The recent news that Google is planning to ban people from leaving negative reviews of their former employers on Google Maps got us thinking about how quitting with grace is much better than storming out the door yelling obscenities! Google’s policy aims to stop conflicts of interest and limit the potential damage a disgruntled employee can do to a company’s reputation – whether warranted or not.
If you’ve been ‘let go’ from a job you may have indulged in revenge fantasies, but chances are you didn’t act upon them. But not everyone has your restraint – take the woman who leaked the recipe of her fast food chain’s secret sauce on Twitter. Or the guy who hacked into his hotel’s reservations system and slashed the rate on 3000 of their rooms. We wouldn’t advise burning your office down after being sacked either, like one ‘slightly’ aggrieved former employee of a BPO after he was let go for harassing female staff…
Quitting Your Job With Style
So how should you quit your job with style? First take an honest look at why you want to leave. Is it due to irreconcilable differences with a company policy or another employee that you’re sure can’t be solved? Do you really want to leave and are not just having a bad week? Not many employers will be willing to take you back if you’ve made it clear you’d rather be working somewhere else.
A handwritten resignation letter is still considered good form and is more polite than an email (or a text / social media message!) Speak to your manager in person and be honest but refrain from bad-mouthing the company or your colleagues. This is counterproductive and could adversely affect your chances of getting a reference.
Getting What You’re Owed
Work your notice period but also make sure you obtain anything you’re entitled to – holiday, benefits and pension etc. And when it comes to your last day make sure you return company property such as keys, pass cards, and technology to avoid misunderstandings later on.
In the end it all comes down to not burning your bridges: you may well run across the same people down the line in another job, and you will most likely need a reference from your current employer. So even if you’re tempted to let rip when you quit, remember, it might not be as gratifying, but leaving with grace will likely benefit you in the long run.
Castle Hill House