While the pandemic has caused much instability in the workplace amidst a period of economic turmoil, some employees may have been planning on leaving their current position for a while, or might have just received news of a job offer. Others, anticipating redundancy, might choose to pre-empt this by tendering their resignation.

Indeed, resigning can help an individual take control of their career while maintaining their professional reputation, reducing the stress of uncertainty, and enabling them to find new employment in a less-crowded candidate pool before further terminations are made.

Naturally, this should only be undertaken by those who have the financial security and mental resilience to embrace change. Perhaps you have a good job opportunity lined up, or have a long-term plan on how to use your break to move your career forward.

Whatever your motivations, make sure you comply with the relevant termination clauses in your contract.

Resigning remotely

Given the current landscape, many are in the novel situation of having to resign virtually. Here are some tips on how to do this while keeping your professional reputation in good standing.

• Make sure your boss hears about your resignation from you first, and not through a rumour or from spotting your resume on an online portal.
• Resignations should be done face-to-face. If an in-person meeting is not possible, video conferencing will do the trick. Ask your boss for a one-on-one meeting and note it is a matter of urgency.
• Test all your equipment and prepare to make a phone call if you experience technical difficulties.

• To minimise disruption, reach an agreement with your boss on how team members will be told of your departure.
• Keep your reasons for leaving brief and empathise with your employer.
• Maintain good eye contact by looking at the webcam and not elsewhere when you deliver the news.
• Make sure you are dressed professionally, your environment is tidy and presentable, and you will not be disturbed during the call.
• Send a formal resignation letter in an email. Include your contractual notice period and what you expect your final working day to be; give thanks for the opportunities, and cover your handover.
• Negotiate your notice period by using up your outstanding leave.
• If a counteroffer is presented you can certainly consider it, though be careful it does not interfere with your future plans, or if damage has already been done to your relationship with the company.
• Do not use resigning as a bargaining chip to see if you are considered “business critical”.

Giving your resignation notice is always uncomfortable, but with any exit, be respectful and professional to leave on good terms.

This article first appeared in jobstore.com.

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