While companies are busy conducting their rounds of layoffs and letting employees go, you might find yourself wanting to leave preemptively, your mind wondering, “Is it rude to resign via email?” Depending on who you ask the answers may vary but sending in a resignation email is always tricky business. In most situations, it is always better to hand in your 2-week notice letter in person and have a professional conversation with the person you are handling it to. An upfront and polite approach is always preferred and while your resignation email may be just as polite, we do tend to have our reservations about online communication. If you’re wondering when it is ok to resign by email instead of in person, you might want to consider your circumstances first before making a decision.
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Is It Rude to Resign via Email? Not Necessarily If You Do It Right
When it comes to handing in your resignation letter, there are many factors at play that determine whether or not it is the right move for you. The first aspect to consider is why you’re resigning in the first place and whether the decision is an impulsive one or not. After a particularly frustrating week at work or a very unfortunate incident with your manager, you might find yourself typing out your 2-week notice letter to email to your manager and be done with the headache that is your work. With the ease of sending it online, you have nothing to stop you from hitting send or a particularly mean-spirited email and in that case, yes, it is rude to resign via email because the receiver will only be taken aback by a frustration-fueled email directed at them.
If you had to hand the same letter in person, you might spend a little more time getting the letter written, then walking up to your manager or HR’s office and handing it in. A conversation will likely ensue where you might find yourself doubting your decision to leave just yet and you might still have time to fix the situation before it crumbles. The first criterion to consider before sending a resignation letter is to truly pause and consider that this is the right choice for you.
Now if after at least a day’s—perhaps a week’s—worth of contemplation you still feel like quitting is the way forward, then doing it via email should certainly be an option for you. It isn’t rude to quit via email when you are careful of all the expected etiquette necessary in your communication and you’re able to get your point across in a level way.
When Is It OK to Resign by Email
Some situations are better suited to sending a two-week notice letter by email. Under these circumstances there is little reason to hesitate too much and ponder over whether it is rude or not:
- When you work remotely: This is an obvious one but if you aren’t working in the office space then online is your only option. Perhaps consider having a conversation over a video call first and then send the resignation email
- When you’ve already had a conversation with your company: It isn’t rude to resign via email once you’ve already spoken to them about the decision to quit
- When you have to leave immediately for personal reasons: Due to family emergencies, poor health, housing issues, or any other circumstance that requires you to leave immediately, you might prefer to have the conversation done quickly
- Working in a hostile environment where you have already had a hard time and fear having the conversation in person, do not wonder if it is rude to resign via email—just do it
- Company policies allow for it: Your organization might prefer having electronic documentation of all communications and the resignation letter might also be preferred via email
Tips to Keep In Mind While Resigning Over Email
An in-person resignation is often preferred because it allows for a clear discussion on the issue while online, many nuances of the conversation are lost. The online resignation also makes the process of asking follow-up questions and understanding the situation more difficult. The main reason why it is considered rude to resign via email is because it can seem disrespectful to the receiver that you couldn’t take the time to come talk to them in person. Do you find them not worthy of your time? Do you not appreciate the experience you’ve gained working with them enough to come to tell them in person? Are you taking the matter very lightly? These are some of the questions they might have with regard to a resignation email, so it’s best to keep these elements in mind while you type out your letter.
- Consider having a discussion with them in person first to let them know you are considering this move
- If that isn’t possible, consider adding that you look forward to discussing the matter with them in person so they know that you still want to discuss the contents of the letter in person if they’d prefer
- Do not attach your resignation letter to an email without any body or subject to the letter—all etiquettes that you follow while sending an attachment must be followed here as well
- Use the right greetings and salutations and be polite in your communication even if you don’t want to—it is always in your best interest to stay professional right up till the end
- Use a formal format in your resignation letter—check if your company has any templates or specific requirements in this regard, otherwise maintain the format of a formal letter
- If this is your first time mentioning the resignation to the receiver, provide a brief explanation of why you have arrived at the decision—do not rant in the email but if there are truly upsetting things you feel you have to mention, state it in brief
- Try to ensure a 2-week notice period or whatever time duration your contract with the company mentions rather than leave suddenly
- Offer to assist in the transition and complete all necessary documentation you need before you leave
- Be clear about your decision and provide precise communication on when you want to leave so there is no room for misinterpretations
- You can also provide your manager with a clear picture of all the active tasks you are working on and how you intend to close on them before your departure
- Express your gratitude towards the company and acknowledge the good parts of working there—it is best to leave without burning all your bridges
- Be proactive in making time to talk to your HR team or manager after you send the email to ensure they have seen your email and have clarity on your perspective
At the end of the day, a job is just one aspect of your life and only one step in your career towards your goals. Do not be dismissive and rude and terminate your job thoughtlessly, but you also do not have to overanalyze every single decision. It is preferred that you do what you can to quit in person, but if that does not feel right for you, take a few precautions and do it professionally via email. If you’d like to maintain your relationship with the company, ensure that you communicate that you do not bear any ill will towards them, and actively convey your appreciation for your soon-to-be-ex company—that is all.