How To Write A Two Weeks Notice Letter Template

A two-weeks notice is your opportunity to leave a job positively and professionally. Employees in California are not required by law to give any two weeks notice to their employer before they quit their job.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

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Table of Contents

1. Are two weeks’ notices required by law in California?

2. Should I Give Notice Before Quitting My Job?

3. What are the benefits of giving a two weeks’ notice?

4. The Risks of Giving Two Weeks’ Notice

5. When to Quit Your Job Without 2 Weeks’ Notice

6. 2 Week Notice Template

Are two weeks’ notices required by law in California?

California is an at-will employment state. This means that in the absence of a specific employment contract or collective bargaining agreement stating otherwise, both the employer and the employee have the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, without the need to provide advance notice.

In at-will employment states like California, an employer can fire an employee without cause or notice, and likewise, an employee can resign without having to give a specific period of notice. While providing two weeks’ notice is a common professional courtesy to allow both parties to make necessary arrangements for the transition, it is not mandated by law.

However, it is important to note that even in at-will employment states, there are certain exceptions to the rule. For example, termination cannot be based on discriminatory reasons, such as race, gender, religion, disability, or age. Further, there may be exceptions due to contractual agreements or other local, state, or federal employment laws.

Should I Give Notice Before Quitting My Job?

While you may not be required to give two weeks’ notice when quitting your job, it is best to give notice where possible. Giving an employer two weeks’ notice will mean you leave on good terms and will receive positive recommendations. Quitting without notice may mean you leave on a sour note and leave supervisors and colleagues scrambling to pick up the slack. However, many companies require employees under contract to give 2 weeks’ notice letter at the very least to terminate their employment contract with the business. Our employment litigation attorney represented employers when employees did not give their 2 week notice letter when required by contract.

What are the benefits of giving a two weeks’ notice?

Providing a two weeks’ notice before leaving a job in California, or any other location, offers several benefits for both employees and employers. While it is not mandated by law in at-will employment states like California, it is considered a professional courtesy and can contribute positively to the employment relationship. The following are some benefits of giving a two weeks’ notice:

Professionalism: Giving two weeks’ notice demonstrates professionalism and respect for the employer and the company. It shows that you value the time and resources invested in you during your employment and want to leave on good terms.

Smooth Transition: The notice period allows the employer to find a replacement or make arrangements for the workload distribution, leading to a smoother transition. This can help minimize disruptions to ongoing projects and avoid overburdening other employees.

Positive References: Providing a notice period and leaving on good terms can lead to positive references from your employer in the future. Positive references can be valuable when applying for new jobs and can improve your chances of securing future employment.

Last Paycheck and Benefits: Some companies may require employees to complete their notice period to receive their final paycheck or to be eligible for certain benefits like accrued vacation pay or other separation benefits.

Networking Opportunities: Leaving on good terms and providing a two weeks’ notice can strengthen your professional network. Maintaining positive relationships with former employers and colleagues may lead to future opportunities or recommendations.

Ethical Considerations: In certain industries or professions, it may be considered unethical to leave a job abruptly without sufficient notice, especially if your departure would significantly impact critical operations.

Legal Protection: While two weeks’ notice is not a legal requirement, providing notice can help protect your legal rights. It may prevent your employer from claiming that you abandoned your job or breached an employment contract.
Personal Integrity: Offering a two weeks’ notice reflects your commitment to personal integrity and responsibility, which can positively influence your self-esteem and reputation in the long run.

The Risks of Giving Two Weeks’ Notice

Because California is an at-will employment state, some employers will terminate an employee before the end of the notice date. Even though this is an unfair practice, this is perfectly legal.

It is important to evaluate your role in the company and the disruption it would cause to resign with little or no notice. Also, consider your employer’s previous actions towards employees who have given notice. If your resignation will not affect the company’s operations, and your employer has a history of firing employees who give notice, then giving one week notice could be appropriate.

If your employer has previously allowed employees to work until the end of their notice period, then give the customary two weeks’ notice.

When to Quit Your Job Without 2 Weeks’ Notice

There are some circumstances which might make you reluctant to give two weeks’ notice. Examples of this are:

Sexual harassment in the workplace
Threats in the workplace
Risk to your mental or physical health
An unreasonably unsafe work environment

If any of those circumstances are present, immediately send a written report to your HR department or the relevant manager about the occurrences. There is a legal requirement to investigate your grievances and if they are true, to take reasonable steps to protect you.

2 Week Notice Template

When you give written notice, tailor it to the facts of your case. If you plan to claim unemployment benefits or you are leaving because of discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace, then discuss your resignation letter with a lawyer.

Keep the written notice letter short and to the point. Too much detail can hurt your claim for unemployment benefits, and too many opinions can leave a bad impression on your employer.

Date

John Doe

Company Name

12354 Ash Street

City, State Zip Code

Re: Two Weeks’ Notice Letter

Dear Mr. Doe,

Please allow this letter to serve as notice of my resignation from (company name). My resignation will be effective two weeks from today, on (Weekday, month, day, year)

Please advise me if I can assist in this transition.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

There is no need for personal details, facts, opinions, or feelings. If these details are made public or brought up in a lawsuit, it could be damaging.

Keep a professional and neutral tone. There is no opinion to expressing approval or disapproval, no matter the circumstances of your resignation. While it may be satisfying to write a scathing letter of resignation, this will likely harm your career.

It is vital you state your final day of work, state the exact date and day of the week so your employer is clear and can prepare for your departure.

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