Advice Hub

Christmas Podding: Day 16 – Handling Resignations in December 🎄

Video

Welcome back to the We Do Grotto, where the tinsel is tingling, bells are ringing, and the Christmas spirit is in full swing. But as festive as December can be, it’s not always smooth sailing – especially when someone hands in their resignation right before the holidays.

So, how do you handle it as a client? Here’s our advice:

  • Step 1: Don’t take it personally.
    It’s natural to feel a little emotional, but take a step back and avoid reacting. Instead, ask questions and listen carefully to the reasons behind the resignation. Understanding their perspective can help you decide if there’s a way to resolve the situation or move forward gracefully.
  • Step 2: Look internally first.
    Before jumping straight to external recruitment, assess whether there’s someone on your team who could step up. Promoting from within not only shows faith in your team but can also be faster and more cost-effective.
  • Step 3: Plan ahead.
    If an internal solution isn’t possible, start preparing for January.
    • Get the groundwork done in December – draft the job spec, start market mapping, or speak to your agency.
    • By planting the seeds early, you can hit the ground running in the new year with a clearer picture of the talent landscape.
  • Step 4: Keep the notice period positive.
    Even if someone’s leaving, maintain a supportive and professional environment during their notice period. Negative reactions can demotivate employees, which could affect their handover and leave a lasting impression.

Resignations at Christmas might not be ideal, but with the right approach, you can turn it into an opportunity for growth.

More from our Advice Hub

Insights

Navigating Career Tightropes: The ‘Jumpy Resume’ vs. ‘Steady Eddie’

2 min read
Published 1 year ago
Resume

Navigating your career can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope—damned if you dart around too much and damned if you stay in one place for too long. Sound familiar? Let’s dissect the myths...

Read More
Insights

We Just Need Someone Who Can Hit the Ground Running’ – The Hiring Mistake That’s Hurting Your Business

6 min read
Published 11 months ago

Ah, The Famous “Hit the Ground Running” Request…
Hiring managers say it all the time:
“We need someone who can hit the ground running.”
“We don’t have time for hand-holding.”
“We...

Read More
Insights

What Every CFO Secretly Wants to See on Your Finance CV

6 min read
Published 2 months ago
Man reading a CV

Let’s be honest — most finance CVs look like they were written with the same template or just copied and pasted. “Strong analytical skills.” “Results-driven.” “Team player.” Sound...

Read More
Insights

What is the “best” accounting qualification?

3 min read
Published 1 year ago

At We Do Group, a recruitment agency specialising in finance and accounting professionals, we frequently encounter the debate over the “best” accounting qualification. Recently, we...

Read More
Insights

Why Your Recruiter Call Matters More Than You Think

3 min read
Published 6 months ago
Video call

In a competitive finance market, first impressions count more than ever.
You’ve spotted a role that looks like a great fit. You’ve submitted your CV. You’ve been invited to a call with the...

Read More
Insights

How to Recruit Finance Professionals Who Actually Add Value (Not Just Fill a Vacancy)

5 min read
Published 10 months ago
Employee discussion

Because a Warm Body in a Chair Isn’t Enough
You’ve got a finance role to fill.
 

The job spec is written.
Recruiters are sending over CVs.
Interviews are booked.

 
But here’s the...

Read More