Online messaging platforms have revolutionised how quickly we can share our thoughts and communicate instantly.
However, these platforms may have made it too easy for some to avoid genuine communication, particularly in professional contexts.
Recently, a Malaysian user with the handle @afiqghazlvn on Threads shared a screenshot of a conversation with a young employee who, after failing to show up for work and not responding to phone calls, sent a resignation notice that simply stated, “Sorry. And bye” on WhatsApp.
George says employers should seek to understand why employees leave, and treat the exit with dignity. — DEEPA GEORGE
Captioning it as the “modern-day resignation” method, the poster added that he could only assume the employee believed his work stint had ended with one short message.
The post went viral on Threads, garnering over 700 comments and mixed reactions.
One person shared that she had taken a similar action, sending a 24-hour resignation notice through the app, due to her desire to avoid unpaid overtime work.
Another user said a former staff member took a more old-school approach by leaving a note on her car, saying she could no longer work because her boyfriend had forbidden it.
Is less more?
The post has sparked a debate on whether it’s acceptable for employees to resign via messaging apps.
As Gen Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – enter the workforce, experts like MYHRC Services managing consultant Deepa George note that their preference for texting reflects a need for a different approach to managing work expectations and behaviour.
“The new generation expects others to value their boundaries between work and life and have a more direct communication style yet prefer not to interact in person. They prefer the ‘tech mode’ by chatting or messaging to communicate their views with the tendency to ask for opinions quite openly,” says George.
Hays Malaysia associate director for technology and strategy Mohammad Qasim says the Gen Z values flexibility and prompt feedback, adding that they tend to thrive in agile environments with minimal bureaucracy.
Mohammad Qasim says Gen Z's digital-first mindset increases efficiency, but warns that overreliance could hinder in-person interactions. — Hays Malaysia
“While their ability to quickly adapt to technology is notable, it does not inherently provide an advantage unless they are in technology-specific roles. Their digital-first mindset enhances productivity and efficiency, but overreliance on it, at the expense of in-person communication, can be a drawback,” he says.
When it comes to resignation practice in the digital age, Hays Malaysia’s senior manager for human resources and legal, Nawal Masri, says sending a notice via WhatsApp is not regarded as a common practice.
“Malaysian employers in general are still quite traditional in their HR practices and expect resignations to be formalised in writing, pursuant to an in-person chat,” she adds.
“They (Gen Z) tend to express themselves better in writing and are not as equipped to deal with conflict management.”
George says communicating in a way that is short and direct allows them to escape the need to explain formalities: “Less is more. Usually disgruntled employees would rather not face the supervisor any more or deal with the organisation processes.”
As to whether it’s acceptable, George explains that if the company recognises WhatsApp as the preferred official mode of communication, then they should not be dismayed when employees use it even when it’s not ideal.
“Some organisations accept it just as they would receive a new job offer via WhatsApp before the official employment letter is signed. We accept at start, thus accept at end,” she says, adding that a better option is to at least notify via email.
Changing work dynamics
If the trend persists, there is potential for workplace dynamics to be impacted. George says more organisations should specify their stance in the employee handbook or code of conduct on whether messaging platforms like WhatsApp are deemed as an official work communication tool.
Nawal Masri says sending a resignation notice via WhatsApp is not regarded as a common practice in Malaysia. — Hays Malaysia
“This also prevents employees from sharing inappropriate content or jokes or even exiting chat groups just because they feel like it. Instead, it ensures it’s used for the intended purpose,” she adds.
Ultimately, it is advisable for both parties to end professional relationships on a positive note, according to Mohammad Qasim, who says that in-person communication makes a difference in important situations such as resignations.
“Both sides benefit from an honest, face-to-face approach in handling these tough conversations. Burning the bridge is not worth it, especially for the employees,” he says.
George says organisations should seek to understand why employees leave and treat the exit with dignity.
“Employees should also aim to leave on good terms, show willingness to serve notice, and speak to the supervisor with a letter and not just send it electronically. This exit role gives you the opportunity for the next entry role to some extent.
“You would have learnt how to replicate the good and how to avoid bad behaviours, so there are still positive takeaways,” she concludes.
