The Worst Ways to Quit a Job

Survey Reveals Strangest Ways Workers Have Resigned

TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2015 /CNW/ - An OfficeTeam survey may bring new meaning to the advice "quit while you're ahead." Nearly nine in 10 (86 per cent) human resources (HR) managers interviewed said the way employees quit a job at least somewhat affects their future career opportunities. Respondents also gave some examples of unusual ways workers have resigned.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 600 HR managers at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada and the United States. 

HR managers were asked, "In your opinion, how does the manner in which someone quits a job affect that person's future career opportunities?" Their responses:

Greatly affects it	33%
Somewhat affects it	53%
Does not affect it at all	12%
Don't know	2%
	100%

Managers also were asked to recount the most unusual way they have heard someone quit a job. Following are some examples:

• "An employee baked a cake with her resignation letter written on top."
• "A marching band accompanied one guy in his announcement."
• "The worker threw a brick through the window with the words 'I quit' written on it."
• "An employee left a sticky note explaining he was quitting."
• "The individual sent an email blast to all staff."
• "A worker threw a cup of coffee and walked out."
• "One employee bragged to his colleagues that it was his last day, but failed to let the HR manager or his boss know."

Some workers went high-tech with their resignations:

• "One woman created a music video to explain she was leaving."
• "A worker sent his boss a text message."
• "One person quit via Facebook."
• "The employee submitted a message through the company website."
• "Someone resigned on a video conference call."

A few employees had someone else do their dirty work:

• "One person made his wife call to say he was not coming back."
• "The worker sent a text to his colleague and asked her to forward it to management."

Others did a disappearing act:

• "A person went to the bathroom and didn't return."
• "One worker packed up her belongings and walked out without a word."
• "Someone left for lunch and never came back."
• "A worker stormed out in the middle of a meeting without explanation."
• "The employee said she was stepping out to buy new boots, but was never seen again."

And one worker took a more direct approach:

• "He just stood up and said, 'I quit.'"

View a slideshow highlighting some of the wrong ways to quit a job.

"How you quit a position can leave a lasting impression, so make sure to exit on the best terms possible," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Doing a great job when you start a new role is expected. Doing a great job as you leave cements your reputation for professionalism."

Hosking added, "Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your resignation, and give at least two weeks' notice. Keep conversations positive, tie up loose ends and help to train your replacement if one has been identified."

About OfficeTeam

OfficeTeam, a Robert Half company, is the nation's leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 300 locations worldwide. More information, including online job search services and the OfficeTeam Take Note blog, can be found at officeteam.com. Follow Robert Half on Twitter (@RobertHalf_CAN) for additional workplace advice.

SOURCE OfficeTeam

Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, [email protected]