Navigating employee exits: How to manage email signatures and auto replies for departing employees
12 December 2023
Efficiently handling the departure of employees is crucial during an organization's offboarding process. While companies typically have protocols for paperwork, asset return, and exit interviews, one aspect often overlooked is managing the auto-reply for former employees.
In the modern workplace, email signatures and auto-replies have become crucial for communication and maintaining a professional image. Therefore, it is essential to have a plan in place for managing these features when an employee leaves the company.
What happens to your email when you leave a job?
When an employee leaves a job, their email account is typically disabled or deleted. This means that all emails sent to their former work address will no longer be received. In addition, any auto-replies or out-of-office messages set up by the departing employee will also stop being active. This can be a problem if there is no plan in place to address these changes.
However, deleting an account can lead to missed chances and the loss of valuable information. Instead, by setting up an auto-reply that states "no longer with company," your emails can maintain communication with external parties while safeguarding sensitive personnel changes.
Guidelines for managing email signatures and auto-replies
To effectively manage email signatures and auto-replies for departing employees, the following guidelines should be followed:
Plan ahead: It's crucial to have a plan in place before an employee leaves the company. This includes deciding how long their account will remain active, who will handle setting up an auto-reply, and what information should be included in the response.
Follow company policies: Make sure to adhere to any company policies regarding email signatures and auto-replies. Some companies may have specific guidelines on what information can be included or how long an account can remain active after an employee's departure.
Update contact information: Before disabling or deleting an account, make sure to update any contact information for the departing employee. This includes updating contact lists, shared calendars, and any other systems that may have their email address stored.
Communicate changes: It's essential to communicate any changes in email signatures and auto-replies to both internal and external parties. This will prevent confusion and ensure a smooth transition for communication with the departing employee.
Be professional: When creating an auto-reply, make sure to keep it professional and concise. Avoid including any negative or unnecessary information about the departure of the employee.
Key elements in an auto reply for departing employees
An effective "no longer with company" auto reply should contain:
Announcing the departure of an individual, while keeping the details of their exit confidential.
Providing an alternative contact - sharing the contact information of a designated person responsible during this period.
A polite conclusion - expressing gratitude for their understanding is a valuable gesture in nurturing positive relationships.
Keep in mind the importance of tone. Auto replies should maintain a professional yet warm demeanor. Simplicity and clarity are key elements of effective communication in this context.
Sample auto replies following an employee departure
Studying real-life email examples is a highly effective for understanding their composition. By analyzing different scenarios and observing the elements used, you gain insight into structure, tone, and content. This empowers you to create impactful and engaging messages in your own communication.
Example 1
Subject Line: Notice regarding [Employee's full name]
Thank you for your email. Please note that [Employee's first name] no longer works at [company name]. Your message has not been forwarded.
For assistance with [briefly explain the former employee’s responsibility], please contact our team at [alternative email address or phone number].
We appreciate your understanding and patience during this transition.
Best,
[Company name]
Example 2
Subject Line: Change in contact
I’m writing to inform you that I no longer work at [Company Name].
For queries regarding [specific area work], please get in touch with [alternative contact person] at [contact person’s email].
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Example 3
Subject Line: Update on contact information
This is to inform you that [employee's first name] is no longer associated with [company name]. Your email has not been forwarded.
For all future communications related to [specific area of work], you can reach out to [alternate contact's name] at [alternate contact's email address].
We thank you for your cooperation during this transition.
Best Regards,
[Company Name]
Using email signature management tools
It's important to understand the significance of managing a departing employee's email account during the offboarding process. This ensures smooth communication and upholds a professional image. Efficient methods to achieve this include configuring thoughtful auto replies and utilizing email signature management tools such as Exclaimer.
An email signature management tool like Exclaimer can significantly streamline the process of managing email signatures and auto-replies. These tools allow admin personnel to control and update all company-wide email signatures from a centralized platform, ensuring brand uniformity while enabling ease during employee transitions.
Keep your organization's communication on track even during times of change with Exclaimer. Get yourself a free trial or online demonstration of our powerful email signature management solution.
