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

Yes, And! With Avish Parashar

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