HR is PR

For marketing and comms folks, your greatest asset and weakness could be in HR. Former employees can destroy your image and divert revenue opportunities you’re unaware of. And there’s a stupid-easy fix.

Some employers will sue employees new workplace for non-compete BS, treat them like crap, defame them when they leave, and cut-them off by telling employees to not reach out (or worse.)

BREAKING NEWS: It doesn’t hurt the employee in the long term. It hurts YOU.

Departing employees will inform their new employer of your behavior or complimentary industry partners and even potential customers. Even if they say nothing of your company, they can ice you out of deals robbing you of millions in potential revenue.

But the bad vibes don’t end there.

Current employees hear the badmouthing too. Not only does this reflect poorly on your leadership, but they assume their departure will be met with the same reaction. Therefore, they will keep you in the dark if they’re unhappy, work against you from the inside or cut you off entirely when they leave.

What should you do?

CELEBRATE departing employees! Departing employees can send you business, make referrals, and bolster your reputation. Departing employees who work for competitors can even send you profitable business that isn’t a fit for them, or exceeds their capacity. OR at the very least, go easy on your current customers.

You don’t need to throw an expensive party, but just a little recognition can go a LONG way.