Why give a notice period?
Recruitment can be a lengthy process, particularly in specialized fields. When choosing the amount of notice to give, take into account the length of your company’s hiring process. Your resignation notice must be processed, a job description for your replacement must be created, and a budget for hiring new employees must be approved by human resource departments. Before the application opens, this procedure frequently goes through several interdepartmental checkpoints. All of this takes time. Here are a few explanations to give a notice period, aside from respecting the business’s time:
1. To maintain a positive relationship with your workplace
It’s advantageous to depart from a position on good terms, whether you were there for a short period of time or several years. You might require recommendations or referrals from your current employer when you apply for upcoming positions. Giving your former employer a considerate notice might make them more likely to be complimentary of your time there.
2. So your company can organize your replacement and continue its workflow
Any teams you have worked with can prepare for your absence if you give your employer a notice period. You will give them sufficient time to prepare for your replacement or any workflow gaps.
3. You may have agreed to a contract or terms and conditions
At the beginning of your job, you might have agreed to terms of employment or signed a contract. A notice period for resignation is frequently stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
After receiving your notice, some businesses choose to restructure their organizational structure. They might have discovered that you can arrange your job responsibilities to fit several positions.
What is a notice period?
The time between submitting your resignation letter and your last day of employment is known as the notice period. Notice periods are typically two weeks or longer. However, you can estimate the required length of your notice period by taking into account factors like the status of your ongoing projects and your coworkers’ schedules.
How to determine the length of your notice period
When deciding the duration of your notice, there are numerous factors to take into account. Use these to guide your decision:
1. Did you sign a contract at the beginning of your employment?
Your contract, if you signed one, may have specified the terms of your resignation period. Before deciding on your next course of action, it may be advantageous to review your employment contract when planning your resignation and use it as a guide.
2. How long have you been in your position or worked for the company?
If you’ve worked for your company for more than a month but less than two years, it’s customary to give your employer at least one week’s notice.
Even if you’ve only worked for your company a short while, think about giving two weeks’ notice. This gives your employer time to prepare to fill your position. If you’ve worked for your company for more than two years, give at least two weeks’ notice.
If you are aware that your company’s hiring process will take some time, it’s not uncommon to give a month’s notice period.
3. Do you have time off already booked, or do coworkers in your department have time off booked?
It’s polite to inform your employer that you won’t be returning to work for them after your vacation if you have already scheduled time off. Be aware that your employer will decide whether to respect your leave.
4. Are you in a position where you work closely with other colleagues to complete projects?
If you know that some of your coworkers will soon be taking vacation time or parental leave, think about how much time you should give your employer. There will be gaps in the workflow and projects may not be completed on time if several people are away from the office at once.
5. Are you in the middle of completing a large project for your company?
Additionally, the length of your notice period is determined by your exceptional performance. Think about how long it will take to train a new hire or colleague before handing off any unfinished work. You might be working on a large project and, in some cases, have the specialized knowledge or abilities needed for the project.
6. Are you resigning from your job around the end of the financial year?
When deciding when to complete projects and set new objectives for the coming year, many businesses operate according to the fiscal calendar. If you’re thinking about leaving your job, consider the calendar of the fiscal year.
7. Why are you resigning, and what are your career goals?
Think about whether you are quitting because you have another job lined up, want to work as a contractor or need some time off. You can choose the duration of your notice period by considering your career goals.
8. Do your terms and conditions of employment state a notice period requirement?
Find out if the job description you submitted during the application process or any contracts you signed to start working there included a notice period. Before notifying your employer of your resignation, make sure to go over anything you agreed to in writing.
How to communicate your notice of resignation
Ask for a meeting to deliver a formal letter to your supervisor so that you can announce your resignation in a professional manner. Businesses might keep your resignation letter on file for future reference requests from you and for use in their own HR documentation.
To write a formal letter of resignation, adhere to these best practices:
Sample of a resignation letter:
[Supervisor Name]
[Place of Business]
[Business Address]
[Date]
Dear [Supervisor Name],
I’m writing to let you know that I intend to leave [Business Name] as of [position] as of [last day of work]. I appreciate the chance to work with [business department]. Working with this team and advancing in [industry] has been enjoyable. I have learned and grown professionally in my time here.
I’ll be happy to assist with the transition or training of whoever will take over my position until [my last day at work].
I appreciate your understanding as I leave the company to pursue [explanation of leaving]. I wish you all the best for future continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Notice period 2 months and new Joining within 1 month
FAQ
How much notice should you give when leaving a job?
If you’ve worked for your company for more than a month but less than two years, it’s customary to give your employer at least one week’s notice before leaving. Even if you’ve only worked for your company a short while, think about giving two weeks’ notice.
What is a good period of notice?
Before quitting your job, career experts advise giving at least two weeks’ notice so that you can assist with the transition and your employer can start looking for a replacement.
