Are you a current Kohl‘s employee who is ready to move on to a new opportunity or take a break from the workforce? With over 1,100 stores across 49 states and more than 100,000 associates, Kohl‘s is the largest department store chain in the United States based on the number of stores as of 2021.[^1] Like many retailers, Kohl‘s experiences significant turnover as employees leave their jobs for various reasons, whether to take a new position, go back to school, relocate, or make a career change.
If you‘ve made the decision to resign from your role at Kohl‘s, you may be wondering about the proper procedure for quitting, how much notice to give, and other factors that can impact your departure. To help you navigate the process, we‘ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to quit your job at Kohl‘s professionally while preserving a positive relationship with the company.
Kohl‘s Associate Turnover and Industry Trends
Before diving into the specifics of resigning from Kohl‘s, it‘s helpful to understand the broader context of turnover in the retail sector. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average turnover rate in the retail trade industry was 57.3% in 2020, compared to just 45% across all industries.[^2] This means that more than half of all retail employees left their jobs over the course of the year, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
There are a few key reasons why turnover tends to be higher in retail compared to other fields, including:
- Lower wages and limited benefits leading to financial stress
- Unpredictable schedules that make work-life balance challenging
- Physically demanding work including long periods of standing
- Emotionally taxing interactions with customers
- High pressure to meet sales goals and quotas
- Lack of advancement opportunities or clear career paths[^3]
While Kohl‘s does not publicly disclose its turnover rate, a quick search of online forums and review sites like Reddit and Glassdoor reveals a range of feedback from current and former associates. Some praise Kohl‘s for its competitive pay, employee discounts, and supportive management, while others cite issues like favoritism, inconsistent scheduling, and burnout as reasons for leaving the company.[^4][^5]
Ultimately, your decision to resign from Kohl‘s will depend on your unique circumstances, goals, and experience with the company. Regardless of your motivation for moving on, following best practices for quitting can help you transition smoothly to the next chapter of your career.
Submitting Your Resignation to Kohl‘s
When you‘re ready to give your notice to Kohl‘s, the company provides a straightforward process for submitting your resignation online. Here‘s how to get started:
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Log in to the Kohl‘s HR portal using your Active Associate account credentials. If you haven‘t created an account previously to access pay stubs or benefits info, you‘ll need to set one up with your employee ID and personal details.
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Navigate to the "My HR" section and select "Workday" from the menu. Then, click on your name in the top right corner and choose "Actions" followed by "Job Change" and "Resign."
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Complete the online resignation form, which will prompt you for your planned last day of work and reason for leaving. Kohl‘s offers a dropdown list of common reasons, including new job, relocation, personal/family, school, and more. You can also choose "Other" and provide a brief explanation if desired.
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Review your responses and submit the form to initiate your resignation. If possible, select an end date that is at least two weeks out from your submission to provide adequate notice (more on this below).
It‘s also a good practice to notify your manager of your decision to leave in addition to submitting your resignation online. You can share the news in person, over the phone, or by email depending on your relationship and location. Having a written record of your resignation details can be helpful for future reference.
The Case for Giving Two Weeks‘ Notice
In most professional settings, providing at least two weeks‘ notice when leaving a job is considered a common courtesy. This buffer time gives your manager a chance to start the process of backfilling your position and allows you to wrap up any ongoing projects and train your replacement if applicable.
While two weeks is the general rule of thumb, there may be situations where more or less notice is appropriate. For example, if you‘re a seasonal or temporary worker at Kohl‘s, your manager may only expect one week of notice based on the shorter nature of your employment. On the flip side, if you‘re a salaried manager or have been with the company for several years, giving three or four weeks‘ notice can demonstrate respect for your team and commitment to a smooth transition.
Keep in mind that two weeks‘ notice is not a legal requirement in most states, meaning you can technically quit your job at any time without advanced warning. However, this approach is generally not recommended if you want to leave on good terms and maintain a positive reputation with your employer. Exceptions may include cases of unsafe working conditions, harassment, or other extenuating circumstances that require an immediate departure.
If you‘re unsure about how much notice to provide in your situation, it‘s always best to have an open conversation with your manager or HR representative. They can advise you on Kohl‘s expectations and help you develop a transition plan that works for all parties involved.
Handling the Offboarding Process
After submitting your online resignation, you‘ll typically spend your remaining time at Kohl‘s going through various offboarding tasks and procedures. This may include:
- Returning company property such as name tags, store keys, walkie-talkies, or uniforms
- Transferring ongoing projects or responsibilities to other team members
- Documenting processes and institutional knowledge to aid in the transition
- Participating in an exit interview with your manager or HR to provide feedback on your employment experience
During your last two weeks, it‘s important to maintain a professional and positive attitude, even if you‘re excited about moving on to a new opportunity. Avoid slacking off, calling out sick, or bad-mouthing the company or your coworkers. Instead, focus on expressing gratitude, tying up loose ends, and setting your team up for success in your absence.
