Heat of the moment resignation response letter template
Supporting information
Employment law compliance
Documentation sequence
Decision-making milestones
Our Heat of the Moment Resignation Response Letter template helps address resignations made impulsively, offering support and clarifying next steps.
If an employee has resigned in the heat of the moment, issue this letter to clarify the situation, and understand the reasons for the resignation.
Heat of the moment resignation response letter
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[Company name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Your resignation
We are writing to you following the incident on [date] when you left work [stating that you were resigning/saying words that suggested that you might be resigning].
We are aware that feelings were running high at the time and we are writing to you, now that there has been some time for consideration, to check that this is really what you intended to do.
If it was your intention to resign, we will of course process your leaving documentation. However, if your words of resignation were given in the heat of the moment and this was not your true intention, it is important that you let us know immediately. You are a valued employee and we would wish to retain you in our employment.
Please contact [name] to let us know your intentions so that we know whether we should process the termination of your employment or if you are coming back to work.
If we do not hear from you within the next [two] working days and you do not attend work, it may become necessary for us to rely on your [words/actions] as notification of your resignation.
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Yours [faithfully | sincerely],
[Sender name]
[Sender job title]
[Sender telephone]
[Sender email]
[For, and on behalf of [Company name] ]
What is this for?
A Heat of the Moment Resignation Response Letter serves multiple purposes for employers.
Firstly, it acknowledges the employee's resignation in the heat of the moment, ensuring it was voluntary and not coerced.
Secondly, it documents the circumstances surrounding the resignation, capturing any emotional outbursts or disagreements that may have influenced the decision.
Thirdly, the letter clarifies any misunderstandings that might have led to the resignation, fostering better communication between the parties.
Lastly, it protects the employer's interests by providing evidence in case of legal disputes, safeguarding against wrongful termination claims.
This comprehensive approach helps maintain transparency and accountability during challenging situations.
Extended guidance
Employment law compliance
An employee who resigns in the "heat of the moment", when they were angry or upset, may not have made a rational decision to terminate the employment and might regret it.
In these circumstances, the employer should consider giving the employee the opportunity to retract their resignation after they have had time to calm down.
An employer that does not allow an employee to retract a heat-of-the-moment resignation may be at risk of an unfair dismissal claim
Documentation sequence
Resignation acceptance letter template
If an employee resigns, issue this model resignation acceptance letter to provide specific end of contract information, such as the date of their last day of work.
Decision-making milestones
| Step | Description | Responsibility | Timing |
| 1 | Employee resigns in the heat of the moment | Employee | N/A |
| 2 | Employer assesses the situation and gathers information | HR/Management | 0-1 days |
| 3 | Employer issues the Heat of the Moment Resignation Response Letter | HR/Management | 1-2 days |
| 4 | Meeting with the employee to discuss the resignation | HR/Management | 1-2 days |
| 5 | Follow-up actions or further discussions as necessary | HR/Management | Ongoin |
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