How to conduct yourself during your notice period

Upon leaving a role, it is common practice that you will serve a notice period, where you will carry out your normal duties. If you are in your first full-time role, you might find yourself asking, what is a notice period? A notice period is a period of time that an employee will work for a business between handing in their letter of resignation, and their last working day. 

It is important to conduct yourself professionally throughout this time. Even though you are heading towards the end of your employment, you are still working for a business, so conduct yourself professionally. Now is not the time to start acting up or being slack with your workload.

How long is a notice period?

The period of time you are required to serve your notice for can vary. However, the period of time you are required to serve should be set out in your contract of employment. This should have been read and signed by yourself and your employer before you began working for the company. Your notice period can range between one to three months. However, if you are unsure then check your contract.

How to carry yourself during your notice period

You should continue your everyday work tasks as normal and offer ideas, and insights when required. We’ve provided some tips to make sure you are making the most out of your notice period:

• Remain focused on your work.
   
• Keep good attendance.
   
• Don’t be late.
   
• Don’t speak badly about the company or your boss to current colleagues.
   
• Arrange an exit interview to discuss why you are leaving to help the company in the future.
   
• Write a detailed handover of your workload, ready for your replacement to work from.
   
• Whether your notice period is four weeks or three months, it is important to leave a good lasting impression. Regardless of the reasoning behind you leaving the organisation, remain professional throughout.

How to work through priorities with your manager

It isn’t uncommon for managers or colleagues to treat staff differently after they have handed their notice in. This isn’t guaranteed, but if it does happen, it shouldn’t change how you handle yourself as you walk out of the door. 

Be sure to be proactive once you have handed your notice in. Set a meeting with your line manager to discuss priorities and organise your to-do list before you leave. It may be the case that you will have a dwindling workload towards the end of your time at the company, but the earlier you have this sit down with your manager, the sooner you can begin ticking off your checklist. There’s no doubt that your manager will be thankful for your willingness to help the organisation.