I thought of penning down this open letter after witnessing several incidences and also similar inputs & discussion with various founder friends and CEOs of the IT companies. Everyone has felt the ripples and consequences of employees abruptly resigning, without following the due processes and honoring the commitments they've made.
Today, the IT industry in India stands at the threshold of unparalleled growth. We have an ecosystem that offers an abundance of opportunities, cutting-edge technologies, and global exposure. However, with such growth, comes responsibility. Our success is built on mutual respect and professionalism, which extends to all spheres, including how employees transition out of organizations.
Why Abrupt Resignations Harm Everyone?
When employees resign without honoring their notice periods, service agreements, or responsibilities, they leave behind a trail of disruptions and unpleasantness:
- For the Company: The company invests significantly in training and developing an employee. An abrupt exit means a loss of this investment and a sudden gap in the project teams. This can jeopardize our commitments to clients, affecting our credibility and also the ongoing business. It takes time and lot of efforts to build trust and credibility with the customers, but gets impacted with sudden un-ceremonial exit of the employee.
- For the Team: The remaining team members have to bear the burden of extra work. This strains relationships, affects team morale, and can lead to further attrition and create viral effect.
- For the Client: Our clients trust us to deliver. Abrupt departures can lead to missed deadlines, compromised quality, and ultimately, a potential loss of business.
- Legal: There could be long drawn process of legal fights with the employer, customer and employee on the issue of non-compliant of the appointment/service agreement clauses. This is specifically, if the employee joins a customer or competitor company.
The Underestimated Consequences for the Employee
While it may seem convenient to leave a job without notice or fulfilling obligations, there are often unseen repercussions, which resigning employee does not realize in the heat of moment and dream & excitement of increase in salary or new role in new job!
- Background Checks: Today, it's a common industry practice to conduct background checks. Your actions are documented, and a pattern of unprofessional behavior can harm your future prospects. Honest feedback from previous employers can often lead to lost opportunities, no matter how skilled or talented you may be. The blot on the career remains forever.
- Professional Relationships: The IT industry, vast as it may seem, is very well interconnected. Bridges burned today may come back to haunt you tomorrow. Maintaining strong professional relationships is a keystone to career progression.
- Self-Integrity: Ethical behavior isn't just about others; it's about self-respect. Being true to your commitments, and leaving an organization gracefully, is a testament to your own integrity and character.
- Communicate: If you have reasons to leave or are dissatisfied, communicate with your team leads or HR. There's always room for dialogue and possibly organization can cater to your requirements and hence retention
- Plan your Exit: A planned, structured exit ensures smooth transition, leaving no bitter feelings.
- Honor your Commitments: If you've made a promise, whether it's a notice period or any other contractual obligation in your appointment letter, make sure you fulfil it.
- Seek Feedback: Before leaving, seek feedback. Understand how you can improve and leave on a positive note.
- Relationships: Maintain good relationship. Your previous colleagues, bosses can be of great help in advancement of your career as you progress in other career options.
In closing, I urge all professionals in our industry to recognize the ripple effects of their actions. The choices you make today lay the foundation for your tomorrow. Let's all pledge to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, ensuring that the IT industry in India continues to shine on the global stage.
#Resignation #Ethics #CorporateBehaviour #Legal
Global IT Executive (ISVs, IT Services & Staffing)
1 年Excellent article, Sunil????
AI leader | FinTech | SAP I Digital Banking | IIM-K | Stanford I TiE CM | B2B SaaS Enterprise Products | Cloud | Tax technology | Innovation
1 年Here is my follow up post :- https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/guptasunil_professionalism-casestudies-ethics-activity-7121368551889788928-gXur?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Founder | Consultant | B2B Sales Trainer | Coach | ?? ???????? ?????????? & ?????????????? ???????? ?????????????????? / ?????????? ?????????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????? ??????????????????????
1 年I've always believed that what goes around comes around. If we are irresponsible during exits that will surely come back to bite us in the future. Never, ever burn bridges with an existing employer. You never know when that boss you left or customer you ditched becomes super critical for you in the future. And of course, it is just plain unethical to vanish without serving due notice.
CMOO at AM J Group
1 年Dear Sunil, although not from IT industry - the points are applicable to all . Keep sharing your experiences as they will be helpful to the NEW Generation ( Who May not have guide / mentor)
Founder | Transformational and Communication Coach | I help companies drive success by improving employee communication, leadership and soft skills
1 年Great points Sunil! Thank you for shedding light on this topic that deserves attention! Resigning with mindfulness is not just about exiting a job gracefully, but also ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining a positive reputation.