What do I do when my employer gives me 2 weeks notice?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on April 06, 2026
How to handle an employee giving 2 weeks’ notice
- Let the employee finish out their time.
- Send the employee home immediately.
- Send the employee home immediately, but continue paying them until their original quit date.
Is 2 weeks notice required by law?
Despite work etiquette and standards, there are no laws requiring employees to give any notice, let alone two weeks, before quitting. Sure, contracts exist that if breeched could impact compensation or trigger a lawsuit, but there aren’t any legal protections when an employee decides to leave.
Do you get paid if you give two weeks notice?
Generally, companies will honor the two-week notice and pay the employee for the last two weeks even if the employer does not allow the employee to work during that time period. However, there is no federal law which requires the employer to pay employees or even allow them to work during that two-week notice period.
Why do employers need to give you two weeks notice?
Giving notice may also help preserve a professional relationship between the employer and the former employee. Sometimes, although not required, the act of courtesy is rewarded with a positive employer recommendation in the future.
Do you have to honor a 2 week notice period?
By terminating an employee immediately, rather than letting them earn two more weeks of pay, you’re effectively telling other employees that you don’t honor notice periods. As a result, they may not see the point in giving you that courtesy. Ultimately, the choice to terminate early – with or without pay – is up to your discretion.
Do you have to give 2 weeks notice of resignation?
However, there are several situations or conditions that should be considered. Many employers have policies in their handbooks stating employees are to provide two weeks’ notice of resignation. The notice period is to give the employer sufficient time to find a replacement.
Are there legal requirements to expect or give two notice?
Are there legal requirements to expect or give a two notice? There are no federal or state laws that require an employee to provide two weeks’ notice to his or her employer before quitting.