Here’s how you can write a resignation letter
Five things to remember when writing the letter to ensure a happy exit from company
Whether you’ve found a better job opportunity or are planning to move back to your home country, resigning from a job can be a stressful experience. So how do you inform your manager of your decision?
Should you inform your employer about your decision to resign before submitting the resignation letter? Ideally, yes. Aaron Portero, managing director at Connect Resources, a UAEbased recruitment agency, explained the benefits of giving your employer a heads up before you file your papers. “It might result in a fruitful two-way discussion in which you can explain why you are leaving. Additionally, it helps the employer establish a long-lasting relationship and have a better understanding of the employee.
“Also, leaving a job in a positive way can help you later on by giving you references for jobs or allowing you to work for the same company again,” Portero said.
Here are the five things you must include in your resignation letter.
1. Give a reason
“You should give a reason for leaving, as it always helps foster a good working relationship.
“Whether it is for financial advantages, other perks, or any other reason, the company’s management and Human Resource may decide from the reason [provided] whether there are any issues or concerns that need to be rectified or something that the company can improve and take necessary steps of action,” he said.
2. Always state your notice period
“You may have resigned but check your employment contract to find out how much notice you need to give your employer, include a statement that states that you are going to resign, mention your last date of work and explain in brief the reason for resignation,” Portero said.
3. Mention any transition related details, if required
Portero also highlighted that if you want to leave your current job without any hiccups, you should state if an existing co-worker is taking over your role and say something positive about your experience working with them. Also, offer your assistance with the transition and formally thank the company.
4. Address it correctly
“The resignation letter must always be addressed to the human resources department within the company and the employee’s line manager or department head. This is required to ensure that the resignation is served through the proper channels within the company,” Abdulhaq said.
According to the legal experts, it is also important to adhere to any company policies related to serving resignation letter when serving your resignation letter, provided that the policy is not in violation of the Labour Law or its Executive Regulations.
5. Send it via email or hand it over in person
The resignation letter can be served in the form of a printed letter or submitted via email. Article 43 of the UAE Labour Law — Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — requires an employee to inform the employer “in writing”, in case he or she wishes to resign.
“If the employee opts to serve the resignation in the form of a printed letter, the employee must ensure that the letter is accurately dated at the date of issuance and sealed with his or her signature. Importantly, the employee must obtain the management’s acknowledgement of receiving the letter,” said Abdulhaq.
You should give a reason for leaving, as it always helps foster a good working relationship.”
Aaron Portero | MD, Connect Resources