When you’ve decided to move on from your current job, giving your employer advance notice is the right thing to do. But how much notice should you give? The standard is two weeks, but in some cases, giving one week notice is appropriate.
If you’re quitting because you’ve landed a new job, it’s generally acceptable to give one week notice. After all, you’ve already found a new position, so your current employer won’t be left in the lurch. Plus, you may need to start your new job quickly, so two weeks may not be possible.
If you’re leaving for personal reasons, such as to relocate or take care of a family member, one week notice is also usually sufficient. In these cases, your employer will likely be understanding and appreciate that you gave them as much notice as possible.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you have a particularly good relationship with your employer or you know that they
When giving one week’s notice is acceptable
Almost all positions require one week’s notice to be terminated, though two weeks’ notice is always preferable. Most of the time, giving notice is a matter of convention and a way to keep good, professional relations with a former employer. Keep in mind that, with a few limited exceptions, employment is generally at-will in all 50 states.
The most typical exception is an employment contract that details the quantity of notice required and the consequences for breaking this protocol. Loss of paid time off, such as sick, personal, or vacation days, may be a part of this.
For contract violations, public employees like teachers may have their licenses or certifications revoked for a year or more. However, regardless of the reasons for the employment termination, an employer may never refuse to pay employees for work that has already been completed.
The best course of action may be to give one week’s notice of resignation in the following circumstances.
Personal or family illness or emergency
A personal or family emergency could force you to quit your job. Provide as much notice as circumstances allow.
Potentially unsafe or uncomfortable working conditions
Working in unsafe or extremely uncomfortable conditions is not acceptable. Giving a week’s notice or less may be the best option if an employer refuses to address the issue.
Need to begin a new position immediately
When starting a new job, employees should ideally be able to negotiate their start date. Employers, however, may need someone to start immediately. Negotiate to give your current employer at least a week’s notice if this is the case.
Leaving a position that is easier to fill
When there is a relatively easy to fill position, less notice is more acceptable. One week’s notice is typically sufficient when leaving unskilled or retail jobs.
What does it mean to give a one week notice?
When an employee informs their employer that they will be leaving their current position in a week, they typically do so in writing. In many parts of the United States, employment is at-will, which means that either party may end a working arrangement at any time, with or without cause. However, giving advance notice is regarded as professional courtesy and gives employers the opportunity to make staffing changes or hire new employees. Before leaving a position, employees typically gave two weeks’ notice, but the ideal amount of notice depends on a number of factors.
When to give more than one week’s notice
Managerial roles
It is customary for managers and other high-paid professionals to give two weeks to a full month’s notice. Finding a replacement gets harder as positions require more knowledge, experience, or education. Longer notice periods give recruiters more time to find, select, and process a qualified candidate.
Employment contracts
The amount of notice an employee must give before quitting may be specified in an employment contract. Although an employer cannot stop you from leaving a job, there may be consequences if the required notice is not given. To avoid any such potential penalties, it is preferable to adhere to the procedures outlined in the contract or employee handbook.
When building professional networks
If you know youll be leaving well in advance
Sometimes workers know they’ll be leaving a job well in advance. A frequent justification would be to start college coursework or as retirement draws near. The best course of action in these situations is to give at least two weeks’ notice, provided you believe it won’t affect your current position or professional relationships. You could speak with a manager even earlier about your future plans if a business is understanding of other employees leaving.
How to give one week notice
Determine your last day of employment if you intend to give one week’s notice before quitting your job. Then, take the following actions:
Tips for delivering one weeks’ notice
The following advice may be helpful when providing one week’s notice before leaving a job.
How to Quit a Job: Leaving on Good Terms
FAQ
Is it OK to give less than 2 weeks notice?
- Advise the employer for the final date of work.
- Advise the employer of the reason the employee is resigning.
- Give the employer information about what constitutes a brief resignation notice.
- The notice should maintain a gracious tone.
- Thank the employer for the opportunity and their time.
