Giving notice when leaving a job is standard practice as a courtesy to your employer. The typical notice period is generally thought to be 2 weeks, but some employees choose to give more notice such as 3-4 weeks. Giving more notice allows your employer more time to transition your work and find someone new. However, 4 weeks notice may be seen as excessive in some cases. Here are some key considerations when deciding how much notice to give.
Why give notice at all?
Giving proper notice allows you to leave your job on good terms. Your employer will appreciate the heads up to start the process of replacing you. A standard 2 weeks notice is considered polite and professional in most industries. It gives your employer time to begin interviewing candidates or training a replacement while you’re still there to help transition your work. Not giving any notice at all or quitting abruptly can burn bridges with your employer.
Is there a standard notice period?
The standard notice period is generally thought to be 2 weeks. However, the appropriate notice period can vary by industry, seniority level, employment contracts, and company policy. Some key points on standard notice periods:
- Entry-level roles may only expect 1 week notice
- Professional roles often expect 2-4 weeks notice
- Executive/leadership roles may expect 4+ weeks notice
- Employment contracts sometimes specify required notice periods
- Company policies may dictate notice periods for certain roles
Overall, 2 weeks is the most commonly expected notice period for most roles. However, giving slightly longer notice such as 3-4 weeks for more senior roles is common and well-received in most cases.
When is 4 weeks notice appropriate?
In certain circumstances, giving 4 weeks notice may be appropriate or even expected:
- For high level executive and leadership roles
- For jobs that require an extensive transition of work and training a new person
- For positions with important ongoing client relationships that need wrap-up
- When specified by a contract or company policy
- If you want to leave on especially good terms with your employer
Some examples of jobs where 4 weeks may be sensible are chief executives, high level managers, specialized technicians, client-facing directors, doctors/surgeons. The key point is that more notice may be warranted for very senior or specialized roles where there is critical knowledge transfer required.
Potential downsides of 4 weeks notice
While giving 4 weeks notice can be seen as generous and professional in many cases, there are also some potential downsides to consider:
- It may be excessive notice for non-managerial roles
- You remain employed longer than necessary if you already have a new job lined up
- It can create an awkward long waiting period before you depart
- You risk being let go early once you resign
Some employers may find 4 weeks excessive notice from non-management employees. It can also be an uncomfortable limbo period if you intend to leave regardless. And some companies will terminate employees immediately once they resign to avoid security risks.
How to determine appropriate notice period
Here are some tips on figuring out an appropriate notice period when resigning:
- Check your employment contract or employee handbook for policies
- Learn the norms and expectations for your role and industry
- Consider the time needed to transition your responsibilities
- Reflect on your relationships and desire to leave on good terms
- Discuss with your manager if you’re unsure what’s appropriate
If no policy is specified, 2 weeks is usually a safe bet for most roles. But lean towards 3-4 weeks notice in leadership roles, highly specialized jobs, client-facing positions, and other complex jobs requiring knowledge transfer. When in doubt, have an open conversation with your manager on timing.
How to give proper notice
When you decide on an appropriate notice period, here are some tips for providing notice properly:
- Submit your resignation in writing (email is fine) to your direct manager
- State the exact date your resignation goes into effect
- Offer to help transition your work during the notice period
- Be prepared to return any company property they request
- Offer to be available for questions after your last day
Giving clear written notice and making yourself available during transition will allow you to leave on a positive note. Some employers may terminate you immediately, but you will have done your due diligence.
What if they want you to leave immediately?
Some companies will terminate employees right away once they provide resignation notice. Reasons include security, confidentiality risks, or logistics. Here are some tips if they ask you to leave immediately:
- Don’t take it personally, it’s often just company policy
- Request a letter confirming your employment end date
- Ask about compensation for the notice period
- Offer to be available by phone/email for questions
- Thank them for the opportunity and part on good terms
While abrupt, being asked to leave immediately is usually just standard company practice in some industries. Make the most of it professionally and preserve relationships if you can.
Are there alternatives to notice periods?
Instead of giving a notice period, some alternatives exist such as:
- Garden leave – employer suspends you from duties but you’re still paid
- Pay in lieu of notice – employer pays your notice period salary but ends employment
- Waiver agreement – both parties agree notice isn’t required
However, most companies will expect and appreciate standard written notice if you intend to resign. Negotiating alternatives is situation dependent.
