Offboarding

Definition of offboarding

Offboarding is the management of an employee's departure from the company in a smooth and professional manner. It is the last step in the employee experience, and therefore an important moment in an employee's journey: the departure from one company to another, as opposed to onboarding, which manages the arrival of a new employee.

Offboarding offers several advantages for companies:

• Improving the employer brand and employee engagement
• The transfer of knowledge between the employee who leaves and the employee who arrives to replace them
• Sending a positive message to the employee who is leaving the company

The steps in the offboarding process

Offboarding is not just a simple goodbye on the last day; certain legal departure obligations must be taken into account to support the employee at the end of their contract.

For the process to take place in the best possible conditions, the implementation of an offboarding strategy must respect several crucial steps. There are two ways to start offboarding: either the employee informs the employer of their departure, or the employer announces the departure to the employee. Once this notification is received, companies must manage the transfer of tasks and responsibilities, thus ensuring a smooth transition for the remaining team.

During the departure process of an employee, it is essential to collect their feedback. To do this, it is recommended to organise an exit interview during which the employer and/or manager can discuss various subjects such as their integration, management style, relations with their superiors and colleagues, as well as the tasks carried out in relation to their job description. An employee's feedback can be valuable in improving the company's practices and work environment.

Some tips for successful offboarding

• Communicate internally about departures to other employees
• Anticipate the transfer and recruitment of new talent to replace departing employees
• Prepare the certificate of employment, the last payslip and other necessary documents before departure
• Keep in touch with former employees to consolidate relations with the company and project a positive image of the organisation

By correctly managing the departure process of employees, former employees may return to the company later, which is known as "boomerang employees". For this to happen, their work experience must be positive and leave them with good memories.

In summary

Offboarding is the last step in the employee journey, which focuses on their departure from the company. It is essential to ensure a smooth transition, strengthen resource management and maintain a positive image of the company. It is also an excellent way to improve employee engagement and experience.