Here’s what to do when a key employee quits

Have you ever had one of your best employees quit?

I did, last summer after 8 years on my team.

Here’s what happened…

I got a phone call Sunday morning from Martin around 10 am, “I need to talk to you and I’m bringing the van.”

I said, “ok, see you when you get here.”

My mind was racing, is he going to quit? Is there something wrong with his van? Maybe both!

He had been acting aloof and non-responsive the past 2 weeks but he was still getting things done.

Maybe something’s wrong with his family?

An hour later he was sitting in my home office for an exit interview.

I was stunned to find out he had decided to start his own business.

I congratulated him on making that decision and wished him luck!

I was in shock, it was August and I just lost a crew; he had also worked here for a long time.

Worst of all it occurred to me that I really didn’t know what I had given him and how would I know to even ask for it back?

What tools did he have in his van? Were they all there?

What about the Ipad, Credit Card, Keys, Passwords, Email account, Basecamp account, Company cell phone, etc.

I was in a panic and I quickly got busy after Martin left.

From that point forward, I came up with a “Crew Leader Exit Plan”, a step by step process:

Crew Leader Exit Plan

• Exit interview Questions: (along with Propriety Company Info Disclosure)
  1. Why have you decided to leave the organization?
  2. What would you improve to make our workplace better?
  3. Did your job duties turn out to be as you expected?
  4. Do you feel you had the resources and support necessary to accomplish your job? If not, what was missing?
  5. What is your experience of employee morale, company culture, and motivation in the company?
  6. Any other comments?
• Final check within 24 hours after everything is turned in and checked off.
• Equipment check-in:
  • Van
  • Gas card/Credit Card
  • iPad, charger, case, company phone
  • Storage/Shop keys
  • Van Keys/Any additional keys
  • Paint Pumps, Ladders
  • Van inspection for damages other than routine
• Office To Do:
• Disable email account, forward email to info account.
• Disable Basecamp account
• Remove from GroupMe
• Change iPad access – {wipe fingerprint
• Remove email from iPad
• Remove driver from insurance policy
• Remove from Digital Crew Calendar
• Remove from Digital Time Clock
• Archive employee file
• Notify any garnishments to debtors
• Deduct any personal advances/loans from final paycheck
• Cancel company issued phone. (The number should not be given to the employee for future use)
• Remove from Payroll

We all want to build our “All-Star Team” but there are many times when our All-Stars don’t fit anymore.

The best thing we can do is to wish them luck in their new adventure.  What could you add to your new Employee Exit Plan?