Key takeaways on 4 weeks notice
To summarize key points on whether 4 weeks notice is advisable:
- 2 weeks is the standard notice period for most roles
- 1 month notice is appropriate for senior, specialized or complex roles
- Weigh company expectations, industry norms, and transition needs
- 4 weeks may be excessive notice in junior level jobs
- Discuss with your manager if uncertain what’s expected
Providing notice aligns with professional etiquette. Consider company policies, role seniority, knowledge transfer needs, and relationship preservation when deciding on appropriate notice period length.
Notice Period By Industry
Notice periods often vary by industry. Here is an overview of typical notice periods by sector:
| Industry | Typical Notice Period |
|---|---|
| Technology | 2 weeks |
| Financial Services | 2-4 weeks |
| Healthcare | 2-4 weeks |
| Education | 4 weeks |
| Government | 4 weeks |
| Manufacturing | 2 weeks |
| Retail | 1-2 weeks |
| Hospitality | 1-2 weeks |
As shown, technology and manufacturing roles tend to have shorter notice periods around 2 weeks. Industries like education, government, healthcare, and finance typically expect longer notice periods. Retail and hospitality often see shorter notices of 1-2 weeks. But seniority level within the industry is also a key factor.
Notice Period By Job Level
In addition to varying by industry, typical notice periods tend to increase with seniority. Here are the standard notice periods based on job level:
| Job Level | Typical Notice Period |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | 1-2 weeks |
| Associate/Analyst | 2 weeks |
| Manager | 2-4 weeks |
| Director/Senior Manager | 3-4 weeks |
| Vice President | 4 weeks |
| C-level Executive | 1-2 months |
More senior positions like executives and directors generally warrant longer notice periods. While associates and entry-level roles call for shorter 1-2 week notices in most cases. Duration of notice increases with level of responsibility and knowledge transfer required.
Notice Period Laws and Regulations
Notice period requirements when resigning or being terminated are governed by a mix of federal, state, and local laws. Here are some key laws regarding notice periods in the US:
- WARN Act – Federal law requiring 60 days notice for mass layoffs at larger companies
- State laws – Some states have laws mandating notice for layoffs and plant closures
- Employment contracts – May stipulate notice periods for both employer and employee
- CBA agreements – Collective bargaining agreements may dictate notice policies
While no federal law mandates notice periods for employee resignations, employment contracts and CBAs may specify required notice. And some states have laws requiring notice before large layoffs and plant closures.
State Notice Period Laws
A few states have laws regarding notice periods for certain employer-initiated terminations. For example:
| State | Law Details |
|---|---|
| California | 60 days notice required for layoffs over 50 people |
| Tennessee | 60 days notice for plant closures displacing 50+ workers |
| Wisconsin | 60 days notice for business closures affecting 10+ employees |
While details vary, states with notice period laws typically require 60 days notice to workers before sizable layoffs or facility/business closures. No states mandate notice periods for voluntary resignations.
Employee vs Employer Notice Requirements
Notice standards often differ between employee resignations versus employer-initiated terminations:
- Employees typically give 2 weeks resignation notice
- Employers often provide several weeks to months notice for layoffs/terminations
This discrepancy accounts for the job search time needed for employees. While not legally mandated, giving reasonable notice is seen as ethical from both sides.
Key Considerations When Determining Notice Period
When deciding how much notice to provide, here are some important considerations:
- Your position seniority and responsibilities
- Industry norms and standards
- Length of your employment tenure
- Time required to transition knowledge
- Existing contractual agreements or policies
- Whether you have a new job lined up already
- Desire to maintain positive relationships
Balancing these factors will allow you to make a well-informed decision on appropriate notice period length when resigning professionally.
Handling Notice Period Logistics
Here are some tips for smoothly navigating the notice period if you resign:
- Offer to help document processes, train replacements, and transition work
- Be prepared to hand off projects, accounts, and reporting
- Get contact details from key clients/colleagues you want to stay in touch with
- Return company property like badges, keys, laptop, files
- Request a letter of recommendation while managers are available
Using the notice period productively will allow you to exit gracefully and preserve the option of good references for the future.
Conclusion
Providing proper notice when resigning is essential for maintaining positive relationships and upholding your professional reputation. While 2 weeks is standard, 4 weeks notice may be warranted for more senior roles requiring extensive knowledge transfer. When determining notice period length, consider your responsibilities, company policies, industry norms, and the transition time required. With care and communication, you can ensure an appropriate notice period for your situation.