What is resignation?: Meaning & Definition

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What is Resignation? 

 

Resignation refers to an act of freely quitting or giving up a post, job, or responsibility. It means to formally inform an employer or the relevant organization that the person has decided to quit their job or the position they are holding. Resignation occurs for many reasons such as personal reasons, career advancement, dissatisfaction with the current job, retirement, or just moving on to a new opportunity. Resignation is always conveyed by a letter of resignation or by giving a personal notice to the employer or the supervisor. It is commonly followed by a notice period in which the person leaving the job helps with the transition or transfers obligations to someone else. 

 

How can organizations effectively manage employee resignations through strategic approaches? 

 

When an employee resigns, it’s essential for an organization to handle the situation with empathy and professionalism: 

 

Acknowledge and respect their decision: 

 

Thank the worker for the effort they have put in and recognize their choice of departure. Give your appreciation for their service and wish them success in their further undertakings. Write an essay on the effect of social media on the mental health of teenagers. 

 

Offer support and assistance: 

 

Help with the transition by sharing advice on handing over the tasks, passing on the responsibilities, and setting up the knowledge transfer sessions if there is a need. Support departing employees so they will be valued until their last day at their current workplace. 

 

Conduct exit interviews: 

 

This way of taking the exit interview will enable you to discover the reasons for the employee’s decision to quit and focus on improving the organization. Implement this feedback positively to improve employee retention and the group culture. 

 

Maintain positive relationships: 

 

Develop an open dialogue and uphold a good rapport with leaving staff members. This will make sure that the door remains open for more such projects (collaborations) or rehiring the candidate in the future. Besides becoming a positive echo for the organization, demonstrating sincerity and genuine care can make the parting employee remember the experience with a smile. 

 

Celebrate their contributions: 

 

Retain the record of the departing employee’s contributions and achievements, which have enhanced the organization. You may contemplate hosting a farewell party or composing an appreciation letter that is personalized for them to convey your feelings of gratitude for their commitment and devotion. 

 

How should an employee go about announcing their resignation? 

 

Employees can be given the option of planning a meeting to meet their immediate supervisor or manager at a private time regarding the matter. During the meeting, they should announce their leave of absence as well as the date of being notified using a formal resignation letter which contains their resignation date, the reasons for their leaving the company, and the imminent package details. Besides, let’s emphasize maintaining professionalism and gratitude too. So, we will be sure to deliver our express of appreciation for the instruments of this company. Furthermore, the request to get assistance during the transitory phase and adding the final touches finalizes the process relatively smoothly. 

 

What elements should be included in a letter of resignation? 

 

A letter of resignation should contain the following elements: 

  1.  Statement of resignation: Definitely, affirm that your resignation is a call for you to leave your position. 
  2. Effective date: Indicate the date of effectiveness of your resignation. 
  3. Gratitude: Extend your thanks for the chance and all the experiences you received during your work with that company. 
  4. Transition plan: Make the transfer as easy as possible by providing necessary support and ensuring the new employee is well-informed and prepared to take on the tasks. 
  5. Contact information: Feel free to provide your contact details should any communication be required later. 
  6. Professional tone: In the whole letter try to convey a professional and respectful manner. 
  7. Optional: I would like to thank my colleagues and supervisors for their guidance, support, and encouragement. Also, I will provide a brief statement about why I am leaving. 

 

What types of resignation letters exist? 

 

There are several types of resignation letters, including There are several types of resignation letters, including: 

 

  1.  Standard resignation letter: Here is a short letter to inform you that you are resigning, and it includes the effective resignation date and a short note of thankfulness. 
  2. Two weeks’ notice resignation letter: This letter is a notification to your employers of the usual two weeks’ notice before your separation date and it is such that a comfortable transition can be achieved. 
  3.  Immediate resignation letter: This is to inform you that from today, you have resigned on your own will, for example, a new job opportunity or personal circumstances that need urgent attention. 
  4. Formal resignation letter: This is a type of letter that has been structured according to business format and used frequently in professional settings. It is a formal document containing all the required details and aspects. 
  5.  Email resignation letter: A resignation email sent through that is easy and quick to communicate but must still be addressed politely and contain relevant details. 
  6. Resignation letter with notice period adjustment: If you are not in the position to give the required notice period, this letter explains the situation and consists of an alternative schedule and a notice period if possible. 

 

 Each resignation style has its purpose and should be chosen considering the company’s policies and individual situations. 

 

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FAQs

 People resign for personal reasons, career advancement, job dissatisfaction, retirement, or to pursue new opportunities.

Organizations should manage a resignation with professionalism and empathy, offering support during the transition, conducting exit interviews, maintaining positive relationships, and celebrating the employee’s contributions.

The typical notice period is two weeks, although it can vary depending on the company’s policy and the employee’s contract.

A resignation letter should include a statement of resignation, the effective date, gratitude for the opportunity, a transition plan, contact information, and maintain a professional tone.