When an employee decides to resign from their job, it’s critical to give their employer enough notice. In Ontario, there are specific rules and regulations regarding how much notice an employee should give their employer when leaving their job.
What is the Minimum Notice an Employee Must Give?
It is widely believed that an employee must give two weeks notice of resignation to their employer. However, that is often not the case. Many employment contracts include a resignation clause in their employment contracts that stipulate an employee must provide two weeks notice. Nonetheless, there is no legal requirement under the Employment Standards Act requiring an employee to provide a specific amount of notice before resigning.
Why An Employee Should Give an Employer Notice of Resignation
Giving adequate notice is extremely important. Firstly, it allows the employer to plan for the employee’s departure and prepare to hire someone else for that role. It also gives the employer enough time to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities to other members of the team.
Further, giving appropriate notice demonstrates a level of professionalism by the employee. An employee that is committed to ensuring a smooth transition benefits their own reputation. This can be particularly important if the employee needs a letter of reference by the employer in the future.
Failure to Give Notice of Resignation
Failing to provide adequate notice can have negative consequences for both the employee and the employer. The employer could face the consequence of finding a replacement employee without the adequate time for a job search. Additionally, the employee could hurt their professional reputation and burn bridges in the industry. Legally, the employee could be in breach of contract if do not comply with reasonable notice requirements in their employment contract.
Summary
It’s extremely important for employees to provide their employer with adequate notice when quitting their job in Ontario. Employees should give reasonable notice even if there is no legal requirement under the Employment Standards Act to provide a specific amount of notice. Provide adequate notice and preserve your professional reputation while allowing your employer to ensure a smooth transition.
