What to Do When Your Employee Has Another Job Offer

As an employer, it can be difficult to hear that one of your employees has received another job offer. It's natural to feel a sense of disappointment or even betrayal, especially if you've invested time and resources in training and developing this employee. It can also leave employers struggling to respond; should you counteroffer or simply wish them good luck and wave goodbye? What if they’re bluffing to get a raise?

Here are some tips on what to say and do if your employee has another job offer:

Keep Calm

Your employee’s news may feel like a sucker punch, particularly if they’re an integral part of your team. If emotions are running high, don’t respond right away. Ask for details: If your employee is willing to share, ask them about the new position and what it entails. Take the time to gather all the facts.

This information can help you understand what your employee is looking for in their career and whether there are opportunities for growth and development within your organization. Getting as much information as possible will also expose if the employee is bluffing. If you don’t think they’re serious about leaving, call them out on it.

discuss their future

If you’re not sad to lose the employee, congratulate them, thank them, and let them go. If the employee in question is one you really want to retain, it’s worth re-selling the role to them. Highlight the benefits of staying with your organization and what they stand to gain; whether it’s the career path you have them on, future bonuses, a pay rise schedule, or learning opportunities.

However, be careful not to make promises you can't keep or create an environment of competition or distrust. Counter-offers are usually only a temporary solution, so use them as a last resort, when the loss of the employee in question would be catastrophic.

Don’t hold a grudge

Even though you may be disappointed to lose a valuable employee, it's important to acknowledge and celebrate their achievement. Congratulate them on their new opportunity and express your gratitude for their contributions to your organization, and consider a farewell lunch or other gathering to mark their departure. Schedule an exit interview to get their feedback on on the job, the company, and the leadership.

Review your employee retention strategy

Use this opportunity to review your employee retention strategy and identify areas for improvement. Ask yourself why your employee was looking for other opportunities and what you can do to prevent similar situations in the future. Check-in with your most valuable employees regularly by conducting stay interviews; this will let your employees know they are valued and help identify any flight risks before they start looking for a new job.

Receiving news that one of your employees has another job offer can be challenging, but it's important to handle the situation with professionalism and respect. Use this opportunity to review your employee retention strategy and identify areas for improvement to create a more supportive work environment for all of your employees.