Your last day of work can be both exciting and challenging. It can be a time to celebrate with colleagues, gather references and take part in exit interviews. But it’s also important that you leave your workspace in a way that your replacement can easily take over.
Recommended
In this article, we will discuss 8 things to do on your last day or work and how to leave a lasting impression on your employer as you leave.
Why is your last day of work important?
Your last day of work is a chance to leave on good terms with your employer. Building a long-lasting relationship can assist you later in your career if you want to apply to a new organization and need a quality reference from your manager and the human resources department. Spending your last day saying goodbye to colleagues can also show them that you value their help and guidance during your time at the company. Lastly, making sure that you’ve completed all tasks and left them ready for your replacement to take over can ensure that the company will keep running efficiently after you leave.
What to do on your last day of work
Here is a list of actions to take on your final day at a company:
1. Collect all employee contacts
Approach employees who you want to stay in contact with after your departure. A few examples of employees you may want to stay in touch with include your manager, members of the executive team, the human resources manager and coworkers who you maintained a good relationship with. You can contact them in the event you need a letter of recommendation or if you want to stay friends outside of the workplace.
2. Wipe personal information from your computer and phone
Clear out your email messages and forward anything important that your replacement or other colleagues need to follow up on. It’s important to keep your personal and business information separate, especially during your transition to another organization. A manager from the human resources department can go over this step during an exit interview as well.
3. Go to HR to hand over all company possessions
Whether you are working alongside your replacement or they are coming into the business after you have left, be sure to do a final handover of all company-related material. This could include electronics like tablet computers or general office supplies.
Bring some notes on any projects you’ve started on, and try to compile a full list of all the contacts that your replacement might need to follow up with. Consider providing them with a list of tasks they’ll need to complete. Ideally, you can provide a full overview of each project and its progress. If you are unsure about the status of a project you’re turning over, let them know that they may need to seek assistance from another coworker. The more information you have, the more prepared your replacement will be.
4. Complete an exit interview if required
HR may want you to do an exit interview before you embark on your new position. There may be some instances where you may have to request an exit interview with your employer. Either way, the purpose of the interview is to state your opinion about your time and experience with the company.
Here is a list of questions that you may be asked during an exit interview:
-
Why are you leaving your position, and what led you to make a career change?
-
What is your feedback about the company’s management, and can you give feedback on how the organization can improve?
-
Can you state an accomplishment you had in your role?
-
Do you get the proper training for your position?
-
Would you recommend this organization to others looking for employment?
5. Ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager
Ask your manager for a letter of recommendation in case you apply to other positions in the future. Having a strong reference who can attest to your workplace skills can be a valuable asset in the hiring process.
Regardless, it’s typically beneficial to check in with your manager on your last day of work. You should thank them for their direction, supervision and encouragement and wish them the best. Try to specify a couple of things they have done for you, and let them know how important their efforts were to your professional development. Your manager will likely appreciate knowing they have helped you progress in your career.
6. Tidy up your workspace
Make sure that you’ve boxed up your personal items and that your desk is clear and ready for your replacement. Pack up any sentimental and personal items to take with you. Consider any items you no longer need and give them to your officemates if they can use them.
7. Send an email to your colleagues
Your final farewell email should be written before you exit the company. Reflect on your professional experience with the organization, and present your personal contact information in case they’re in need of assistance. You want to leave your company on good terms with all employees, and doing so in written form can ensure you make contact with all of your colleagues.
8. Say goodbye in person
When you near the end of your shift, you should make your way around the office, give a farewell to your coworkers and express gratitude for the time you shared. You can reflect on past moments you’ve appreciated and let them know where you’re working next.
Attending a going-away party with your work colleagues can allow you to say goodbye in a more personal and elaborate way.
After-work gatherings are another great way to end your last day of employment and to celebrate the relationships with colleagues outside of the formal work setting.
I hope you find this article helpful.
