Giving notice might be a standard part of leaving a job, but it isn’t usually done for the sake of the employee.

In fact, it is widely accepted that this is a courtesy that is done to smooth the transition for the employer, so they can prepare for the exit of the worker and begin to try to find their replacement. More often than not, the employee has another job or experience lined up for them to go to, and it goes without saying that they would likely not get a notice period if they were fired instead.

Most employees understand the importance of the notice period and respect it accordingly. Often, its conditions will be in the contract of work before they even start. However, it has been known for untrustworthy employers to change the goal posts in the case of their workers leaving, in particular when they are valuable to the business.