The bitter truth about notice periods: a white-collar curse.
Imagine being stuck in a job you're desperate to leave, but you're not quite free yet. This is the reality for many in white-collar Britain, where three-month notice periods have become the new norm, and I've had a front-row seat to this tedious goodbye.
It's been a grueling three months since I handed in my notice, and I can tell you, it feels like an eternity. These lengthy notice periods, once reserved for senior management, have now trickled down to the average worker, and I've become a victim of this disturbing trend.
According to Clover HR, the number of jobs advertising a three-month notice period has risen by a staggering 8% in the last decade. But here's where it gets controversial: most employers are unlikely to declare this upfront, making it difficult to track the true extent of the issue.
A survey by Incomes Data Research revealed that only 10% of employers follow the statutory minimum of one week's notice for resigning employees. The rest? They're setting their own rules, and it's often a much longer wait.
So, what's behind this trend? Experts point to a faster-moving job market, especially among Generation Z, who are known for their frequent job hopping. Those aged 18 to 25 have already had an average of six employers, catching up with the 65 to 74 age group, according to Canada Life. This constant movement has forced employers to extend notice periods to maintain some stability.
Marie Hart, founder of Popoki HR, explains, "Historically, longer notice periods were for senior executives due to the time needed to recruit and transfer knowledge. But now, we're seeing three-month notices for middle management and above. It's become more acceptable."
But here's the catch: notice period employees can be a real drain on teams. Disengaged and eager to move on, they often resort to 'quiet quitting,' making their presence known (or rather, felt) more than ever. And this is the part most people miss: the impact on the workplace dynamics.
Obi James, an employment consultant, sees the fallout firsthand. "When someone hands in their notice, they mentally check out. Managers take it personally and start to punish them. It's like a toxic breakup: 'I'm not letting you go easily.'"
Christine Armstrong, a workplace researcher, agrees. "Notice period employees can cause trouble. If someone wants out, let them go."
Reddit threads are filled with horror stories. One executive shares their fear of an impending breakdown due to a forced notice period. Another describes an overwhelming workload as punishment, while a third laments that their notice period is hindering new job prospects.
So, what's the solution? Employment lawyers argue that long notice periods benefit employees too. Emma Wayland, a partner at Keystone Law, says, "Three-month notices protect employees as much as employers. It gives managers time to find a replacement, and employees have the security of three months' pay if made redundant."
Europe stands out with its three-month notice periods, unlike the US, Australia, and Singapore, where notice periods are much shorter.
After 91 days, I finally bid farewell to The Telegraph. Free at last! But wait, there's a twist: my new job also has a three-month notice period. The cycle continues.
So, what's your take on this? Are long notice periods necessary, or do they cause more harm than good? Let's discuss in the comments!
