032 - Say “Yes, And!” to Offboarding Done Right with Toni Thomas

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I’m joined by Toni Thomas from Challenger, Gray & Christmas to explore a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: offboarding.

While onboarding gets the red carpet treatment, too often the way people exit an organization is abrupt, impersonal, and damaging — to them and to the company. Toni shares why offboarding is more than collecting a laptop and cutting off email access — and how handling it with empathy and intention leads to better outcomes, less litigation, and a stronger employer brand.

We also dig into what it’s like to be in transition, how individuals can navigate it successfully, and how networking and self-care can shift the experience from isolation to opportunity.

Key Takeaways

• Why offboarding should be treated with the same care as onboarding
  
  

• How the ripple effects of a poorly handled layoff affect morale, productivity, and reputation
  
  

• The ROI of outplacement support — for both the employee and the company
  
  

• Common mistakes organizations make during layoffs and how to avoid them
  
  

• What the “peak-end rule” means for how employees remember their time at your company
  
  

• Practical advice for individuals in transition: routines, relationships, and reframing
  
  

• How to network authentically — even when you feel like you have nothing to offer
  
  

• Why helping others during transition can boost confidence and open new doors
  
  

Relevant Links

• Connect with Toni Thomas on LinkedIn  (mention you heard her on the show and ask her for her “Offboarding Checklist)

• Learn more about Challenger, Gray & Christmas: https://www.challengergray.com
  
  

Learn about Avish’s speaking and workshops: https://www.avishparashar.com