You serve a two-week notice to your boss when you decide to resign from the company. It is the right and professional thing to do because you give your employer time to look for your replacement. Your employer needs to hire and prepare someone new so that work can go smoothly after your departure.
However, how do you calculate a two-week notice? Although it may look like fourteen days, the number of business days involved may be higher or lower, depending on the weekends and holidays that appear in that period.
It’s vital to get your calculations right and have a clear idea of your last working day. You serve your notice period before that. Most workplaces have a two-week notice period. But it would be best to review the company rulebook in case your company has a longer one. You can also speak to HR about it.
Remember that your employer will make all the necessary arrangements about your position based on the notice you served them. It would be very unprofessional if you just stopped coming to work one day.
Why Should You Serve a Two-Week Notice to Your Employer?
You should serve a two-week notice to your employer not just because it is the professional thing to do but also for a few other reasons.
To start with, they get some time to hire and train your replacement. You must be on top of your work during this time so that you complete all your pending tasks. It would result in a smooth transition, and the person taking over will have no difficulty.
On the other hand, certain things need to be discussed with HR before you leave. This would include your outstanding pay and bonuses, insurance, and other benefits that you were entitled to. All of them must be cleared before you leave so that you have no dues.
In addition, you also need to mentally prepare to leave your organization and join a new one. It would give you some time to reflect on your decision but be sure to hand in your resignation only once you are sure about quitting because it cannot be reversed.
How do You Calculate The Two-Weeks Notice Period?
Once you have a clear idea of the last working day at the company, you can easily calculate the notice period.
To take a simple example, suppose you have decided that the 30th day of a particular month will be your last working day. In that case, you should give your resignation letter and notice on the 15th of that month.
Or, suppose you hand in your resignation on a Friday. In that case, the last working day will be two Fridays later. It’s an easy way to calculate, and most companies are okay with it unless your employment contract states something else.
However, write down the dates so your employer has no trouble understanding when you will be unavailable. You can do this by sending your employer an email notifying them about your resignation. But you may speak to them in person once and discuss your intention of leaving.
Does a Two-Weeks Notice Have 10 or 14 Days?
Some employees are confused about whether a two-week notice means ten or fourteen days. It’s because there are usually two weekends that fall in this period. So does your notice period only have to consist of business days?
Usually, no. The notice period is calculated by considering all the weekends and other holidays. Unless your employer specifically tells you otherwise, you don’t have to worry whether your notice period only consists of business days or includes holidays.
Sometimes, your company will allow you to use your outstanding vacation days within your notice period. Hence, if you had five days of leave outstanding, you do not have to come on both weekends, and you also get additional five days off within the notice period. Hence, you only need to come to work for the remaining five days.
However, it is best you speak to HR about all these aspects.
How to Write a Two-Weeks Notice Letter?
Your letter informing your employer about your resignation need not be too long. However, there are certain things you need to keep in mind.
1. Address The Letter Properly
You should address the letter adequately. Be specific about who you are writing to. If you are writing to your HR, email a copy to your manager or supervisor as well. If you are directly addressing your employer, then address them correctly.
Your subject line should mention that you are serving a two-week notice so the email doesn’t get lost among other emails.
2. Include The Last Date
It’s the main purpose of giving a two-week notice. You should clearly state what your last working day is going to be, which should be two weeks from the day you are sending the email.
3. State Your Reason
You can state the reason for your resignation in brief. You can always have a more detailed discussion when you speak to your manager in person. But a line or two about why you are resigning will put everything on record.
4. Mention Your Duties
Mention in your email some of the outstanding tasks you have and that you will complete them as much as possible before leaving. Also, state that you will help train your replacement and ensure a smooth transition to the best of your abilities.
5. Express Gratitude
Lastly, end the email by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity of working for the organization. It was a learning experience, and thank your employer for the opportunities you received at the organization.
Can Your Employer Refuse Your Two-Week Notice?
No, an employer can’t prevent you from leaving unless you breach a contract and try to quit before your agreement ends. However, if you leave in the middle of a busy quarter, they may ask you to stay on for a few more days until everything is under control.
It will depend on whether you can extend your stay unless you have already committed to joining another company soon after the two weeks are over. Or, your employer may terminate your employment immediately because they do not want to get you involved in a new project at the last moment and compensate you for those two weeks.
Points to Remember While Giving Your Two-Week Notice
You need to be careful about a few things while serving your resignation letter before two weeks of leaving. Try to keep these points in mind.
- Be sure to review your employee handbook to make yourself aware of any rules on quitting the organization. If you come across a close you have doubts about, be sure to clarify it with HR rather than risk a complication.
- Unless you have notified your boss about your resignation, please do not speak about it to any of your colleagues, no matter how close you are to them.
- Think ahead about what you will say about the reason behind your resignation. Keep it short and simple, and try not to bring up any grudges.
- Be prepared to answer any follow-up questions and requests for additional help with your tasks or transition.
- After informing your boss, tell your team members and colleagues personally, but try to keep things low-key. For example, do not brag about leaving because you found a high-paying job at another company. Tell them about the details later, once all the formalities are over.
Conclusion
Serving a two-week notice to the company you have been a part of can create mixed feelings. It’s especially true if you have spent several years at the organization. You may have close working relations with your teammates, many of whom may have become lifelong friends. And you may get on very well with your boss as well.
However, new opportunities and personal responsibilities may take you to a new organization or away from your location. Serving a two-week notice and helping with the transition during this time will help you keep things courteous and professional and allow you to leave on a high note.
