How best to handle counter offers

The first thing to remember is that a counter offer is usually a knee jerk reaction by the company, as the repercussions of replacing you start to register.

A counter offer does not happen because they have suddenly realised what an important asset you are or because they have realised that they were underpaying you for the work you do.

A counter offer is made because it is much cheaper to keep you, than to replace you.

Your present company may have to pay a relocation and recruitment fee to replace you with someone who may not know the job and systems as well as you do.

They know that there will be down time when you leave.

It is costly to train a new employee, so suddenly you are worth more to them than you were 10 minutes ago before you resigned. 

Morale may suffer when a member of the team leaves. 

They know that they run the risk of others following your lead.

Counter offers protect Managers from looking bad.

What you will probably be told.

·    This is really disappointing after all the things that we have given you the opportunity to do.

·    This will significantly affect the department/team. How can you do this to us?

·    Sometimes we cannot always tell you what is happening. We have had a promotion planned for you for a while. We are just waiting for approval.

·    We will do what we need to, to sort out this situation.

·    You know that we have a policy of not making counter offers; however, we view you as a special case.

Things for you to keep in mind

·    The circumstances or people that caused you to consider change will not go away.

·    If you have been a performer and need a better compensation plan and career structure, then your company needs a better career structure and compensation policy.

·    What does it tell you, if you need to hand in your notice to get what you wanted?

·    Once you have handed in your notice, your loyalty will always be in question and disloyal employees do not advance so easily.

·    Your company may be one that hunts for bargains. Skilled people that will settle for less.

·    Future cutbacks may start with you.

·    Jealous peers can make life difficult when they find out that you were made an offer or if they learn about your pay rise etc

·    You have made your supervisor/manager aware of your unhappiness and you will always be a reminder of his failure in some way as a leader.

·    Accepting a counter offer is an insult, knowing you were bought.

·    Industry statistics show that nearly 80% of people who accepted a counter offer, do not last more than 6 months in the same job.

Talk to your F10 consultant for further advice on this subject.