One Week's Notice or Two

[noski]

Yeah, that what I have a problem with. I've seen too many people walked out within minutes, when they quit or the company decides to let them go, yet, your expected to give a minimum of 2 weeks. :-?

There is a reason for that. In many companies, an employee who has given notice is not expected to work the full 2 weeks. They could conceivably do more damage in 2 weeks than good. Attitude and work output may be diminished, co-worker attitude and morale changes. It is not necessarily intentional, but it happens. Companies find letting the employee go right away and paying them their 2 weeks and vacation is much more effective. It happened to me when I left the local bank as branch manager. I understood the reasons and was not offended.

 

[cbcbd]

There is a reason for that. In many companies, an employee who has given notice is not expected to work the full 2 weeks. They could conceivably do more damage in 2 weeks than good. Attitude and work output may be diminished, co-worker attitude and morale changes. It is not necessarily intentional, but it happens. Companies find letting the employee go right away and paying them their 2 weeks and vacation is much more effective. It happened to me when I left the local bank as branch manager. I understood the reasons and was not offended.

Yep, was just going to say that.
Give two weeks and the above will probably happen for the mentioned reasons - especially if relationships aren't that great towards the end and they don't need you to train whoever is taking over (if they have someone to take over).

And if they don't... then hey, work those two weeks and keep that bridge from collapsing, like the other 70,000 that are about to

 

[JimG.]

There is a reason for that. In many companies, an employee who has given notice is not expected to work the full 2 weeks. They could conceivably do more damage in 2 weeks than good. Attitude and work output may be diminished, co-worker attitude and morale changes. It is not necessarily intentional, but it happens. Companies find letting the employee go right away and paying them their 2 weeks and vacation is much more effective. It happened to me when I left the local bank as branch manager. I understood the reasons and was not offended.

I'll start by saying I totally understand...in America, we have to dumb everything down to the lowest common denominator. If there's one classless jerk out there who might screw the company for 2 weeks, we have to treat all departing employees the same way.

I'll never run my life that way. Ever. Because that's a load of crap. Even if I understand it, I don't support it.

I've been with my company 20 years. If they didn't trust me I think I would have been gone long ago, because, like here, I tell it like I think it is. Right to your face. Because I'm in sales and that's what I'm paid to do. Doesn't mean I'm right, but my intentions are good.

I've never done anything here that would hurt the company. I've been mad at bosses and policies, but I enforce whatever I'm asked to do and I do it to the best of my ability. And I'm successful in the sense that the company has grown every year I've been in charge of sales. I've never slacked off, never done anything to hurt the company, never taken a paper clip. My boss knows I spend time here during the day...I told him I do. He doesn't mind as long as sales grow and I do my job. That's called professionalism.

I don't care what the rational might be, it's nothing but a crime to kick someone like that out after 20 years because they've landed a new job. And do it in a way that makes the person feel like a criminal. That's total BS if there was no previous grounds for suspicion.

What does it say if the company does that and says they don't trust the person? If I were a stockholder I'd ask "Then why did you keep that person around for 20 years if you don't trust them?".

 

[hammer]

Yep, was just going to say that.
Give two weeks and the above will probably happen for the mentioned reasons - especially if relationships aren't that great towards the end and they don't need you to train whoever is taking over (if they have someone to take over).

And if they don't... then hey, work those two weeks and keep that bridge from collapsing, like the other 70,000 that are about to

Are most job departures that negative?

The last job I gave notice to, I worked a normal schedule for the two weeks and I was even given a going away luncheon...no bad feelings at all.

 

[JimG.]

Are most job departures that negative?

The last job I gave notice to, I worked a normal schedule for the two weeks and I was even given a going away luncheon...no bad feelings at all.

Your previous employer has class and obviously appreciated you and your contributions. Must be a successful company.

 

[wa-loaf]

Are most job departures that negative?

The last job I gave notice to, I worked a normal schedule for the two weeks and I was even given a going away luncheon...no bad feelings at all.

People who get fired or laid off get escorted out of my company, but they are usually let back in for a couple hours under supervision to clean out their desks when most of the office is empty.

Folks who give notice get a party. This Friday there's a wine and cheese party in the middle of the afternoon for a guy who is leaving. Next week we're going out to play pool at lunch for another guy and then he has dept sponsored going away lunch the next day!

Almost makes you want to leave! :-o

 

[JimG.]

People who get fired or laid off get escorted out of my company, but they are usually let back in for a couple hours under supervision to clean out their desks when most of the office is empty.

Folks who give notice get a party. This Friday there's a wine and cheese party in the middle of the afternoon for a guy who is leaving. Next week we're going out to play pool at lunch for another guy and then he has dept sponsored going away lunch the next day!

Almost makes you want to leave! :-o

This is sensible to me too...if they were fired especially.

Not a one size fits all thing.

 

[cbcbd]

Are most job departures that negative?

The last job I gave notice to, I worked a normal schedule for the two weeks and I was even given a going away luncheon...no bad feelings at all.

