Is a resignation letter a mere formality? What should it contain? What should it not contain?
Finally, you have decided it is time to pivot your career path and resign from your current job. After days of weighing many factors and after seeking advice from your friends and family, you are now prepared and you deem it best for yourself to move forward.
Now, you need to do some paperwork. It is important to close this chapter in your career in a manner most beneficial to you and your employer. Of course, the next step for you is to start drafting your resignation letter.
A resignation letter might look like a mere formality, but a well-prepared resignation letter has its practical advantages and legal implications that may not be obvious today. Indeed, having a formal letter will avoid a scenario where your employer comes after you for having abandoned your job. At best, the letter should settle and clarify your intention to leave the job.
There are few wise tips that will guide you in writing your resignation letter. These tips are important, especially in cases of voluntary resignations.
Go for a simple and straightforward resignation letter
In drafting your resignation letter, always go for a simple and straightforward one. Address your letter to your employer or through your supervisor. Remember that the addressee of the letter does not have the time and luxury to read novel-like letters. It is therefore desirable to settle with one which is easy to read.
You have to state in the letter your intention to resign and sever your employment relationship with your employer. To avoid different interpretations and confusions, state your intention to resign in a candid and clear manner.
It is okay to include within the letter short and concise reasons for your departure from your current work. Your reason may, for example, be a desire to change a career path, or further studies, or even another job offer. However, please avoid providing a catalog of details behind these reasons, as it will unnecessarily lengthen the letter.
You must also state the date of the effectiveness of your resignation. This will inform ahead your employer so that on his part, he can plan accordingly. He may consider taking necessary decisions in looking for your replacement and steps to avoid disruptions in business operations. Moreover, a reasonable time period should allow you to process documents as you leave such as clearance as well as your benefits and other legal entitlements.
Don’t forget to express your gratitude
Without being cliché and melodramatic, express in your resignation letter your gratitude for the experience you have had as well as the opportunities given to you.
This expression of gratitude is a form of recognition that your employer has, in many ways, indeed helped you in your career growth. Your employer surely aided you to navigate your profession or practice while you were starting, let you acquire new skills, and has provided you with experience and training that further enhanced your knowledge.
As you end your employment with your employer, you will carry these lessons and gains. Always remember the need to thank and recognize your employer for that.
Be ready to cooperate for a smooth transition
In your resignation letter, express your willingness to cooperate for a smooth transition of duties from you to your replacement. Volunteer to undergo a turnover period if needed. Before your resignation becomes effective, you may have to undergo a turnover period to prevent disruptions of work.
The Labor Code sets a standard period of thirty (30) days of turnover before a resignation becomes effective.
Article 300 [285] Termination by Employee.- (a) An employee may terminate without just cause the employee-employer relationship by serving a written notice to the employer at least one (1) month in advance. The employer upon whom no such notice was served may hold the employee liable for damages.
Remember, a resignation letter is not a complaint form
Never incorporate in the resignation letter your deepest rants or complaints. A resignation letter is not a complaint form, much less a feedback slip, where you can air out all your grievances against your boss or a particular colleague. This is not the proper forum to express your frustrations and resentments about your work. If you think you have been wronged, avail of the remedies such as the company’s grievance machinery or seek the help of the proper officers to settle disputes and misunderstandings.
Do not burn bridges
Resignation should not necessarily result in burning one’s bridges. Set a friendly tone in your letter without sacrificing professionalism. Impress upon your addressee a respectful and thankful attitude.
Resignation may mean goodbye to your current job description, but you do not need to finally put an end to other forms of relationships that you have fostered with your employer and the company you have served.
Additional Resouce if you’re thinking of resigning
I hope this was able to help you understand resignation better, but chances are, you still have questions. Click here for additional resources which I think can help you, as well as a preview video. Go to info.legalguide.ph/resignation to learn more.
