Employment - 2 weeks' notice

[birdnerd 5]

Hi all,

Just wondering if someone can tell me when you (legally) have to tell your current employer that you've accepted another job offer - does it have to be right away, or can you keep mum, work for a few weeks, then give your two weeks' notice?

In Ontario, if that makes any difference.

Edited January 28, 2010 by birdnerd

[OBX 51]

Hi all,

Just wondering if someone can tell me when you (legally) have to tell your current employer that you've accepted another job offer - does it have to be right away, or can you keep mum, work for a few weeks, then give your two weeks' notice?

In Ontario, if that makes any difference.

No, I don't believe by law you do. This is from the Employment Standards Act.

Do employees have to give notice to their employers when they quit their job?

The ESA does not address the issue of employees giving notice to the employer when they quit their job, except under the pregnancy and parental leave provisions, which require that employees give notice to their employer if they are not returning, and in cases where the employer is terminating the employment of 50 or more employees in a four-week period. Employees may be required to provide their employer with notice that they are quitting under other laws.

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/faq...eral.php#notice

[Krikit 1,164]

It's normal etiquette to give two weeks..... unless you have a contract of employment where it would stipulate the timeframe within that contract. My employer required four weeks.

[Arabella 4]

It's normal etiquette to give two weeks..... unless you have a contract of employment where it would stipulate the timeframe within that contract. My employer required four weeks.

You might want to check with your HR department. I've had jobs that required a month's notice. If you want to leave on "good standing" you'll want to give the notice they require.

I live in the US though so maybe Canada has some policy across the board for every company.

Edited January 28, 2010 by Arabella

[birdnerd 5]

Thanks all.

No specifics in contract, giving enough notice is not a problem (probably be at least 3 weeks notice to help tie up loose ends), the concern is more about obligations to one company or the other - continuing working at company 1 after accepting offer from company 2, because of a delayed start date.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Hi all,

Just wondering if someone can tell me when you (legally) have to tell your current employer that you've accepted another job offer - does it have to be right away, or can you keep mum, work for a few weeks, then give your two weeks' notice?

In Ontario, if that makes any difference.

It's nice to give 2 weeks notice. If you still like where you work, but are simply moving on...it would be nice gesture even earlier so that they can rehire for your position and retrain. I don't know what your situation is. Once you have given official notice they may choose to relieve you of your duties and escort you out the door. That's their business, but after you've given notice in writing, they have to pay you the remaining 2 weeks salary - whether they choose to have to work or not.

[Wis-Can 0]

It does depend on what province your in, but length of service is your deciding factor. In Nova Scotia, less thenthree months, no notice, two years of service, you only have to give a week, 2-5 years-2 weeks notice and so on. Check with the Ontario Labour Standards. If you can't find anything you can also check the Federal Labour Standards keeping in mind that individual provinces may have motified or changed certain requirements.

[Peachey 10]

My HR books all say that it depends on the type of job you have and how long you've been there.

If you're lets say, and auditor or something, and you've been working there for 10 years, you should give at least 2-3 months notice so they can hire someone and have you train them.

However, if you work at McDonald's, you can just quit.

Now, these are HR books, and we know that most HR departments haven't/don't read them

[SapphireDreams 71]

I'd also consider the industry. In my industry if I was leaving to go to a competitor, I would most likely be walked out when I quit.. so if they could for some reason prove that I knew I was going to quit and stayed longer, they might try to say I did that to benefit my new employer. But that's hard to prove and unlikely.

[birdnerd 5]

I'd also consider the industry. In my industry if I was leaving to go to a competitor, I would most likely be walked out when I quit.. so if they could for some reason prove that I knew I was going to quit and stayed longer, they might try to say I did that to benefit my new employer. But that's hard to prove and unlikely.

Valid points, thanks Sapphire!

[beans 7]

I agree with Sapphire. Conflict of interest is a huge concern in most areas. Accepting a job that is in the same field as the one you are currently in is a conflict of interest. Most companies will make you sign a contract regarding this. I'd be completely upfront as companies are aware employees don't stay for ever. Be respectful and honest and you should have no problems.

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Yeah, two weeks is just common courtesy, more than anything else. But it's an expected courtesy, if you know what I mean.

Or you could make the mistake that I did and mention to your employer that there's a good chance you'll be moving in the not-too-distant future, only to get laid off two months later for somewhat nebulous reasons.