End of contract period (administrative and technical staff)
In a nutshell: What's it all about?
On reaching the maximum employment period, administrative and technical staff must look for new opportunities. These may be within ETH with an open-ended contract, or outside the university as a follow-on solution.
Opportunities and possibilities
Even if reaching the maximum employment period without a clear prospect of a follow-on solution is initially unsettling, it offers the person concerned a chance to reflect on their own progress. Perhaps further development in a different area, a change of sector or even a permanent position at ETH might prove attractive? As a manager, encourage your staff to reflect on things and prepare the transition with the employee with plenty of transparency and notice.
Get active: How to demonstrate good leadership
- Even during the contractual period, make it clear that the appointment is for a limited term, in order to raise awareness of this.
- Inform the person in question well in advance that the contract can no longer be extended.
- Give them encouragement in making their next career move, discuss the various options and offer your support.
- Give them enough time to settle their professional affairs and prepare for the next career step.
- Ensure the departure process runs smoothly (handover, reference letter, holiday entitlement, etc.).
Self-reflection: Am I applying my social and leadership competencies effectively?
Building bridges:
- Did I provide the team with clear information and involve them in the process if necessary?
- Did I support the employee in finding a satisfactory follow-on solution?
Acting responsibly:
- Did I bring up the approaching contract expiry in good time?
- How did I ensure a comprehensive transfer of know-how?
Enabling people:
- How did I make sure the person in question was sufficiently prepared for the situation?
- What follow-on opportunities did we discuss?
In short: 5 steps to success
Areas of responsibility: Roles
Führungskraft: responsible for raising the issue of the maximum employment period with the employee in a transparent manner and at an early stage; supports the employee in finding a follow-on solution
Mitarbeitende:r: individually responsible for acknowledging the maximum employment period and finding a follow-on solution in good time
Main responsibility
Employee