Replying Back To Resignation Letter?

[locutus]

A staff member gave me a resignation letter explaining the reasons they are leaving. It was a critique of their view of my performance as a manager. I agree with majority of what they have said in it. I genuinely appreciated the feedback. Should I reply back to the resignation letter? Should I ask them to expand on some areas that I'm not sure what they are talking about?

It would be an equally courteous letter (that's not sarcasm), basically agreeing to the points they made and apologising for the things they were upset at me for. I feel they would want me to reply back to them, because they have said I ignored a few of their messages in the past (again, some truth in that, but that's another story for another day).

I would love to write them back the reasons I wouldn't want to hire them again, even if I hadn't upset them! But I know that would make the situation worse.

 

[Seb de Lemos]

I think you should send a simple reply saying 'thank you for your constructive feedback'. And by all means ask them to expand on areas you aren't clear on. I've often had frank, beneficial, conversations with employees who are leaving or thinking of leaving.

However, I wouldn't agree with any points or apologise for anything specifically. Obviously I know nothing of the complaints, but you would not want to put yourself in a position where there could be a constructive dismissal claim brought against you. See https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/leaving-a-job/dismissal/claiming-constructive-dismissal/

 

[Newchodge]

^^^ That. acknowledge the letter and their feedback. say nothing more.

 

[Garth Dallas]

I would simply write back to acknoweldge receipt of the resignation letter and accepting the said resignation. You may also confirm the date the employment will be terminated accordingly.

 

[locutus]

Thank you for your advice everyone. Appreciated! I started writing a reply almost 2 weeks ago when they handed in their notice, commenting on their points, and I will just scrap it.

I doubt that it would fall under constructive dismissal, but then again, why take a chance!

I will just acknowledge it, say thank you (basically). As they handed me a letter with their resignation (as opposed to an e-mail), should I respond with a letter?

How would this sound:

Dear Employee
After reading your resignation letter thoroughly, I would like to say thank you for your feedback in your resignation letter, regarding my performance in the business and the business itself. You made some very excellent points, which I am sincerely, very grateful for. I accept your resignation. I hope your future endeavours are successful.

Locutus​

 

[KAC]

I wouldn't go that far.

Dear Employee

Thank you for your resignation letter and your constructive feedback.

I accept your resignation and your employment will terminate on dd mm yy.

I hope your future endeavours are successful.

 

[tony84]

Write back?
Do you not work in the same building?

Just invite them to a meeting and ask them about it. Otherwise they are then going to feel the need to write back to your letter and it just becomes laughable/cringe worthy and takes hours or days to get an answer rather than 15 minutes in a meeting.

You have shortcomings, they felt the need to tell you rather than just the standard bullsh!t thanks for the opportunity its been great working here but time to leave. We all have them, life goes on.

On a side note, I am not sure I would be admitting to anything even if they are right and I definitely would not be saying "I would not hire you again because....." again, it all just gets a bit pathetic and childish.

 

[Gecko001]

Thank you for your advice everyone. Appreciated! I started writing a reply almost 2 weeks ago when they handed in their notice, commenting on their points, and I will just scrap it.

I doubt that it would fall under constructive dismissal, but then again, why take a chance!

I will just acknowledge it, say thank you (basically). As they handed me a letter with their resignation (as opposed to an e-mail), should I respond with a letter?

How would this sound:

Dear Employee
After reading your resignation letter thoroughly, I would like to say thank you for your feedback in your resignation letter, regarding my performance in the business and the business itself. You made some very excellent points, which I am sincerely, very grateful for. I accept your resignation. I hope your future endeavours are successful.

Locutus​

Far too much. Just acknowledge receipt of the letter and accept their resignation. Thank them for their service and mention something positive they have contributed during their time working for you and wish them all the best in the future if you want, but I would absolutely resist the temptation to respond in any way to their "feedback".

 

[Mr D]

A staff member gave me a resignation letter explaining the reasons they are leaving. It was a critique of their view of my performance as a manager. I agree with majority of what they have said in it. I genuinely appreciated the feedback. Should I reply back to the resignation letter? Should I ask them to expand on some areas that I'm not sure what they are talking about?

It would be an equally courteous letter (that's not sarcasm), basically agreeing to the points they made and apologising for the things they were upset at me for. I feel they would want me to reply back to them, because they have said I ignored a few of their messages in the past (again, some truth in that, but that's another story for another day).

I would love to write them back the reasons I wouldn't want to hire them again, even if I hadn't upset them! But I know that would make the situation worse.

In future, when doing annual appraisals with staff, it may help to ask them for feedback on you. Without arguing and without repercussions.
Many won't want to take the risk but you may get some genuinely useful feedback.