I’m planning to put my resignation notice in tomorrow and I have 4 direct reports. When should I inform them that I’m resigning? Immediately after I put it in? Or should I wait until Friday? Should it be individually on a call or via email?

9 Comments

1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 12,2024 at 7:28AM UTC

   I'd say unless you want to have them hear it from someone besides you, you tell them as soon as you put in your notice. News travels fast in some companies.

   How exactly you do it probably depends on the kind of relationship you have with them. For most of my recent managers, I'd have preferred to hear it on a call from them because I really like them and we've had good working relationships. I'd like the opportunity to congratulate them.

   Good luck!

2. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 12:16PM UTC

   Don’t wait until Friday but you may want to wait at least after you speak or receive an email from the person you are sending your resignation to. This way you know it was accepted, they are not going to counter, etc.

3. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 1:40PM UTC

   I know that the professional way to do is to give 2 weeks notice.

   it depends on the circumstances. If you need to be in your new job or the situation in your current job is too hostile, let them know about your resignation promptly . If you can handle the situation of your current job give them 2 weeks notice.

   Good luck!

4. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 4:15PM UTC

   Don't wait! Tell them yourself and right away so that you can control the narrative. As a leader and someone who clearly cares about their directs, get the team together in one group, tell them together. Let them know as soon as you put your notice in. If the reasons for leaving are positive tell them why and that it is good news for you and your career. Then immediately meet with each one back to back individually and ask them what they need from you as you leave and how can you support their transitioning to new leadership in a way that they feel supported by you as you leave. Leave the runway clean. You will definitely be able to use them as references if you leave with that sort of positive vibe, and it will bode well for you as well in your leadership capacity.

   If you are leaving for negative reasons just keep it simple and let them know you were recruited away and got an offer you just could not refuse. Don't trash the company you are leaving, no matter what. If there is a person on the team who could fill your shoes as you leave this is also a good time to raise them up in the private session and also to your internal management. Good luck in your new role.

5. AnonymousJune 14,2024 at 2:32PM UTC

   I would tell them right after you officially put in your notice and it's accepted (same day at the very least). I would set up a call with them (can be a group call or individual calls). They will likely have questions so would not do this over email.

6. Stephanie F, MSHRMJune 16,2024 at 3:31PM UTC

   I agree with everyone about meeting with them to discuss (as a group is a plus, but individual if you think is best) as soon as you put in the resignation.

   I did individual meetings since I have regular touch base meetings with my direct reports.

   One theme I keep seeing and want to clarify is that we don't need to wait for anyone to

   "accept" our resignation. They simply are

   "acknowledging" receipt of it. Whether they want to do a counter for retention or not is separate.

   It makes it seem like they can say No and hold you hostage your job.

7. AnonymousJune 17,2024 at 7:21PM UTC

   Do it as soon as you submit your resignation. I recommend a team call so they all find out at once and give them the opportunity to ask questions on the call. In your next 1:1 meetings, you can further discuss individually.

   Be prepared to share why you are resigning - I am sure the team may feel a bit unsettled that their manager is leaving and will wonder if there is a reason they should be looking to leave too. They will also want to know what comes next for them - is there an interim manager they will expect to hear from? Specific work they may be assigned until a replacement has come.

8. Maggie SoldanoJune 18,2024 at 12:49AM UTC

   I agree. As soon as you resign, call a team meeting. Your manager may want to join that conversation as they may be managing your team while they recruit your replacement.

9. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEJune 18,2024 at 1:07AM UTC

   You may want to wait until you have officially submitted your resignation to management. You do not know how they may react.

   If you can, a face-to-face group meeting would prevent any misinformation being passed around the company.

   Good luck on your new endeavor.