In the professional world, people move through different jobs and positions all the time. It can happen for a variety of reasons – an opportunity for a promotion, a move to a different geographical location, personal life changes, and so on. While it’s a normal part of career growth, moving on is not something to be done on a whim. It requires careful thought and consideration. Part of the proper procedure prior to quitting a job is handing in your two weeks’ notice to your employer.
In this article, we will talk about just what a two weeks notice is and why it is a very important part of business etiquette for both the employee and employer. We will also list some helpful steps on how to put in two weeks' notice, along with best practices for writing one.
What Is a Two Weeks Notice?
Generally, a two weeks notice is exactly what the phrase implies – that in two weeks, something is about to happen. In the context of business and employment, when someone hands in their two weeks' notice, it means that they will be leaving their current position two weeks henceforth. This notice is a professional courtesy that a worker extends to their employer before leaving their post. This process ensures clarity and maintains a respectful separation, which can benefit both parties in the long run.
This notice is a professional courtesy that a worker extends to their employer before leaving their post. This is as opposed to just handing in a resignation letter and leaving right away or worse, going straight AWOL. But this age-old professional practice is also important for a lot of other reasons, as we will discuss in the subsequent sections. By notifying your employer in advance, you give them time to prepare for your departure, which helps ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions to the business.
If you want to leave your current position but also want to maintain a cordial relationship with your employer and co-workers, you must learn how to put in two weeks' notice properly. This gesture not only shows professionalism but also demonstrates respect for the employer's time and the work environment. A well-crafted notice letter ensures that you leave a positive impression, which could benefit you if you ever need a reference or decide to return to the company in the future.
Importance of Giving Two Weeks Notice
It is not mandatory to give two weeks’ notice – that is quite clear. However, this practice does have a lot of benefits so it’s almost always a good idea to submit one for the good of everyone involved. Following are some noteworthy reasons why giving two weeks’ notice is important.
1. Show Professional Courtesy
First of all, giving two weeks’ notice is a great way to demonstrate respect to your employer and co-workers. Although you may not be legally obliged to do so, letting them know in advance that you are leaving will be a reflection of the appreciation and value you have for the time and experience you had in that work environment.
2. Maintain a Healthy Professional Relationship
Just because you are quitting a job doesn’t mean that all those doors will be closed permanently behind you. The world is often smaller than you think and it’s very important to maintain a positive relationship with everyone in your network, whether in the past, present, or future.
3. Ensure Smooth Transition
Two weeks is a reasonable amount of time for your employer to make the necessary transitions following your departure. They will have to find a replacement to fill your position, which is not always easy. In the meantime, they might have to delegate your work to other staff while they find or train a new employee to take your place. If you work with outside clients, they will need to be informed that someone else will be handling their account.
4. Comply with Legal Requirements
Although two weeks' notice is not mandatory for most companies, it might be included as a requirement in your job contract. In this case, it is necessary to submit one, lest you face financial or legal repercussions, such as the forfeiture of unclaimed benefits or bonuses.
5. Preserve Professional Reputation
The walls have ears and in the professional world, particularly in certain industries, you’d be surprised at how fast news travels. If you leave your job without giving notice, potential future employers might learn about it, and perceive you to be unprofessional. On the other hand, an amicable departure will reflect positively on your reputation.
Possible Consequences of Not Giving Two Weeks Notice
Again, while submitting a two weeks notice is not legally required under labor law, the absence of one can have several negative effects on careers or even personal lives. Here are just some of the possible ramifications of failing to hand in your notice.
- Missed Reference Opportunities: It is customary for companies to ask for a reference letter from a potential employee’s previous employer. If you leave without warning, your former boss might not be willing to provide such a reference for you.
- Financial Setbacks: If two weeks’ notice was included in your employment contract and you failed to provide one, this might be sufficient grounds for the company to withhold your benefits or even your last paycheck.
- Loss of Future Career Prospects: Leaving on a sour note puts you at a risk of losing future opportunities for career growth. It’s not only your ties with the company that you are severing, but also the professional networks that you have built with the managers and other co-workers over the years.
Tips on How to Write a Two Weeks Notice Letter
Letting your employer know of your intention to leave is not always easy. It could even be a sensitive task especially if you are an integral part of the workforce or have been with the company for a while. To make the process as smooth as possible, here are some tips that you can follow.
Step 1: Pick a Good Time
If you wait for the perfect time, you might end up not being able to leave at all. Just make sure that you don’t announce your impending departure during peak work hours, or when there are major deadlines looming around the corner. Experts recommend giving your notice at the start of the week or early in the day.
Step 2: Write a Formal Letter
A verbal notice might be acceptable for some but it is much better and more professional to submit a formal written letter. Start by indicating your intention to resign, followed by your intended final working day. Be sure to express gratitude to your employer and also offer your assistance during the transition period.
Step 3: Be Diplomatic and Concise
Giving an honest reason for your resignation is the best course of action in most cases. However, there is no need to delve into the details of your circumstances. Just give your reason briefly and honestly, and keep it brief but respectful throughout.
Step 4: Communicate in Person
Before submitting a formal letter, it would be much better to have a prior conversation with your boss regarding your intent. This is yet another way to demonstrate your respect and professionalism to your employer.
Types of Two Weeks Notice Letter
As we have mentioned, a formal letter is usually the best option but in some cases, other types of notice would be just as acceptable. PDF Agile offers three templates, depending on your needs, that you can customize with your specifics.
1. Simple Letter
A simple letter is brief and to the point, providing only the basic information, yet with a sufficiently respectful and appreciative tone. It communicates your intent clearly and helps maintain a positive relationship with your employer. It’s suitable for those who prefer a concise and professional approach.
2. Formal Letter
A formal letter can be used for any type of work environment, but it can be a requirement for larger corporations. This is printed and follows a more structured format. It shows a high level of professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring that your resignation is handled appropriately.
3. Email Letter
This is a much more informal notice that works nicely for smaller or more laid-back companies. It is also acceptable in situations where giving a printed letter might not be feasible. It’s a convenient and efficient option, offering ease of communication while still conveying professionalism and respect for your employer.
Conclusion
No matter what your reasons might be for deciding to leave your job, it is always a good idea to preserve your professional integrity and practice proper business etiquette until the very end. The simple skill of knowing how to write a two weeks notice will reflect positively on your reputation, and will help pave the way for success in your future endeavors. A respectful resignation ensures that you leave on good terms, which can benefit your career and keep your professional relationships intact, opening doors to opportunities in the future.
