What is Offboarding?

Offboarding is the process that occurs when an employee leaves a company, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. It’s a crucial phase that ensures a smooth transition, involving several key steps such as transferring job responsibilities, deactivating access rights, turning in equipment, and conducting exit interviews to gather valuable feedback.

Respect is vital during offboarding. It’s about listening to departing employees and valuing their insights during exit interviews. How a company handles offboarding reflects its culture and can significantly influence how former employees perceive the organization. Maintaining positive relationships with past employees turns them into brand ambassadors who advocate for the company.

Offboarding protects the employer brand by fostering a continuous connection between the company and its employees. It also provides an opportunity for candid feedback, allowing HR to implement changes based on insights gathered. Moreover, it opens the door for boomerang employees—those who may wish to return in the future, highlighting the importance of leaving on good terms.