Anyone who has ever had to leave his or her job knows that handing in one’s two weeks’ notice is anything but easy. But after everything’s been said and done, it’s time to look ahead and see what you can do during your last two weeks at your job.
While it can be tempting to call in sick or spend the days idly checking your social media feeds, there are a few things that need to be done before you say goodbye to your boss and co-workers. This is to ensure that you don’t burn any bridges before your departure, and you can expect positive feedback and glowing references when you need them the most.
Here are the things that you should do as soon as you hand in your two weeks’ notice.
Turn over files
To ensure a smooth transition after you leave your job, make sure to turn over any relevant physical or digital files to your team members as they may need them in the future. Make a list of all the files that you’ve handed over, and have the recipient sign your list. Make a copy of the list and give it to your supervisor.
Save any files that you need
Forward important emails to your personal account and transfer files that you think you’ll need to your personal Google drive or USB. However, make sure that you’re not breaking company rules, and never, ever save any information that the company has deemed as confidential.
Clean up your desk
Start cleaning up your desk and take home a few of your personal items over the next two weeks. This way, you won’t be lugging a huge box home on your last day of work. Moreover, you’ll want to ensure that whoever replaces you will have a clean workspace when he or she arrives. Give your desk, computer monitors, and keyboard a wipe down, and empty your desk drawers of any trash before you leave.
Get involved in the hiring process
Your supervisor may want your input on who should replace you when you leave, so consider getting involved in the hiring process. According to Phil Laboon of Eyeflow Internet Marketing (via The Muse), no one understands the finer details of a job better than the person who has actually done it.
“Bringing your employees into the hiring process will help provide you and your hiring managers with some new insights into what candidate can best fill their shoes,” said Laboon.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on how to set boundaries between your personal and professional life.
