If employee e-mails you after being let go, should you e-mail back to send best wishes?

[Anonymous]

I am a senior leader in a group of about a dozen people. I have 3 direct reports. The other senior leader has 2 direct reports, one of whom - Larla - was put on a 60-day PIP and was let go yesterday (she was allowed to resign).

Larla sent a goodbye e-mail to our group (with the exception of her senior leader and our group Director).

I am a friendly person and am tempted to write back just to wish her well; I liked her and was sorry to see her go, although I understand that she was not doing her job well.

I am the only senior person who received the e-mail.

Can I write her back (thank you and best wishes), or should I just not respond at all (which seems 'rude' under anything other than a work situation)?

Her senior leader and our group Director were not thrilled that Larla sent the e-mail to the group. So I don't think they would be pleased if I wrote back.

WWYD?

[Anonymous]

I was in that position a couple of years ago. I chose not to respond. I felt really crappy about it. But I think it was the right decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was in that position a couple of years ago. I chose not to respond. I felt really crappy about it. But I think it was the right decision.

Confused why this would be the right decision. What's wrong with you people? You're not crossing any kind of legal line by responding, you're simply showing that you're not just robots at work, you're people first and foremost. This shouldn't even be a question for someone.

[Anonymous]

Respond. Always best to treat people politely when they leave.

[Anonymous]

Why wouldn't you respond?

[Anonymous]

Respond but keep it short and non-work related.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why wouldn't you respond?

THIS?? "It was great getting to know you Larla and I wish you the best. Take care!"

[Anonymous]

Respond, but maybe give it a few weeks and not respond to the actual email? "Larla, I was working on xyz project and you crossed my mind. Hope all is well."

[Anonymous]

Her senior leader and our group Director were not thrilled that Larla sent the e-mail to the group. So I don't think they would be pleased if I wrote back.

This is why I'm wondering about responding (and the only reason). I think the other leaders in my group would think I was being disloyal to them if I wrote back to Larla - ie, that all of us leaders should show unity and stick together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Respond, but maybe give it a few weeks and not respond to the actual email? "Larla, I was working on xyz project and you crossed my mind. Hope all is well."

the one she failed?

[Anonymous]

Then maybe you can send her a personal separate email so the other seniors won't know either way. PPs suggestion at 20:42 is perfect.
Do it either way.

[Anonymous]

If they didn't get the email, how did they know about it? And how would they know if you replied to just her?

Sounds like she's better off without those monsters in charge. Yuck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Her senior leader and our group Director were not thrilled that Larla sent the e-mail to the group. So I don't think they would be pleased if I wrote back.

This is why I'm wondering about responding (and the only reason). I think the other leaders in my group would think I was being disloyal to them if I wrote back to Larla - ie, that all of us leaders should show unity and stick together.

I don't think anyone will get their feathers ruffled if you write back a simple 'best wishes!'. It's not like you are planning to grab coffee with her tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I think you should. It's the kind and nice thing to do

[Anonymous]

How would the others know you emailed her back? I'd go with the response suggested above.