Leaving Well: How Off-boarding Fuels Future Success
- May 1
- 5 min read
Today, organizations are navigating greater uncertainty, market volatility, and a 10-year low in employee engagement. Fewer employees feel connected to their work or motivated to contribute, impacting productivity, retention, innovation, and overall workplace morale. As a result, it’s becoming harder for companies to stay competitive and attract top talent.
In this environment, every touchpoint in the employee lifecycle matters, including off-boarding. A respectful, thoughtful off-boarding process signals to employees that they are valued at every stage, reinforcing trust in the organization’s values. Done well, off-boarding can turn departing employees into ADVOCATES rather than CRITICS, helping preserve morale and protect the employer brand. In times of fragile engagement, how an organization manages endings can be just as important as how it handles beginnings.
Economic uncertainty has also led many organizations to hold onto cash reserves and prepare for potential Reductions in Force (RIFs). However, RIFs do not mark the end of employee experience…they heighten the importance of it. A well-managed off-boarding experience can mitigate negative impacts on departing employees, remaining/surviving staff, and overall brand reputation.
While off-boarding often increases during periods of economic instability, it’s not merely a question of volume. The intent, quality, and impact of off-boarding efforts are equally critical. Thoughtful and respectful off-boarding procedures demonstrate an organization’s commitment to employee well-being before, during, and after employment.
Effective off-boarding carries immense benefits:
Higher Incidence of Layoffs, Restructuring, and Realignment: Economic pressures often lead to role eliminations affecting not just low performers, but highly valuable employees as well.
Greater Scrutiny on Employee Experience: Mishandled off-boarding can quickly damage employer brands and erode internal trust, as seen in recent public missteps.
Increased Pressure on People Leaders: Off-boarding requires a careful balance of transparency, empathy, compliance, and logistical precision to avoid reputational and legal risks.
Opportunity to Reinforce Culture and Values: Turbulent times test organizational integrity; compassionate off-boarding can strengthen engagement among remaining employees.
Potential for Positive Alumni Relations: Departing employees, especially boomerang hires, bring back institutional knowledge paired with new skills, offering a cost-effective talent pipeline.
Prevention of Legal Challenges: A structured, compliant off-boarding process, including clear communications, benefits information, and exit interviews, reduces legal exposure and strengthens the employer brand.
Ultimately, while off-boarding becomes more common during turbulent times, it also becomes more visible, emotionally charged, and strategically important. It’s no longer just an administrative step…it’s a defining moment of organizational character.
On that note, how has employee morale been impacted in your organization over the past 100 days? I’d love to hear how you’ve been navigating these uncertain times.
May Observances:
Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Honors the diverse contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to American history, society, and culture, recognizing their vast pan-ethnic origins across East, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
Jewish American Heritage Month: Each May, hundreds of organizations and Americans of all backgrounds join together to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the dawn of our nation to the present day.
Older Americans Month: This month explores the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental health is wealth, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month. Although progress has been made, the long-standing stigma surrounding mental health and its treatment persists. Consequently, many individuals are reluctant to seek support or even discuss their struggles with family and friends, fearing judgment and unwarranted negative reactions.
Haitian Heritage Month: This is a great time to celebrate the vibrant culture, distinct art, delectable cuisine, and to get to know people of Haitian origin. Haitian Heritage Month is an expansion of the annual Haitian Flag Day, which falls on May 18. Flag Day is observed with much pomp and splendor even by the diaspora. That’s how it found its way to the U.S., a country that’s home to a large Haitian population.
Military Appreciation Month: May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time for Americans to unite in honoring past and present U.S. Armed Forces members, including those who died for freedom. Six national observances throughout May highlight their service and contributions.
May 5 – Cinco de Mayo: In the U.S. today, Cinco de Mayo is seen as a day to celebrate the culture and heritage of people with a Mexican background with an emphasis on Mexican services and goods, especially food, drinks, music, and dancing!
May 11 – Mother’s Day: This is a celebration honoring those who play the role of mother in people's lives, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.
May 15 – Global Accessibility Awareness Day: The purpose of this day is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than 1 Billion people with disabilities/impairments.
May 16 – Malcolm X Day: Malcolm X Day honors the African American Muslim minister and civil rights leader who advocated for Black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the Black community. He is credited with raising Black Americans' self-esteem by reconnecting them with their African heritage. This holiday celebrates his impactful work and lasting societal influence.
May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia: This day aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBTQ+ rights work worldwide. By 2016, the commemorations had taken place in over 130 countries.
May 18 - 24 – National Public Works Week: Across North America, this week is used to energize and educate the public on the importance of public works to their daily lives: planning, building, managing, and operating at the heart of their local communities to improve everyday quality of life.
May 20 – International HR Day: Every year on May 20, we celebrate International HR Day. This is the time for us to shine the spotlight on the valuable and irreplaceable role that HR professionals play in helping your organization succeed.
May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: This is a global event led by UNESCO and supported by the United Nations. It enables people all around the world to reflect on what diversity is within our culture and cultural heritage. It's also a time to think about why cultural diversity continues to matter in today’s world, and to discuss important issues affecting people of different cultures.
May 27 – Memorial Day (Federal Holiday): This is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Until next month... Be well and protect your peace!
First published on LinkedIn.
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