A friend recently sent me an article that inspired me to write about a subject seldom discussed in business circles: how employees are treated when they choose to leave a firm. There is a tendency, especially in the jewelry business, to let an individual go immediately, for fear of theft, carelessness, insubordination, or any number of issues that can certainly emerge once a letter of resignation has been received. But here are a few suggestions to consider when employees leave:

• If you are an employer, don’t get angry or resent the fact that someone is leaving. And don’t talk about the person to others in a disparaging way. Employees that stay with you may believe that you will say the same thing about them upon possible future departure.

• Unless they are going to a direct competitor with a chip on their shoulder, just because someone is leaving doesn’t mean they lack loyalty or support of the firm. Often people leave for financial incentives and growth opportunities, concepts that all employers should support inside the company.

• Maintain the bonds between you and former employees. Relationships matter, and in a digital world, the buzz from ‘word of mouth’ and social media can take you to elevations beyond your current experience. This is especially true in small industries or communities where everyone seems to know everyone.

• Former employees can become your unpaid ambassadors. If they left under good conditions, and learned a lot from you, they will pay you unending compliments and steer customers to you. Of course, the opposite is also true. Best to understand the impact and power of the goodwill you can either create or destroy by your actions before someone leaves.

• Former employees may well become future collaborators, vendors, or even customers. If they start their own business, they could become your best trading partner.

• Let’s face it, people change jobs today. The average Gen Y person may have 20 different jobs in six different industries before they’re through working. It’s reality today. Get with it.

Now, more than ever, employees who leave your firm should be treated with dignity and respect. With rare exception, when you show care for them, especially at the time of departure, they won’t forget your kindness, and good things will come back to you over and over again.

Tags: Advice, Business Tips, Developing Leaders, Ethics, Humility, Integrity, Leadership Problems, Leadership Skills, Loyalty, Personal Development, Philosophy, Relationships, Reputation, Responsibility, The Mind of a Leader