What would you do
I have an employee who submitted his resignation this week and asked for it to be rescinded. Problem is I already worked tirelessly late into the last couple nights to do all the things I needed to do to backfill him and the job req was posted today. When he resigned, I asked what the primary reasons were and he said it was more money (I expected this), that the culture in the current role was tough (not untrue), and that he wanted a clearer growth path for promotion (which to be fair he was on, but I couldn’t promise an exact date when it would go into effect - that would rely on how fast he could perform). Either way I congratulated him, informed our immediate and partnering teams where he’s involved, and was ready to move on. Even told them all to anticipate a farewell lunch on his last day at a place of his choosing.
Adding insult to injury, I learned that he spoke to MY manager first about his reconsideration and asking to stay. I’m trying to separate how this feels like a slap in my face especially since (at least I think) I’ve always told him if he needs my support I am there for him. And my manager didn’t tell him anything new other than what I’ve been saying was my constraint (can’t promote or give the desired compensation now, but I was explicit that we were going to get him there next year).
I’m stuck because this person said all the right things about why they want to stay (e.g., they’ve invested so much time in the projects he’s worked on and wants to see them through, when people were saying he will be missed that he felt appreciated). But I think it’s weird he would turn down a lot more money and return to a toxic culture bc he got the external validation he needed and a sudden burst of inspiration for the mission. Honestly I call BS and think something happened with the other opportunity, but he had a start date so I’m not sure how it could have fallen through. Maybe he’s telling the truth, don’t know. But I don’t know how the trust can be rebuilt and don’t want to go into work every day wondering when the next best offer is going to present itself to him.
Overall this guy performs well but not above expectations (hence why promo has not happened yet). It is a crazy time at work so I could definitely use the headcount and knowledge they already have to drive continuity but I also have that job req out that I’m eager to see resumes on tonight. I’m also backfilling at a higher level so ramp up won’t be as long (ideally, hopefully….). I won’t get into detail but there is already a history of mistrust so this episode to me is just crazy.
Really appreciate any thoughts.