Answered by the HR Experts

You can, yes. It’s generally a good idea to follow a communication plan as departures can be disruptive to both the work of your other employees and your business relationships.

These plans typically spell out who communicates the departure to employees, clients, and other relevant parties along with when those communications occur. They’re designed to support business continuity, ensure accurate and respectful messaging, protect client relationships, minimize workplace disruption, and allow for appropriate transition planning.

If a departing employee asks about how others will be told, you can tell them that you’ll follow a communication plan and explain the business reasons for it. You may even want them to be a part of it. However, you shouldn’t tell the employee not to announce or talk about their departure outside of the plan, as that could bump into their rights under the National Labor Relations Act.

Nicholle Peterson, Benefits Plan Manager summarizes,

“Implementing a clear communication policy for resignations and terminations helps ensure accurate, respectful messaging and supports business continuity—while also protecting employee rights.”

To learn more about our online tool, Mineral HR, contact Nicholle at (320) 214-2921.

This Q&A does not constitute legal advice and does not address state or local law.