Last Day at Work: Dos And Don'ts

Having your last day in the office often brings mixed emotions. There is excitement for the next chapter of life, yet sadness about leaving behind the company and colleagues who contributed to your growth. Sometimes, departures are also due to conflicts, which can add complexity to these feelings.

Regardless of the reason for resigning, it is essential to leave the company on good terms. The future is unpredictable, and you may encounter the company, manager, or colleagues again. A lasting positive impression can make all the difference.

So, what should you do on your last day at work? What should you avoid? Are there any final details to keep in mind? Read on for guidance.

What is the Last Day at Work?

Your last day at work is when you finish your time with a company. This is your chance to leave on good terms and make sure things end well with your team and manager. 

By leaving a good impression, you keep connections that could help you in the future, whether for job references, new roles, or staying connected with people you've worked with. How you act on your last day can make a lasting difference.

Dos on Your Last Day at Work

Even though it is your last day of work, keep performing with a professional and good attitude toward the company, your manager, and your teammates. By doing this dos below, you will leave a good impression on them:

Be Professional

Dress well, act respectfully, and show gratitude throughout the day. Staying professional shows your dedication and respect, even as you are preparing to move on. This professionalism can leave a great final impression on everyone.

Complete Your Tasks

Make sure you have done your tasks or leave clear notes for whoever takes over them. A simple checklist or handover document can make all the difference for your team. It shows that you care about the work you have done and want to make things easier for others.

Organize a Handover

If you have ongoing projects or regular responsibilities, organize a detailed handover. Share relevant files, login details (if approved), and clear instructions. By doing a proper handover session, you help your colleagues to make things run smoothly and show that you respect the team.

Return Company Property

Gather and return any company items, such as laptops, ID cards, and other equipment. This may seem minor, but it shows responsibility and respect for company property.

A tip for you: create a checklist on what company’s properties should be returned. It will help you to be more organized and not miss even one property.

Send a Farewell Email

A farewell email lets you leave on a positive note with everyone. Thank your team, highlight positive experiences, and share your contact info for staying in touch. This simple step can keep doors open for future opportunities.

Stay Positive

Regardless of your reasons for leaving, keep a positive attitude. Remember good moments, thank the people who made an impact, and keep the atmosphere light. This can help others feel at ease and remember you positively.

Express Gratitude

Take time to thank people who helped you during your time at the company, such as your manager, mentors, and teammates. Personal thank-yous or messages can mean a lot and keep relationships strong.

Exit Gracefully

Leave with kindness and respect. Say goodbye to people in person or on a group chat if remote, and avoid any sudden departures. Exiting gracefully keeps your professional reputation intact and shows that you value the relationships you built.

Don’ts on Your Last Day at Work

While it is easy to focus on what you should do, there are also key things to avoid to ensure you exit gracefully and maintain connections. Here is what to avoid on your last day to leave with dignity and respect.

Don’t Speak Negatively

Avoid making any negative comments about the company, your manager, or colleagues. Even if you have challenges, keep those thoughts private or save them for a constructive exit interview.

Speaking negatively can damage your reputation and may impact future connections. Leave on a positive note to keep professional bridges intact.

Don’t Slack Off

Your last day is just as important as any other. Avoid coming in late, cutting corners, gossiping, or leaving tasks half-finished. Staying focused until the end shows respect for your role and teammates and keeps your professional reputation strong. Colleagues will appreciate that you left things in order.

Don’t Take Company Data

Don’t take company documents, client information, or files with you. Other than it is against company policy, doing so can have a further negative impact: could harm your reputation and may have legal consequences. Stick to personal items and leave behind anything belonging to the company.

Don’t Forget to Say Goodbye

Make sure you say goodbye to your coworkers and managers. Skipping farewells can leave people feeling overlooked and might close doors you could need later. A warm goodbye shows respect and appreciation for your time together.

Don’t Overshare Personal Plans

You don’t need to go into detail about your next job or your personal plans. Sharing too much can sometimes make others feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, some colleagues might envy your plan and pray the worst for you. 

So, keep it simple and professional, mentioning only general information if asked. A polite, general answer like “I’m looking forward to my next role” keeps things professional and respectful.

Don’t Burn Bridges

Avoid venting frustrations or talking down about your current role, even if you are leaving for a better opportunity. Stay professional and avoid comments that could offend or discourage others. You never know when you might cross paths with these colleagues again, so it is best to keep relationships positive.

Your last day is a memorable part of your professional journey, one that can shape how people remember you. By focusing on what you can do to help your team and avoiding actions that could leave a negative impact, you set yourself up for a respectful and positive impression.

Have some questions about HR management?

AJobThing HR forum allows you to connect with HR professionals and discuss your specific needs. Additionally, our comprehensive HR library offers a wealth of resources to address all your HR requirements.

Hire with AJobThing's Instant Job Ads

In today's competitive job market, attracting top talent efficiently is crucial. By connecting with qualified candidates swiftly through AJobThing, you not only streamline your hiring process but also enhance your chances of finding the right fit for your team. Try AJobThing's instant job ad now! Get your open positions seen by qualified candidates quickly and easily.