. Whether you are a CEO, Head of HR, or Manager, avoid these 5 Culture Sins when your employee quits.

Speaking badly about the employee. "When Joe was here, he never..." Well, Joe isn't here and even if he was, whatever is going to be said should have been said when Joe was working there. Plus it's rude to talk about people in a negative fashion when they aren't around to add context.

Telling them that they are making a mistake. They are leaving for a reason, just like they joined the company for a reason. You've had the chance to mentor and coach them, now it's time to support them in their decision and offer a smooth transition out.

Offer More money. There is a 50/50 chance they will take the money, but you are only prolonging the inevitable, plus this is the most obvious plan of action. Be creative, be meaningful, and appeal to their humanity if you would like them to have a change of heart.

Ask where they are going. From an employee perspective, it makes things awkward. If they want to tell you, they will. If not, you will find out on LinkedIn.

Terminate employment immediately. It takes a lot of courage to quit a job and respect to let an employer know you are leaving. Now is the best time to show how much you value them. The culture is watching and taking notes.

Charisse Fontes is the founder of Culture Circle and an Executive + People Ops Advisor to founders and leadership teams.

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first published on linkedin, apr 2017_

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