What To Do on Your Last Day at Work
It is your last day on the job. Several mixed feelings are spinning around in your head – the nervousness of leaving the familiar, and the excitement and the anticipation of what is to come.
Regardless of the reasons for your moving on from your present job – it is crucial to move on gracefully.
Here are some suggestions on what you should be doing on your last day of work:
End on a positive note.
Whatever be the circumstances of your exit, stay positive. Avoid saying anything negative about the firm, colleagues, or your boss. Leaving a good final impression is as important as making a positive first impression.
Save all of your files.
Save all your files containing work-related information and all the associated paperwork. This information is critical and should also form a part of your transition notes for your successor. Keep a copy of the information that is non-proprietary and non-confidential for yourself. Also, ensure that you save important emails. Such information is a handy reference should the firm require a follow-up after your exit.
Clear personal information.
Once you exit the firm, no personal traces should be left. Clean all private information from your computer and clear your browser history. However, ensure that you upload helpful work information to a shared drive.
Finish your tasks.
Do not leave any loose ends. You should ideally have finished all your tasks before the final day – the last day at work should only be used to tie up loose ends. It is good to stay professional till your last moment on the job and not leave any unfinished work for your successor.
Forward emails.
For your official email account, make the necessary changes in the settings such that all incoming emails are forwarded to some appropriate person. This person could be chosen in consultation with your manager. This is important so that the organization’s services to/communication with clients remain unaffected.
Contact clients.
Clients are the most important stakeholders for a firm. Inform clients or vendors, especially those you have been dealing with, that you are leaving. It builds goodwill and trust. Such clients might even give you business in your next job.
Create training materials.
Good professional conduct requires that you leave detailed notes on the ongoing projects, key contact persons, problem areas, risks, and any other information that might prove useful in the smooth continuation of work. Helping with a smooth transition is a sign of professionalism.
Clear your work area.
Hand over all company possessions – laptops, your identity card, office supplies, etc. Pack all your personal belongings and clear out your desk/cupboards.
Send out a farewell letter.
Send out a warm farewell letter to your colleagues. Dwell on what you gained professionally, what you learned from them, and share your personal contact information to reach out for assistance or to stay in touch.
Letter of recommendation.
Getting a strong letter of recommendation or a reference letter will help in the future. The recommendation letter should mention your work in the firm, your strengths, professional skills, and positive qualities.
Doing the right thing till the last moment at work is a sign of professionalism and maturity. You have worked hard to establish a legacy of being a professional, do not let your conduct on the last day of work ruin that.
