Does an Employee Need to Give Two Weeks’ Notice to Their Employer?
California is an at-will employment state. This means that the employee or employer can end employment at any time without two weeks’ notice. However, if a company policy requires a notice period, then the employee must give two weeks’ notice. Also, if there is a notice requirement in the employment contract, the specified notice must be given.
Even if an employer does not require notice, it might be in the employee’s benefit to give notice.
Should an Employee Give Their Employer Two Weeks’ Notice?
On the one hand, giving notice to an employer, even if not required, can benefit an employee as it shows professionalism and means the employee leaves on good terms. It gives the employee’s team a chance to hire a replacement and have loose ends tied up before the employee leaves.
On the other hand, a petty employer might fire an employee instantly upon receiving the two weeks’ notice.
It is best to see how the employer has treated employees who have given notice in the past before deciding. If the notice has been received well and the employer has allowed the employee to serve their notice, then it might benefit the employee to give notice. However, if the notice has been met with retaliation, then the employee might decide not to give notice. The employee could talk to former employees to get advice on whether to give notice or not.
How to Write a Notice Letter
If an employee gives notice, they should handle the situation professionally and in a legally sound manner. A notice letter should:
- Be brief and not provide unnecessary information. If there is a dispute about unemployment benefits, an employee’s notice letter could be used as vital evidence
- State the last date of work to prevent any misunderstandings
- Be professional and positive.
A notice letter should not:
- Give a reason for This can be used against an employee if there are disputes for unemployment benefits
- Air the employee’s grievances
- Be long and rambling
Two Weeks’ Notice Template
To make matters easy, here is a template for an employee’s two weeks’ notice letter. Employees can copy and paste this and change the relevant details. If the situation surrounding the separation is unique, the employee should consult with an employment attorney to get advice.
(Employee’s name)
Employee’s address | Employee’s phone Number
January 22, 2025
Jane Doe, Supervisor
ABC Company
1212 Washington St.
City, California, 91234
Jane@email.com
Dear Ms. Doe,
It has been a pleasure working with you at ABC Company. I value the opportunities and training I have received in my role.
Please accept this letter as a two weeks’ notice of my resignation from ABC Company. My final day as an employee will be _________(date).
I will continue to be an excellent employee until my employment ends. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help during this transition.
Sincerely,
(Employee’s name)