Handing in your notice, also commonly referred to as giving in your notice, means formally informing your employer that you intend to leave your job soon within a set period of time. This action signifies your official resignation from a position, initiating a period that allows for a smooth transition for both you and your employer.
The Purpose of Giving Notice
Giving notice is a professional and often contractual requirement that serves several important functions:
- Smooth Transition: It allows time for your employer to find a replacement for your role.
- Knowledge Transfer: Provides an opportunity for you to hand over your responsibilities, projects, and crucial information to colleagues or your successor.
- Contractual Obligation: Many employment contracts include clauses specifying the required notice period. Adhering to this prevents potential legal or professional repercussions.
- Professional Exit: Ensures you leave on good terms, preserving your professional reputation and increasing the likelihood of receiving a positive reference.
Understanding Notice Periods
A notice period is the length of time you are required to continue working after formally resigning. This period can vary significantly based on your employment contract and statutory rights.
| Employment Duration (UK Statutory Minimum) | Typical Notice Period (Employee Resigning) |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | None (often immediate, but professional courtesy applies) |
| 1 month to 2 years | 1 week |
| 2 years to 12 years | 1 week for each year of continuous service |
| Over 12 years | 12 weeks |
It's crucial to check your employment contract as it often stipulates longer notice periods than the statutory minimum. If your contract states a longer period, that contractual period usually takes precedence. You can find more information on statutory notice periods in resources like the Employment Rights Act 1996.
How to Hand in Your Notice Effectively
When you decide to resign, the process of handing in your notice should be handled professionally:
- Review Your Employment Contract: Before taking any action, confirm your required notice period and any specific procedures for resignation.
- Prepare a Formal Resignation Letter: This should be a concise, clear, and professional document stating your intention to resign, your last day of employment, and ideally, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. Avoid negative comments or emotional language. Resources like ACAS offer guidance and templates for resignation letters.
- Schedule a Meeting with Your Manager: It's best to deliver your notice in person to your direct manager, followed up by sending the formal letter via email or hard copy. This allows for a direct conversation and addresses any immediate questions.
- Be Prepared for Questions: Your manager may ask about your reasons for leaving or your future plans. Be honest but professional, focusing on positive aspects of your new opportunity rather than negatives of your current role.
- Offer Assistance with Handover: Demonstrate your commitment to a smooth transition by offering to help with training your replacement or documenting your responsibilities.
- Maintain Professionalism: Continue to perform your duties to the best of your ability until your last day. This ensures you leave a positive lasting impression.
Key Considerations and What Happens Next
After handing in your notice, several things may occur:
- Garden Leave: Your employer might opt for "garden leave," where you are paid for your notice period but are not required to come into the office or perform duties. This is common in sensitive roles to protect company interests.
- Accrued Holiday Pay: Your employer is legally obliged to pay out any untaken statutory annual leave that you have accrued up to your last day of employment.
- Reference Requests: Future employers will likely ask for references. A professional exit greatly increases the chance of receiving a positive reference.
- Exit Interview: Many companies conduct exit interviews to gather feedback from departing employees. This is an opportunity to provide constructive criticism in a professional manner.
Example Scenario:
For instance, if Mark has worked at a marketing agency for three years and accepts a new role, his contract might require a one-month notice period. When Mark hands in his notice, he will formally write to his manager, stating his resignation and indicating that his final day of employment will be one month from the date of the letter. During that month, he would typically continue his duties while assisting in handing over his client accounts and ongoing projects.
