How to conduct yourself during your notice period
Excited about your new job which you are going to start soon. You have put in the resignation letter and are waiting for your notice period to get over. While it's obvious that the transition period is not the best time to work at your current job, there are few unsaid rules which an employee should observe. Your notice period is not paid vacation time, or an excuse to not perform, as promoted in the meme culture. This period demands the same level of commitment and productivity, as you would have done before finding the new job.
We all move to the best recruitment agency for the next job, when the current job falls short of our expectations. Or you fall short of the employer’s expectations. Either way, it's important to leave on a professional note, following the process and ensuring you have not closed the doors so hard that you cant open it, if ever needed in future. When we talk so much about networking as an important tool of professional growth, closing an important channel where you have worked and contributed for long does not serve any purpose.
But still, job seekers sometimes get swayed in their enthusiasm and feel employers have no control over them and they can behave in any way they like. A few of the common ground rules which have to be followed are
1. Behave professionally and complete your task on time
Your notice period is not an excuse to underperform, slack in your assigned task and not behave professionally. This transition period is an opportunity to finish off your professional commitment with the utmost sincerity and professionalism. A person is never remembered for their average performance.
2. Don't speak badly about your current employer in front of your existing team members
You may be changing jobs due to dissatisfaction in your current role, no growth, less salary hike or something exceptionally well in your next job but dont talk ill about your current employer in front of your team members. You have worked here, that has paved way for your next job, dont be an unthankful person as that will just show you in bad light. Also its never good to leave the current employer on bad terms. Neither its professional to lower the morale of people who will work here post you are gone. Unhealthy gossip is never good for anyone involved.
3. Do the proper training and knowledge transfer to the person filling your spot
Always take great care of giving the finishing touches before leaving your job. Your replacement should feel they are filling an important job and look upto you as a benchmark and strive to come up to your standards. If there was some secret sauce of your role, which helped you deliver well. Do let your counterpart know. It will also make your life easier, as people wont chase you in your new role with their queries.
4. Do your paper work well, don't leave gaps that you are devoid of your incentives or performance bonus
If you have earned any variable pay, bonus or incentives, ensure that you get that on time. If there is any paperwork to be done, complete it during notice period. Its better to tie all the loose ends before you move ahead in your career
5. Express your gratitude, be thankful for all that you received in the current role
This may be the time to move in a new job, but being grateful for your past employer, wishing them well, thanking for all the good learning experiences and growth is always appreciated. We should never forget that in our careers we make network at each stage and we should always leave behind a trail to look back and connect whenever we need them in future.
This article has some important dos and donts to take care while serving notice period, but this is not an exhaustive list. We can always act as per the situation and ensure smooth transition to our new jobs. Professionalism, respect, and kindness goes a long way.
Read more about changing new job
