Do’s & Don’ts of Serving Notice Period!
In today's competitive talent market, it has become increasingly common for companies to offer a three-month notice period or notice buybacks to retain and attract the best talent.
Talented professionals know that their behaviour during their notice period is just as important as when they are actively working in their jobs. It's their reputation within and outside the company that counts more than any new job or lucrative job offer.
If you are moving into the notice period for a job, you might wonder what to do and what errors to avoid when sharing your one or three-month notice. Keep reading to find the answers to all your queries.
What is a Notice Period?
From the time you resign from your current job until your last working day in the office, it is called the notice period. It is the most crucial period that defines your true character. You cannot become casual just because you no longer belong there.
This is the time to build relationships and leave the place in a way that people remember you as a benchmark example of professional demeanour.
What should you do during your Notice Period?
DO's:
1) Unfinished Tasks: Once your resignation is accepted, you might feel casual about your current work. However, to maintain professionalism, your focus should be on finishing your unfinished tasks, looking out for a capable replacement, and supporting your colleagues with the highest level of integrity.
2) Your Character: The most common mistake people make during their notice period is to get into criticism or gossiping mode with their well-wishers. Instead, focus on the positives you earned in the role and be thankful to the people around you. Give deep insights about your learning experiences and how people supported you during tough times. This will help at the time of the exit interview.
3) Keep Your Network Alive: Keep in touch with all your clients, customers, and colleagues about your exit and last workday. Give your updated contact details, email IDs, etc. to your immediate manager. This will help in smooth workflow in case your manager or replacement needs to reach out to you.
4) Positive Farewell: Most good organizations and teams give a farewell to their contributing employees. This is the time to show humility and express gratitude towards your teammates and the organization, which leaves a lasting impact.
Let's now focus on DON'Ts during your exit period. There are a few things you shouldn't practice as well.
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DON'Ts:
1) It's Not Holidays…Yet: Some people think that now that they have resigned, it's time to relax and be in a holiday mood. This approach will only depreciate your professional reputation in the concluding days.
Instead, help out your colleagues, finish up your pending customer meetings, and avoid unproductive work or getting distracted over social media.
2) Don't Burn Your Bridges: You might be happy and excited about your new job, new role, and entirely new work environment. However, that doesn't mean you can badmouth your current company, boss, or work culture, even if it is toxic. People networks are well-knitted, and what you say in the morning can become a mountain by the end of the day to all concerned, not only within the company but in the industry.
The best way out is to forgive and forget and part ways with the entity on a positive note.
3) Don't Forget to Say Goodbye: By the time you agree on the notice period with your manager and HR department, everyone is aware that you are leaving. However, leaving with a proper and formal goodbye is the best way to part with your colleagues, teams, and senior leadership team.
What's the Bottom Line?
I hope these Dos and Don'ts will help you make your notice period more memorable and enjoyable. Professional life goes on for as long as one wants, and having professional connections and friends will have to stay for a long time.
Always leave the door to networking and connecting open. The notice period is crucial to understand by both employees and employers. Managers get to have the time to find a replacement, plan for the future, and have proper knowledge of the transfer.
With these tips at your disposal, you can gear up anytime to give your notice period letter with confidence and clarity.
Reach out for more input...
Cheers
Arun Thukral
Life & Leadership Coach