Should I Give Two-Week Notice to My Job?

At some point during your professional life, you’ve probably heard that you need to always give a notice when you’re leaving your job. Depending on where you work, that notice could be anywhere from two weeks to two months. But what if I told you that it’s not always beneficial to the employee to give that notice to the employer. And there’s at least one instance where that’s definitely true. And that’s when you’re claiming that you were subjected to a hostile work environment and discrimination, which led to you feeling it necessary and that you had no other choice, but to leave your job.

Effect of Giving Your Job Notice in a Discrimination Claim

If you’re claiming that you were, or are currently in a hostile work environment, you’re essentially saying the situation and the environment at work was so bad that nobody should be able to work there. But by giving a two-weeks notice, you’re essentially saying that you were able to work an additional two weeks, one month, two months, whatever the time period is, in that environment that you believe was so hostile. 

Even though people often have good reasons for giving notice, such as needing time to find another position or financial obligations, Courts are not generally accepting of those reasons. In addition to that, there is always the risk that your employer will accept your notice of resignation on the spot and not allow you to work out the notice period.

What If I have to Tell My Job I’m Leaving?

If for whatever reason, you actually have to give a two week notice, you should be clear on why you actually have to leave the position. You don’t want to send a generic notice that says, thank you for your time and I enjoyed my time here, if you’re complaining about racial discrimination. Be clear in your notice and say that you’re leaving because of that racial discrimination. 

If you find yourself in a situation like this, make sure you talk to an employment attorney as soon as you can, because these situations can be really difficult for employees to handle on their own.

As you can see, employment law can be very difficult to navigate.  But, if you make sure you like, follow, and subscribe to my pages, you can get some more employment law breakdowns and updates like this one that will give you a basic understanding of your rights. Until next time, I hope you have great rest of your day!

James J. Hux is the Owner and Sole Attorney at Hux Law Firm, LLC. His practice areas include employment discrimination and general civil litigation throughout the State of Ohio.