should i increase my notice period?

Question

my employer would like me to increase my notice period from 1 month to 3 - should i do it? do i have to? what can they do if i say no?

Answer 1

it seems like you have the upper hand, ask for a golden handcuff i:e a raise for upping your notice period. if they did'nt think you were easy replaced why else ask you to increase your notice. ask them "whats in it for me?"

Answer 2

If you employer would like you to increase your notice period, are they doing the same in response?

I work for a big company and after a couple of years on contract then everyone gets a three month notice period on both sides. This seems to help morale as you know that you are not just going to be dumped with a month's notice and also means that if you are working on a project and choose to leave, you can get it sorted instead of just handing it on it someone without their knowing what it is fully about.

The proposed new notice period really only matters if you are thinking of looking for a new job. Equally if you are at good stage in your career and do get another job, if it is for a higher position then the new employer would probably expect you to be on a three month notice.

No matter which way though, as others have said, this does constitute a change in condition from your existing contract and as such you should get your union (if you have one) to examine the contract before signing a new one. If this is part of a larger restructuring on the company then there are a whole load of procedures that should be followed by your company and proper time given for the dissemination of information.

Ask them why they would like you to give a longer period and you might be pleasantly surprised as it sounds as though they want to keep you not get rid of you.

Answer 3

My question would be, "What's in it for me?"

I mean I would ask it in a nice way but a three month notice seems pretty excessive and the only upside I see is for them. Three months gives them ample time to find a replacement and then have you train them. But if you get a better job offer you risk losing it when you tell them that you cannot start the new job for 90 days.

So like I said, I would be asking what's in it for you. I'd want a raise or at the very least a guarantee that if they ever terminate you for any reason they have to pay you for 90 days as a severance pay, even if you don't work it.

As for what they can do if you say no, it depends on where you live and work. It depends how nice they are as employers.

Answer 4

um... it's normally a months notice in the UK where you have a permanent job. if your employer asks you for three, work out if it's better for you in the long run, but you don't have to agree.

however, in some places of work (like mine) the standard is 1 month plus 1 week for however many years you have worked there so I would have to give 3 months notice.

check your contract and with your Human Resources department. if that doesn't answer the question look under Acas on the Internet - very useful site that tells you about employer and employee rights by law.

hope you have a good future! x

Answer 5

Thit is a strange situation - why do they feel the need to do this? I would be unhappy with it. It only serves to restrict your freedom. If the suggestion came with a substantial pay rise, or the offer of one, then it is a different strory.

I would ask why they are wanting to increase your notice period. If there is not a decent reason, I would politely explain that you are not wanting to be awkward or difficult in any way, and you have no intention of leaving this job in the near future. However, you feel uncomforable about having your feedom limited in this way and would prefer to keep your notice period at the normal 1 month.

You could hint that a significant pay rise may change your position.

Whatever you do, remain assertive and do not allow them to bully you into a decision.

Answer 6

You do not HAVE to do it! It is a change to your terms and conditons of employment and you must therefore agree to any changes before they can occur. Of course employers are very good at getting you to agree to these things, sometimes adding benefits to your contract as well - you should ask if this is the case!
As to whether you SHOULD do it, that is entirely your decision. If you enjoy your job and have no plans to leave in the immediate future, I don't see an harm in it. Anyway, you can usually agree a leaving date inside your notice period if you get on well with your boss. I left 1 month early 'in lieu of pay' i.e. I dodn't work for the last month and they didn't pay me for it! If you are looking for another job or are planning to move on soon then don't bother!
Good luck!

Answer 7

this depends on the status of your job. It is normal for mid and upper level managers to give this length of a notice, but not for a non-managerial employee. The standard in the US for a notice (sometimes legally) is about two weeks. If it is a month in your country, then just stick with that. Unless there is a legal reason that you need to notify them earlier, don't. If you are leaving the company, and getting a new job, your new employer my question such a long wait for this transition. Do what is best for you! good luck.

Answer 8

Should you do it? - If you are planning on leaving in the next year or so then NO, but if you think you may stay with the company for a longer term, then YES. It gives you some security as well as them.

Do you have to? - No

What can they do if you say no? - Nothing other than look at you in a different light. They are obviously keen to keep you, so if you tell them that you don't want to be tied to them with a 3 month notice period, they may think that you are wanting to leave and are not committed to the company. This may reflect in future promotions or pay rises etc

I changed from 1 month th 3 months 3 years ago at my work. I like to think that I have more job security. I am not planning on leaving my job any time soon. It would have to be something special to make me leave and I think that I would be able to negotiate a shorter period if it came down to it.
A colleague of mine recently handed in her notice. She had a 3 month notice period as well, but she talked to our boss and managed to half it. She told me that she'd said to him "What would you rather I do. Work happily for 6 weeks, or take 3 months off sick?"
A bit drastic, but it worked for her.

My advice - If you're planning on making a career with the same company, then take their offer of 3 months. If not then refuse and start to look for work elsewhere.

Answer 9

It could work in their favour if you agree to increase your notice period, because it gives you longer to find another job if things don't work out. Remember though that if you decide to leave and you are giving notice, it could make things difficult for the people you are going to. Why not try and negotiate so that it is two months? That makes it a happy medium for both people, but first of all I would advise you to try and find out why they want to change your notice period.

Answer 10

Further to all the other anwers : if you do choose to accept, make sure the company changes BOTH notice periods, ie :
* The notice you have to give if you want to leave the company
* The notice the company has to give if they want to terminate your contract
These are often two different clauses in employment contracts.

Answer 11

If negotiation over your contract is on a personal basis then it is entirely up to you. Your employer cannot change your contract unilaterally. You may be able to negotiate something in return.
If your contract is subject to a collective agreement eg with a trade union or employee organisation, then the change will have been negotiated on your behalf but the employee representative should have put the proposal to you before it was accepted. Once the change has been accepted you will have to abide by the decision.