why do you need to give a 2 week notice before leaving a job?

Question

if its because of job replacement, there are some jobs that can find someone quick next day. is it because they want to know when you're leaving so they can give you a surprise party? or are there any monetary reasons they dont want us to know? any legal arrangements? anybody know?

Answer 1

It's merely a courtesy... and has come to be expected from most employers. You want to leave on a positive note, so I'd recommend the two weeks notice. However, if your employer doesn't really need that much time, discuss it with them to see if you can do it in less than two weeks. And if you don't care about burning bridges, forget the two week notice and clear out your desk. On your way out, tell them you quit. And then just leave. You will have burned a bridge, and I just don't recommend it.

Answer 2

Hi you usually have to give either 1 week notice or 2, you should have worked a week in hand, this is so if you leave you will get that weeks money, but if you leave before hand you wont get it. Also if its two weeks in hand then it give then to advertise for another person to work for them. But if you are unhappy working there then really you can leave when you want. Just remeber to right a letter why you have left, But its just respect i suppose for you to give them your help for the last week or 2 weeks before you leave or go to your new job. But sometimes when your in job that is making you unhappy you cant bear it any more.

Answer 3

Nothing legal to it. It's just common courtesy to do so. Also if your in a top notch position that is hard to fill, then yes they need 2 weeks notice to try and fill your shoes. Otherwise it's just so if you need a good recommendation they can give it to you. Also if you should ever want to come back to that place to work they will remember you in a good way. Ever hear of "Don't burn your bridges" Well that works in your personnel and professional life. Don't muck things up so bad at the job your leaving in case you do need to come back.

Answer 4

It's just good manners to not bail out on a company. If you give them notice they can begin thinking about how to refill your job. Ideally there might be some overlap with when you're there and when the new person is so that you can show them around. But that's hard to do in 2 weeks.

Answer 5

From the perspective of a Human Resource manager, if I find that a person has not shown the common courtesy to their former employer to give them notice before leaving, I have no confidence that I can depend them to be responsible working for me. Therefore I will not consider them for employment.
This is a common attitude among HR Managers, so it is to your benefit to do the right thing.

Answer 6

Its a courtesy to give your employer a chance to find a replacement before you leave. Some employers wont hire you if you have a history of not giving notice.

Answer 7

It is mostly done as a courtesy to your current employer. To allow them some time to look for your replacement. If you already have another job lined up, you could just give you resignation effective immediately.

Answer 8

I agree with the first two. But, you need to check your company's policy, which should have been given to you at time of employment. My company will pay you any unused vacation time if you give two weeks' notice; otherwise you lose it.

Answer 9

Its what most companies want.
If you leave without notice you may lose your PL days or vacation days that you have built up.

Answer 10

So they know that they need a replacement for you and they can plan accordingly.