You may also want to ask your manager for a letter of recommendation or LinkedIn endorsement before your last day. Having a strong reference from Kohl‘s can be valuable as you begin your job search and seek to demonstrate your retail experience and skills to potential employers. Be sure to get personal contact information to keep in touch with your favorite colleagues after your departure.
Rehiring Eligibility and Policy
If you resign from Kohl‘s on good terms by providing adequate notice and maintaining strong performance through your final days, you‘ll likely be eligible for rehire in the future. Kohl‘s typically allows former associates to reapply for open positions as long as they followed proper resignation procedures and left in good standing.
However, associates who quit without notice, job abandon, or are terminated for misconduct or performance issues may be designated as ineligible for rehire in Kohl‘s HR system. This flag can prevent you from being considered for future openings with the company, so it‘s always best to avoid burning bridges if possible.
Even if you left on positive terms, the decision to rehire a former employee ultimately lies with Kohl‘s management based on factors such as the needs of the business, your past performance, and the strength of other applicants. Staying connected with your former leaders and colleagues and keeping your skills up to date can increase your chances of being considered for the right opportunity down the road.
When you leave your job at Kohl‘s, you‘ll likely have questions about your final paycheck, unused vacation time, and the status of your benefits. In general, you can expect to receive your last paycheck on the next regular payday following your final shift, either via direct deposit or a paper check mailed to your address on file.
This payment should include all hours worked during your last pay period as well as any earned but unused paid time off (PTO) in accordance with Kohl‘s policies. Some states have laws requiring payment of accrued PTO upon termination, while others leave it up to the employer‘s discretion.[^6]
If you have a 401(k) retirement plan through Kohl‘s, you‘ll need to decide what to do with your account balance after leaving the company. Common options include:
- Leaving your funds in the Kohl‘s 401(k) plan (if your balance is above a certain threshold)
- Rolling over your balance to a new employer‘s 401(k) or an individual retirement account (IRA)
- Cashing out your account balance (subject to taxes and early withdrawal penalties if under age 59.5)
It‘s generally recommended to avoid cashing out your 401(k) prematurely if possible to preserve your retirement savings and avoid a hefty tax bill. Consulting with a financial advisor or your plan administrator can help you make an informed decision based on your age, financial situation, and future goals.
As for health insurance benefits, most employer-sponsored plans end on the last day of the month in which you terminate employment. Depending on your situation, you may have the option to temporarily extend your coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) for up to 18 months, although you‘ll be responsible for paying the full premium amount.[^7]
Your HR representative should provide you with information on your benefits status and coverage options as part of the offboarding process. Be sure to clarify any questions you have and update your contact information with the appropriate providers to avoid gaps in coverage or missed payments.
Moving Forward After Kohl‘s
Leaving a job can be a stressful and emotional experience, even if you‘re excited about the next stage of your career journey. Give yourself time to process the transition and focus on self-care during your final days at Kohl‘s and the initial adjustment period.
As you update your resume and begin your job search, think about how to highlight the valuable skills and experience you gained during your time at Kohl‘s. Retail roles can provide a foundation in customer service, sales, teamwork, and problem-solving that can translate to a variety of industries and positions. Don‘t downplay your accomplishments or the lessons you learned along the way.
If you‘re concerned about short stints of employment on your resume, consider using a functional or skills-based format that emphasizes your qualifications over your work history. You can also address brief tenures proactively in your cover letter or interviews by framing them as learning opportunities or stepping stones toward your ultimate career goals.
Finally, don‘t forget the power of networking as you explore new opportunities beyond Kohl‘s. Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, and industry contacts to learn about job openings, seek advice, and get introductions. Building and maintaining positive relationships across your professional network can open doors and lead to unexpected career paths down the road.
Key Takeaways for Quitting Kohl‘s
Resigning from your role at Kohl‘s may feel daunting, but following best practices can help ensure a smooth and professional transition. To recap, here are the key steps and considerations to keep in mind:
- Submit your resignation through Kohl‘s online HR portal and notify your manager directly
- Provide at least two weeks‘ notice when possible to maintain positive standing
- Work your scheduled shifts and maintain performance through your last day
- Return all company property and complete necessary offboarding tasks
- Clarify the status of your final paycheck, unused PTO, and benefits with HR
- Explore options for your 401(k) and health insurance coverage after leaving
- Request a reference or recommendation from your manager if desired
- Update your resume and begin networking to find your next opportunity
With a thoughtful approach and proactive communication, you can resign from Kohl‘s on a positive note and carry valuable skills and experiences to your next professional chapter. Life after Kohl‘s may lead to new challenges, personal growth, and exciting possibilities on the horizon.
[^1]: Kohl‘s – About Us[^2]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Annual total separations rates by industry and region, not seasonally adjusted
[^3]: The Balance Careers – Why Is There High Turnover in Retail?
[^4]: Reddit – Anyone else tired of being expected to be loyal to Kohl‘s?
[^5]: Glassdoor – Kohl‘s Department Supervisor Reviews
[^6]: Paycor – State-by-State Guide on Paid Vacation
[^7]: U.S. Department of Labor – FAQs on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage
