Is Offboarding Just as Important as Onboarding? Yes.

As an HR professional, you know the importance of onboarding to help new hires acclimate to their workplace and job responsibilities. What you may not realize is that offboarding is just as important. Putting the same care and concern into the experience for departing employees provides significant benefits for your company. Here are six reasons why offboarding is as important as onboarding.  

Communication 

When an employee leaves, offboarding lets other department members know about the change. Rumors have less of an impact when the truth is told. Remaining employees are less distracted when they know what’s really going on. Telling staff when a colleague is leaving encourages them to facilitate a smooth transition into a new relationship with a different employee.  

Exit Interview  

Upon an employee departure, offboarding lets you set up an exit interview to gain insight into their decision. Collect honest feedback that reflects their true experience working for you. Find out whether they’re leaving their team or manager or simply for another opportunity. Perhaps there are personal reasons such as starting a family or relocating for a spouse’s career. Thank the employee for their service. Leave the door open for rehiring if you’d like to see them in the future. 

Maintaining Contact 

After an employee leaves, offboarding makes it possible to keep in touch. Find out which company they are going to and how you can contact them. Send occasional emails asking how they’re doing. If you see the former employee at industry events, go talk with them. If you visit their city, ask them to lunch. Show that the former employee is still a valued member of your extended community. 

Brand Ambassadors  

Because former employees may act as brand ambassadors, they need to be adequately offboarded. People who used to work for you are likely to share stories about their experiences. Leaving them with an affirming last impression means they’re more likely to share positive memories than negative ones. 

Referral Source 

Since departing employees may serve as a source for referrals, appropriate offboarding is necessary. Leaving on a positive note encourages them to tell other top professionals about their experience working for you. You’re likely to gain more qualified job candidates who understand the business and blend with company culture. Plus, you may gain customers and contacts through former employees. 

Boomerang Effect 

Because employees who leave may want to return someday, they need to be properly offboarded. They may miss working for you and bring with them new skills they acquired. This is especially important if the employee had a significant tenure with you. They already fit with company culture, understand the department and have experience with your business operations.   

Find Accounting or Finance Professionals  

Find the professionals you need with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources. As a leading Schaumberg employment agency, we reduce your time spent on recruiting, evaluating, screening and interviewing candidates to find the best match for your organization. Connect with our leading staffing specialists today!  

6 Tips to Help Improve Your Networking Skills

It’s true that your network is your net worth. When you network out of genuine curiosity in all environments, you learn things you otherwise may not have known. If you have a typical routine and see many of the same people each day, take the time to get to know them. You never know what opportunities you may uncover. Here are six tips to help improve your networking skills.   

 1. Introduce Yourself 

A great way to meet people is by introducing yourself. Wherever you are, walk up to someone, put out your hand and tell them your name. Talk about who you are and what you do. Ask the person to do the same. Put yourself out there and show who you truly are so you attract whom you need. 

 2. Make Friends   

Because friends do business with friends, focus on starting relationships. Discuss your goals, dreams, challenges and personal interests. Find commonality to bond over. If someone especially impresses you, ask them to coffee or lunch to continue your conversation. When you need an in at a company and you have an established relationship with an employee there, you’re more likely to find the value you’re looking for than if you simply picked up that person’s business card.    

 3. Listen 

Be unlike most people and attentively listen. Show you are truly interested in what they have to say. Given the opportunity to truly connect enhances that person’s view of you as a friend. People trust you and feel safe sharing who they are. You gain much more knowledge when you give someone your undivided attention. What you learn could lead to career opportunities down the road.    

4. Give Before Asking 

Always give before asking for something in return. When you meet someone, think about how you can help them reach a goal, make a connection or overcome an obstacle. Show your willingness to invest in them, add value to their life and build trust. If nothing comes from the relationship, be happy that you helped someone.   

5. Request an Introduction 

If you want to meet a person, ask the people you know if they know anyone who knows the person. When you find someone who does, ask them to introduce you. Because a warm lead is better than a cold one, you’re more likely to get in the door as a referral than a cold email or phone call. Be sure to reciprocate when possible.   

6. Keep your word 

Follow through on everything you say you’ll do. Your word and reputation are your biggest assets. If you promise to follow up, then follow up. If you say you’ll close a deal, uphold the deal to the highest standard. People make referrals to someone who’s reliable and always there. 

Network with a Chicago Employment Agency 

Find your next role by networking with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources. Our extensive networking and recruitment programs help us place all levels of accounting and finance candidates. Contact our leading finance recruiters today!