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👀 The need for accountability

“Quit-Toks”, which involve employees recording their experiences of handing in their resignation notices or documenting their exit interviews live on camera, generally have good intentions.

Characteristic of Gen Z culture, the point of the trend is to promote authenticity and courage in chasing one’s true goals in life. This is one of the ways young adults today encourage more transparency in the working world.

Amid this season of layoffs across multiple sectors, accountability has never been more necessary. Many who have lost their jobs could be left feeling helpless without a satisfying reason offered for their situation or without the appropriate benefits they deserve. Trends like Quit-Toks can help keep the management of various companies on their toes.

👣 Beware of your digital footprint

While Quit-Toks represent a notable cause, this doesn’t mean they come without negative implications. 

Ong Yi Ling, a career developer at Avodah People Solutions, warns: What you put online stays online. 

“While making a Quit-Tok could be a way to relieve stress when one feels frustrated in the moment, there may be difficulties in building real confidence or professionalism in the long run,” Ong explains in an interview with Thrive.  

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During exit interviews, many hard conversations are likely to take place which require active listening, negotiation, perspective-taking, stress management and conflict resolution skills. Most of the time, this is best practised in private settings with due respect given to both parties, she shares.  

Ong adds that putting Quit-Toks online could affect one’s future job prospects as well, particularly with companies that value respect and nuance when approaching potential conflicts. 

However, such rhetoric has not deterred ardent advocates of the trend, with the “Quit Tok” tag on TikTok having over 138 million views to date. 

For Gen Zs looking to jump on the Quit-Tok trend, there is some reason to tread with caution. If the content posted is driven by mere spite and resentment, the creators’ professional reputations could be affected if they come across as petty or immature. This would be extremely unideal for younger workers just starting out in their careers. 

Ultimately, the execution of Quit-Toks is something Gen Zs should bear in mind. It’s okay to be open about your workplace experiences – both good and bad – but immortalising your feelings in a video with a bad attitude or tone could lead to a shadow of unprofessionalism following you for a long time. 

✅ A guide to exit interviews

Whether you intend to make a Quit-Tok or not, having some structure to your resignation process can help you leave your company on the best note possible. Here are some tips 🗒️ on how to handle an exit interview gracefully:

• Reflect on your overall experience: Take some time prior to your exit interview to reflect on your experience at the company. What did you enjoy? What challenges did you face? What did you learn? Having a good understanding of your experience will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the session.

• Come prepared with your feedback and comments: You should aim to deliver constructive feedback about your experience at the company. This could include suggestions for improving company culture or highlighting aspects of it that you appreciated. Try to be specific and provide examples to support your feedback.

• Avoid hasty generalisations when offering feedback. Provide clear and accurate explanations of what you’ve done to improve your chances of staying at the company. Remember to also continue to respect the people conducting the interview. (Yes, this includes colleagues who may be prodding you to give more sensational answers.) 

• Be honest, but tactful: If you have any concerns or grievances, it is important to address them during the exit interview. But even if you had a terrible time at the job you’re about to leave, there’s no need to be rude about it. Being tactful in how you communicate your concerns reflects maturity in thought and self-assuredness. Focus on the facts rather than being driven by emotions, and avoid making accusations or pointing fingers.

• Always acknowledge the efforts of colleagues who have helped you, or leaders in the organisation. There’s no need to go overboard – nuanced reasons and explanations that are accurate and respectful should be enough.

Still adamant about making a Quit-Tok as you leave your company? It’s likely you’re not the only one. Fundamentally, Quit-Toks don’t have to be negative, as long as they cultivate a culture of accountability, and do not play a blame-game. And if you’re confident that you can manage your exit with continued grace, respect and sensitivity, you should be on the right track to your last hurrah 👋.

TL;DR

• Quit-Toks encourage Gen Zs to chase their true goals more authentically, courageously and openly 🗣️

• It can also keep the management of different companies more accountable when people exit these organisations

• However, Quit-Toks that come across as hateful and immature could do more damage to the long-term career of young adults that make them 

• Remember to be clear in your feedback during your exit interview, while maintaining respect for those you are speaking with