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Offboarding definition
Offboarding, also known as exit management, describes the departure of employees from the company with whom an employment or service relationship previously existed. Offboarding is not an event, but rather a consciously designed process that forms an integral part of HR management. A well-planned and smoothly executed offboarding process is very important for both employees and the company. While it saves the former a lot of stress and the agony of uncertainty, the latter can strengthen their employer brand and build trust.
The offboarding process takes place on two levels: On the one hand, it involves purely technical aspects that accompany this gradual separation process. On the other hand, socio-emotional aspects must not be ignored. In this context, a discussion with the employee concerned is recommended to clear up any ambiguities.
Why do employees leave the company? – There are the following reasons:
- A fixed-term employment or service relationship is not extended.
- An employer or employee gives notice of termination.
- An employee takes statutory retirement.
The definition of offboarding is the counterpart to onboarding, which describes the process of new employees joining the company.
Offboarding in practice
Exit management requires measures that not only convey a professional last impression, but also give a feeling of security.
The following offboarding measures should be considered:
- Exit interview: every employee expects a transparent discussion with regard to the separation process that is to take place.
- Knowledge transfer: It is of fundamental importance to secure and transfer the knowledge of a departing employee.
- Communication: Offboarding requires a smooth flow of information regarding the departure. This takes place internally and externally.
- Documentation: It is important to determine which documents are to be prepared, signed and handed over when an employee leaves.
- Farewell: This takes place in an official and/or unofficial manner. Here it is important to know who is responsible for the farewell.
- Authorizations: Leaving the company involves the withdrawal of authorizations and the return of relevant items.
Best practices also include maintaining a network and communicating with other employees. The first case involves maintaining contact with former employees after the termination of an employment or service relationship.
The second concerns early notification of an employee’s departure before rumors spread among colleagues. In addition, the issuing of references and testimonials serves as an example of best practice in the context of offboarding.
