Mastering the Art of Resignation: How to Give Notice at Work
When it comes to maintaining professional relationships, explore the do’s and don’ts of resigning and how to give notice at work properly.
More than 50.5 million people quit their job in 2022. The Great Resignation has encouraged people to leave their positions for more rewarding pay and opportunities. You need to give notice if you want to join the trend and leave your current job.
Giving proper notice is professional and courteous. It ensures you leave your current position on a good note and with your reputation intact. Follow this guide on how to give notice at work and leave the right way.
How to Quit a Job
There is a proper and improper method for quitting a job. You may want to leave dramatically, yelling, “I quit!” as you throw papers in the air and storm out. Or perhaps you would prefer to ghost your company by leaving one day and never returning.
However, both of these approaches lack resignation etiquette. You should follow a few steps to ensure you give notice the right way.
- Review the employee handbook.
- Tell your direct boss in person first.
- Write an official notice letter.
- Stay positive and be helpful.
How to Give Notice at Work
The general rule is to give two weeks’ notice of your intended departure. However, your company may require something different. Check your employee manual to determine your company’s desired amount of notice.
The only time when not giving notice would be acceptable is when you are in some form of danger. You do not need to continue to subject yourself to potential harm or harassment.
Speak with your direct boss and tell them your plan before speaking to anyone else. Keep things simple and to the point. This is not the time to vent all of your grievances. Instead, let your frustrations go and keep things positive.
Next, write a notice letter or email. Include the necessary information but nothing else. Your notice letter goes into your employee file, so you don’t want something in your letter coming back to haunt you later.
Stay Positive and Be Helpful
You may be leaving, but your co-workers are not. Stay positive and helpful during your transition out of the company. Keep them in the loop within reason.
Use your final two weeks to complete projects and tie up loose ends. Then, actively participate in transitioning your responsibilities to the person who will be taking them over.
Have Grace
During your last two weeks, avoid getting involved in gossip or office politics. In addition, don’t use these two weeks to share all of your worst experiences at the company. Instead, show gratitude by thanking those who have helped you during your time at the company.
If you have an exit interview, offer constructive feedback. Stay professional and objective as you share your concerns or experiences.
Give Proper Notice at Work
Whether your company requires it or not, you should know how to give notice at work. How you handle this situation is a reflection of your integrity and professionalism. Giving proper notice ensures you leave on a good note with the company and co-workers.
Find a new position in the supply chain and manufacturing industries if you are ready to leave your current company.
