A lesson in resigning etiquette from the newly formed Independent Group
Thinking about leaving your job? Research from insurance firm LV suggests that UK workers change employers every five years on average.
Whether it’s career progression, a fresh start, or escaping an unpleasant boss, there are many reasons why we decide to call it a day on a job.
Last week, MPs from both sides of the House of Commons decided that it was their time to say “enough is enough”. With 11 MPs walking out to join the Independent Group, and more rumoured to follow suit, this has opened up debate about workplace loyalty, the best time to quit, and the etiquette of resigning.
With the UK reaching full employment, it’s a buyer’s market for workers looking to make their next career move. But that doesn’t mean that taking the leap is an easy task.
Here is a bit of advice for MPs, or anyone who might be thinking about changing jobs.
The right time?
Totaljobs research has found that two of the biggest priorities for UK workers are strong relationships with colleagues and superiors, while poor relationships rank among the most common reasons for jumping ship.
For employers, there are simple ways to boost team morale and cut your staff turnover, such as focusing on learning and development.
For employees of all levels, strike that balance between keeping your eyes on your work and taking the time to build relationships with those around you. It will make you more productive and happier within your team.
Don't burn bridges
Leaving a job can be difficult or awkward for a host of reasons, so try to exit on the best grounds possible. You never know when a sour relationship with a past colleague may come back to haunt you.
You just need to take a quick look at the speed at which UK politics is currently developing to know that the newly formed Independent Group may need to call in favours from old colleagues.
While your skills may be more in demand as you move up the career ladder, there are naturally fewer roles available. Some of us will have seen colleagues make the move to pastures new, before shortly taking a boomerang-curved route back to their original desk.
The key takeaway: leave every door slightly ajar for a possible return. And when you’ve made your all-important decision, make sure your boss is the first to know. It’s part and parcel of any employee-employer relationship to give your boss a fair heads-up before breaking the news to the wider team.
But 'please stay'
It is possible that your boss may well try to persuade you to stay, potentially with a counter-offer of higher pay, a step up the career ladder, or a new role. If the offer doesn’t match up to what you may be able to achieve if you left, stick to your guns.
Learning from leaving
As your leaving date draws closer, make sure you’ve tied up your loose ends. Many companies offer exit interviews, which are a great opportunity for you to share feedback on your experience.
Looking forwards, ensure that you’re also fully prepared for your new position, and that you have a crystal-clear understanding of what your new role will entail.
Today’s job market is more exciting than ever. We saw over five million job applications in January on our platform this year alone, demonstrating UK workers’ enthusiasm for change.
Yet, while now may be the perfect opportunity to try out a new adventure, make sure to time it well and make every effort to leave on the best note.