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In the American work-sphere, high job turnover is a reality across industries, including for seemingly coveted positions. For example, consider even prestigious consulting firms like Boston Consulting Group or McKinsey & Company, who have high turnover rates.
Despite the allure and high salaries, these firms experience an average tenure of just two years, with many employees leaving due to concerns about work-life balance or the pressure of the job.
Many employees give two weeks' notice as a standard work practice, as well as in accordance with company policy and professional courtesy.
Knowing why doing so is important and how to write a two weeks' notice letter will enable you to move to the next career job without burning bridges.
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A two-week notice is a standard professional courtesy given by an employee to their employer, informing them of an intention to resign, in writing. As a standard practice, it covers 14 working days, depending on the company's policy.
Two weeks' notice to the employer gives the employer time to plan for their departure, including strategizing to find a replacement, make changes to responsibilities, completing the necessary paperwork, or off-boarding processes. This notice period also contributes to a healthy working relationship between employee and employer, as it provides a smooth and respectful transition.
In some cases, employees may be required to provide a longer notice period, especially for higher-level positions or when a longer transition period is necessary.
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Giving a two-weeks' notice, whether in a two weeks' notice email or more formal letter, is helpful to both you and your employer. Here are some ways the two-week notice email helps both parties:
Leaving a job doesn't mean that you have to burn all bridges. You might come back as an employer or client in the future.
Giving two weeks' notice can go a long way toward preserving professional relationships with your soon-to-be ex-employer.
Most companies understand that some employees have to leave and they will not hold a grudge if you adequately communicate your decision.
Giving two weeks' notice goes a long way in creating a smooth transition for your replacement. It provides the company time to hire or promote a suitable replacement to your current job title or position and allows you to tie up any loose ends.
It is also a professional courtesy to coworkers who might have to take on extra responsibilities once you leave.
With adequate notice informing others of your intended last day, you make it easier to maintain positive relationships with the company and individuals you work with. In some cases, it may also be legally required, and either way, it adds a personal touch and also means you might be able to help the team prepare or create a transition plan.
How you leave your current job goes a long way in determining how you are perceived professionally. Professional networks are vast and word gets around.
If you leave immediately without giving notice, it might impact your reputation. Interviewers might even ask if you gave notice at your last job when considering you for a new job.
It also allows you to maintain relationships and even aids the company by giving feedback through an exit interview.
These efforts go a long way in helping you leave on a positive note.
Sometimes leaving a job is not easy. Giving notice helps you come to terms with your decision.
This time frame allows you to prepare mentally as you leave your current employer. Activities such as saying goodbyes, collecting your final paycheck, and helping with the transition plan also help you prepare mentally.
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A resignation letter is a formal written notice of an employee's decision to leave. The two-week notice is the period in which the employee continues to work after submitting the resignation letter. Giving two weeks notice means that the company will know your last day and anyone whose job is impacted by your leaving will have some time to prepare, including knowing the possible start date for when they may need to assume your responsibilities.
It should be noted that this is a different process than requesting sick leave. For that, you'll want to confer with your manager or HR representative to understand what is possible.
Both the two weeks' notice and the resignation letter, which you may present in writing, are important components of the resignation process and contribute to a smooth and professional transition when an employee leaves a job.
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Giving two weeks' notice can be nerve-wracking, but with the right approach, you can do it with confidence and professionalism. Here's the ultimate guide on how to prepare how to give two weeks' notice, with confidence:
Before you give your two weeks' notice, make sure you understand your reasons for leaving your job and have a plan for what you will say to your employer. It's important to be prepared and confident in your decision. It's ok if you just want to quit, but you'll want to think about what you'll be comfortable sharing with your company in the conversation about leaving.
Instead of sending an email or mentioning leaving in passing, once you've decided, schedule a meeting with your supervisor or manager to discuss your resignation. This shows that you take the process seriously and allows you to have a face-to-face conversation, even if you're working remotely. This can go a long way towards helping you maintain that relationship.
When resigning, it's crucial to be professional and respectful. Express gratitude for the opportunities and explain your reasons for moving on.
Show your commitment to leaving on good terms by offering to assist with the transition process. This could include training a replacement, creating a transition plan, or providing documentation for your role.
When giving your notice, keep the conversation brief and to the point. You don't need to go into extensive detail about your reasons for leaving, but you should be prepared to answer any questions your employer may have.
