The Breakup Checklist: 4 Things to Consider When Offboarding Staff

When a team member moves on from a practice for any reason, there are important tasks that must be completed. Happy ex-employees are far less likely to cause issues, like tampering with systems or spreading negative gossip. This is why offboarding is just as important as onboarding. 

This often-overlooked step is about more than just collecting keys and badges; it’s a chance to protect your business, gain valuable feedback, and show respect to departing employees.

“I think you need to have a breakup checklist,” Mara Shorr, a consultant at BrinsonAnderson Consulting said on the Aesthetically Speaking podcast presented by Nextech.

Here’s what you should ask yourself when an employee is leaving your practice to keep everything safe and secure:

• Do I need to change keys or key codes?

• Do I need to change passwords?

• Should I have an exit interview to get feedback on whether anything could have been done differently?

What is employee offboarding?

Employee offboarding is the process of formally ending the working relationship between an employer and an employee. Done well, it’s efficient, respectful, and ensures a positive conclusion for all parties.

Employee offboarding typically includes:

• Notifying team members of the departure

• Transferring responsibilities to a replacement or the team

• Collecting company equipment

• Deactivating access to accounts and sensitive data

• Conducting an exit interview to gather feedback

• Covering legal or compliance requirements

Why is offboarding important for aesthetic practices? 

Offboarding isn’t just about logistics. It’s about setting the stage for smooth transitions, promoting a positive work culture, and protecting your business. Here are some key reasons why offboarding is essential:

1. Reduces compliance and security risks

Data breaches and insider threats can be a real headache for businesses, leading to major financial losses and reputational damage. In fact, the Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 17% of breaches are caused by insiders. 

That's why it's crucial to have a solid offboarding plan. By revoking access to accounts, collecting company property, and reinforcing confidentiality agreements, you can protect your business from potential risks. This is especially important here in the healthcare industry, where strict regulations like HIPAA govern how we handle sensitive patient information.

A well-executed offboarding process not only ensures compliance but also safeguards your organization's reputation and the privacy of your patients.

2. Guarantees a seamless transition

When an employee leaves, their duties and skills need to be transferred seamlessly to avoid disruption. A structured offboarding checklist helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks, minimizing the impact on your team and operations.

3. Improves employee satisfaction

When employees leave on a positive note, it can make a big difference for your business. There’s a clear link between how satisfied employees feel and how well your company performs. A thoughtful offboarding process shows that you value and respect departing employees, which can lead to happier former team members who share great things about your company with others.

4. Protects your brand and reputation

How you treat employees when they leave can significantly impact your reputation as both an employer and a business. Respectful, well-managed offboarding exemplifies professionalism and strengthens your ability to attract and retain top talent.

Making offboarding a priority

Offboarding isn’t just a box to check. It’s an investment in your team, your culture, and your business. It ensures smoother transitions, valuable feedback, improved security, and a reputation that attracts great talent.

Start by reviewing your current offboarding practices and updating tools like TouchMD to reflect your active team members. Taking these steps now can save you from unnecessary headaches down the line—and show your employees, past and present, that you care.

See this feature and others in action when you request a demo! TouchMD simplifies staff management, helping you handle turnover effortlessly while keeping your company and patients' information secure.