There’s more to walking away from your job than just handing in the access card. If you’re leaving greener professional pastures, retiring or facing dismissal, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the many hoops you may need to jump through before leaving. We provide you with well- equipped steps that you need to follow before leaving your office.
Resigning
Check your contract
Employment contracts aren’t generic, so before you go for a new job interview or embark on your own venture, check your current employment contract thoroughly, advises Pieter Human, director of an online labour advisory, Labour Wise. The length of your notice period and contractual obligations can impact or even restrict future professional plans. It’s also important to check on unused annual and sick leave, employee benefits and salary you may be entitled to, points out Anita Hoole, managing director of DAV Professional Placement Group.
Before handing in your notice
* Request a dummy payslip to get an idea of how your new package will be structured. Deductions, may be higher than expected.
* Check the probation period stated on the new employment contract.
* Make sure you receive a contract of employment from your new employer. Sign it before giving notice, and only when you’re satisfied with all aspects of the contract.
Exit tactfully
Most companies request an exit interview before you leave, explains HR specialist Thea McClure. Use this as an opportunity to constructively share any concerns with the company, she suggests. Other companies prefer to communicate your departure through their own channels, but it may also be left to you. If this is the case, write a brief, formal and professional email to inform clients and colleagues of your departure, advises Zakiyya Essa, a director at The Career Guidance Company. In addition, wait until you’re in your new post before announcing your career move on social media platforms – a premature post could cause ructions (angry reactions).
Retirement
How to access your pension
A company is required to sign all documents to release or transfer your pension or provident fund as speedily as possible. As your retirement savings belong to you, you can also contact the pension or provident fund administrators to facilitate this process.
Fired
If I’m fired, do I pack up and go?
If you are summarily dismissed after a disciplinary hearing for misconduct, you will be required to leave with immediate effect. But If you are dismissed on notice, you will emain for the notice period.
If I’m fired, can I still use my employer as a reference?
Gaps on a CV raises a lot of questions. It’s better to be honest. Resolving issues to the best of your ability with your previous employer will go a long way to improving the reference they’ll give of you, and it will give a good impression.
Written by Françoise Gallet
Also see: Surviving an open-office plan
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