Nah, that's why I said that it depends on your relationship and how things have been going. If things have been obviously deteriorating between you and your boss he/she just might chose to tell you that after you clean your stuff out then you don't have to work the extra weeks.
It's not all black/white and everyone that has voluntarily left my company has worked hard to the end and we all went to lunch and whatnot - but then again it's a small office - could be different in more "corporate" environment.

But yeah, in the case of involuntary layoffs then you never will get 2 weeks and will be escorted whenever possible - too much risk for retaliation from pissed off employees.

 

[ctenidae]

Yeah, that what I have a problem with. I've seen too many people walked out within minutes, when they quit or the company decides to let them go, yet, your expected to give a minimum of 2 weeks. :-?

It's mostly becasue we deal with a lot of sensitive and confidential information, and client relationships are huge, so it's all a protection thing. It's not really quite that bad, but I've never known anyone to be here the full time of their notice.

 

[andyzee]

It's mostly becasue we deal with a lot of sensitive and confidential information, and client relationships are huge, so it's all a protection thing. It's not really quite that bad, but I've never known anyone to be here the full time of their notice.

My luck, they'll keep me the full two weeks. I don't have anyone that backs me up so I need to train.

 

[JimG.]

My luck, they'll keep me the full two weeks. I don't have anyone that backs me up so I need to train.

Do it well.

And the fact that some employers escort employees out unless they need them to train replacements just shows you how shortsighted they really are.

What better way to get back at the company than by "training" your replacement? I mean, if they don't trust you why would they think you'll do a good training job? That's idiocy.

 

[jack97]

Been working in my field for close to twenty years, worked for maybe 6-7 companies. I've had peers become top managers and former managers elevated to VPs. Some have hired me when they have taken on a new position in other companies. I've worked with people who know of me through second hand and visa versa, it's a small world. All kidding aside, don't burn bridges, leave the place with class....people will remember.

 

[noski]

It's mostly becasue we deal with a lot of sensitive and confidential information, and client relationships are huge, so it's all a protection thing. It's not really quite that bad, but I've never known anyone to be here the full time of their notice.

Exactly. I gave 3 weeks notice and they kept me only 1 and as nicely as one can, told me they knew I wanted to move on to my new job and wished me well and told me there was always a job for me in the bank if I wanted to come back in the future. I was not insulted.

 

[JimG.]

Exactly. I gave 3 weeks notice and they kept me only 1 and as nicely as one can, told me they knew I wanted to move on to my new job and wished me well and told me there was always a job for me in the bank if I wanted to come back in the future. I was not insulted.

That wouldn't insult me either.

It's the security escorting you out of the building thing that disturbs me. Being treated like a criminal in handcuffs. Like you did something wrong.

They do it at Hunter and several friends and acquaintances were shown the door in that fashion. Those situations were not well received by the rank and file and the resulting gossip and bad feeling went on for weeks. I just don't see how that's productive or conducive to moving on.

 

[andyzee]

Exactly. I gave 3 weeks notice and they kept me only 1 and as nicely as one can, told me they knew I wanted to move on to my new job and wished me well and told me there was always a job for me in the bank if I wanted to come back in the future. I was not insulted.

Yeah, I worked in such places, this is not one of them. As a matter of fact in this place they have an unwritten policy of not rehiring someone when they leave. Real ruthless atomoshpere.

 

[hammer]

Yeah, I worked in such places, this is not one of them. As a matter of fact in this place they have an unwritten policy of not rehiring someone when they leave. Real ruthless atmosphere.

It sounds like they have a problem with burning bridges...I guess that's OK if there is a good supply of qualified people, but I'd think that it would be bad business practice in the long run.

 

[JimG.]

Yeah, I worked in such places, this is not one of them. As a matter of fact in this place they have an unwritten policy of not rehiring someone when they leave. Real ruthless atomoshpere.

We've rehired 2 employees in my tenure here. Both wound up leaving again 2-3 months later. Neither were in my department. I've had ex-salespeople contact me asking if I would rehire them. I didn't, and probably wouldn't if it happened again. This is especially true in a small company.

I can understand a no rehire policy.

 

[hammer]

We've rehired 2 employees in my tenure here. Both wound up leaving again 2-3 months later. Neither were in my department. I've had ex-salespeople contact me asking if I would rehire them. I didn't, and probably wouldn't if it happened again. This is especially true in a small company.

I can understand a no rehire policy.

I think an exception needs to be made if the company is in a niche market...sometimes you have to be willing to bring someone back because they are one of the few who have the specific qualifications and/or experience.

Of course, it depends on the person who asks to come back...if they weren't a valuable employee to begin with then why hire them back if they ask.

 

[wa-loaf]

Yeah, I worked in such places, this is not one of them. As a matter of fact in this place they have an unwritten policy of not rehiring someone when they leave. Real ruthless atomoshpere.

Wow, I don't know how many people in my office have left and come back. It seems like there's a revolving door. I was laid off in my first year with the co and they called me back 3 months later to offer me my job back. I was a little reluctant at first but I got a raise out of it. I've been here for 6 years now.

 

[FRITOLAYGUY]

Who ever came up with 2 weeks anyways? How long has this been common practice? Im sure in the 1940's people werent saying on the docks on NY make sure you give em your 2 weeks before taking that job in the city.. Im curoius to where this all came from.