Silly season is here, some of us are rushing to wind up business for the year, some are dreaming of December vacations and some are already planning 2017. The end of the year also brings many changes in the job market, talent pool and in a company’s staff complement. Resignations can be disruptive, hiring staff more difficult and decision making tricky.
The decision to resign at the end of the year – is a tricky but common one. The desire for a fresh start in the New Year, holding out for December bonuses, losing out on December leave, loyalty to an Employer and urgency from the Hiring Manager, makes the decision conflicting for everyone.
Our recruitment team has put together a list of our Top Ten Things You Need To Know About Resigning:
- Firstly, we might be stating the obvious, but make sure you that you receive the offer of employment in writing before you resign. Whether it be a letter of offer addressed to you or a formal contract, do not resign based on a verbal offer.
- Make sure that you put your resignation in writing. Remember that once your employer has accepted your resignation, they are not obliged to keep you should you change your mind and decide to withdraw your resignation.
- A resignation is a unilateral act, which means that it does not require acceptance by your employer. Resignations become effective once they have been submitted.
- Never burn bridges. Always be professional in your resignation and throughout your notice period, you might need an employment reference in the future.
- Bonuses and 13th cheques are discretionary and are based on a company’s own policies. Make sure you get all the information before hand and understand the company’s policy before you make a final decision.
- Discuss your notice period. Resignations can be very disruptive for a business, especially during the end of the year. Be open and discuss your notice period with your Employer to reach a mutually favourable arrangement.
- Make sure you understand the required notice period in your employment contract. The BCEA indicates the minimum prescribed notice periods, however if you have agreed to a longer notice period with your employer, this constitutes the required notice period.
- Work your agreed notice period. According to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the employer must pay an employee for his or her notice period, even if the employer does not require him or her to work the entire period. However, the employer is not compelled to pay the employee, should he or she not be willing to serve the full notice.
- Be wary of counter offers. We come across counter offers all the time, and rarely do they end happily. Remember your reasons for changing jobs and why the issues were not fixed before your resignation. Also, consider that after accepting a counter offer, your integrity may be questioned further down the line.
- Whilst finishing up at the company, assist in making the transition as easy as possible. Keep on good terms with your colleagues and management, wrap up as much as you are able to, offer to help find or train your replacement, and if asked, do the exit interview with HR.