Before giving your notice, consider how you will handle your final two weeks at the company. This could include wrapping up any outstanding projects, documenting your work for the person who will serve as your replacement, and tying up any additional loose ends for the company.
It's natural to feel nervous when giving your two weeks' notice, but try to stay positive and confident throughout the process. Remember that you are making a decision that is best for you and your career and that moving on to new opportunities is okay.
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After a conversation with your manager, you must hand in a formal resignation letter. A professional resignation letter could also replace your two-week notice email.
If you are legally bound to serve a period longer than two weeks, you can use the resignation letter to start the countdown to your departure from your current job. You'll want to check your contract for any details you need to know as you prepare.
A professional resignation email or letter should be brief. It should outline your intention to leave your current position, indicate the expected end date for your current role, and thank your employer for the opportunity to work for them.
Here is a sample letter that incorporates all these elements:
Subject: Resignation letter [Your name, Current Job Title]
Dear [Manager's Name – or the appropriate person for your company]
I am writing to formally submit my resignation from my position as [current position] at [company name]. My last working day will be [date of the end of your desired notice period].
I want to thank you for the opportunity to work at [company name] and for the professional growth I have experienced here. I am grateful for the support and guidance I have received during my time here as well.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to aid you during this transition period. I am available for any additional inquiries and I will continue working on my projects until my last day.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
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Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind when serving your notice:
Once you give in your resignation email, you might be tempted to slack off and run out the clock, harming your reputation.
Slowing down your productivity might lead to heaps of work for the remaining coworkers, and your projects might not get completed in time.
While this might not harm you directly, it will negatively impact your professional legacy at the organization. If you want to maintain relationships, keep showing up through the end date of your notice.
Once you resign, try your best to complete any pending projects, hand in any company property, and hand over any duties that require attention.
Ensuring that your desk is clean when you leave for your new employer is a professional way to handle things, even if it's not a legal requirement.
Once you decide to leave, inform your team immediately. This is critical to ensuring that work continues and helps others contribute to a transition plan as needed..
Additionally, inform your clients and associates of your decision. You'll want to make sure every person impacted by your leaving knows about your plan.
Be positive and diplomatic as you make your next move. Show gratitude to your colleagues and thank them for the opportunity to work with them.
This also increases the chances of keeping your manager or colleagues in your professional network.
As you serve your last two weeks in a role, it is important to document your experience. Write letters, memos, and emails to members of your team.
This leaves a trail of documentation that will help boost technical expertise and leadership experience within the organization, as well as help you maintain those relationships.
Recommendation letters and references play a big role in any professional organization. They will greatly impact how you are perceived in future roles.
Knowing this, you should use this time to say your goodbyes and ask colleagues for positive but truthful accounts of working with you. This will go a long way in creating a robust professional network that will help you navigate your next steps.
Considering the short duration of most notice periods, completing all projects assigned to you might not be feasible.
In most cases, it is more appropriate to transfer your knowledge to others and hope they carry on your work.
This will lessen the impact of your departure and serve as a sign of respect for them. Offer assistance anywhere possible and keep advising until your last day at the organization.
While it might be tempting, do not use this time to settle scores with colleagues you do not like.
Settling scores may involve writing poor appraisals, spreading malicious rumors, sabotaging work, or misdirecting colleagues with false information.
It is only natural to harbor negative feelings about some aspects of professional life. Still, these activities will harm your reputation in the long term – and they might even result in legal repercussions.
Understandably, you might be excited and make a big deal out of a new job once you've decided to leave. However, this might hurt the work environment you are leaving, making it difficult for them to maintain standards or workflow.
If you are comfortable sharing, keep it respectful. Do not brag about salary, cool equipment, or entertainment options.
Making a big deal of your new job can disrupt the work environment, or you might inadvertently belittle your organization and colleagues.
Once you know that you will be leaving, consider the responsibilities and boundaries of your job.
If you cannot deliver final projects before your last day, politely inform your team and only take on what you can manage. You can offer assistance where needed, but do not commit if you cannot deliver.
This might seem selfish, but it helps the team remain functional once you leave.
This is unprofessional and a sign of poor work ethic.
Instead, think of this as a chance to showcase your professionalism. Go above and beyond to ensure that you leave on a high note.
Fulfilling the terms of your contract and leaving with the respect of your manager and colleagues is more beneficial in the long term.
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