When an employee leaves to
accept a new job, colleagues often have to scramble until a new
hire is in place. But human resources experts Greg Smith, founder
and president of Atlanta-based Chart Your Course International, and
Gregory Wilson, of Wilson HR Consulting in Long Beach, Calif., say
there are simple things co-workers can do to ease turnover
woes.
Set up a sit-down.
Before a colleague walks out the door with valuable knowledge and
experience, leaders should meet with her to brainstorm how duties
can be reassigned. Cull her computer files so co-workers can
benefit from work that’s already been done, and find out if she has
any ideas for projects that colleagues might choose to champion
after she leaves.
Make lists. Go over
the departing employee’s unfinished projects to determine their
status and what the next steps should be. Have the exiting employee
list key business contacts and write to them alerting them of the
change and offering an alternate contact.
Keep in touch. Don’t
burn bridges. Ask if the colleague would be willing to field a
question or two that might arise during the transition period.