It Doesn't Have to be Crazy at Work

by Jason Fried

whenever someone leaves Basecamp, an immediate goodbye announcement is sent out companywide. This announcement is written by either the person leaving or their manager. It’s their choice (but most people who’ve left Basecamp chose to write their own). Either way, someone has to write one. The person who’s leaving then gets to see all the responses to this announcement from everyone else in the company before the day is up. These responses usually include sharing photos, memories, and stories. Saying goodbye is always hard, but it doesn’t have to be formal or cold. We all know things change, circumstances shift, and shit happens. Note: If their message to the company doesn’t include exact details on why they are leaving, their manager will post a follow-up message the following week filling in the gaps. When someone leaves for another job, the whole story is usually shared by the person who’s leaving. But when someone is let go, we often have to clarify once they’re gone. It’s important that the reasons are clear and no questions linger unanswered.