Does it really matter how your employees leave your company? The leaver experience is a crucial element of employer branding and can have a long-lasting impact on your organization’s reputation. In this article, we will explore what the leaver experience entails, why it is important, and how exit interviews and building a community of former employees can help gather valuable feedback and maintain connections with ex-employees.
What is the Leaver experience?
The leaver experience encompasses all interactions and processes related to an employee’s departure. This includes communication during the separation, conducting exit interviews, and providing post-departure support. The goal is to ensure a smooth and respectful transition that leaves a positive impression on the departing employee.
Why is the Leaver Experience Important?
The leaver experience is crucial for several reasons:
1. Company reputation
How you treat departing employees can quickly spread and impact your employer brand. A positive leaver experience can turn departing employees into brand ambassadors who speak highly of your company and recommend it to others.
2. Feedback for improvement
Exit interviews provide valuable insights into the reasons for leaving and areas that can be improved within the company. This can help reduce turnover and improve the working environment.
3. Maintaining networks
A well-organized departure process can preserve professional relationships and create potential for future collaboration. Former employees can become clients, partners, or even return to work under better conditions.
How to improve the Leaver experience
1. Clear and open communication
Communication is key when an employee is leaving. Clearly explain the reasons for the separation and provide detailed information about the next steps, such as compensation, paperwork, and references.
2. Support and respect
Offer support to departing employees to help them make a smoother transition. This may include career counseling, recommendations, and information about future opportunities.
3. Conduct exit interviews
Exit interviews are an important tool for gathering feedback. They can be conducted by neutral parties or external consultants to ensure objectivity and openness. Here are some examples for questions:
• What is the main reason for your departure?
• Was there anything that could have retained you in the company?
• What did you like most about working here?
• What would you change if you could?
• Would you recommend our company as an employer to your friends?
4. Farewell parties and appreciation
Organizing farewell parties or giving gifts to departing employees shows appreciation and respect for their contributions. This can leave a positive final impression and strengthen the connection between the departing employee and the company.
Building a community of former employees
Building an alumni network is a strategy many large companies use to stay connected with their former employees. These communities can be a powerful source of talent and partnerships. Some of the benefits are:
1. Re-hiring opportunities
Former employees who left with a positive experience are more likely to return to the company when new opportunities arise.
2. Brand ambassadors
Former employees can act as brand ambassadors, sharing positive impressions and recommending the company to potential new employees and clients.
3. Professional connections
Alumni communities can create a network of professionals who can collaborate and share resources.
Examples of best practices from large companies:
• Deloitte has an active alumni program that includes regular events, newsletters, and an online platform to connect and maintain relationships with former employees.
• McKinsey & Company maintains a global network of its former employees that includes professional resources, events, and career opportunities. This helps the company stay connected with its former talents and engage them in future projects.
The leaver experience is an important aspect of employer branding and can have a long-term effect on the company’s reputation. Through clear communication, providing support, conducting exit interviews, and building a community of former employees, you can ensure a positive leaver experience. This will not only improve internal culture but also strengthen ties with departing employees and create a better company image in the long run.
