Should Companies Pay Off Employees That Give Their Two Weeks Notice?
By Michael C. Dennis MBA, CBF, LCM

Employers can easily make the mistake of sending a mixed message to its employees relating to giving notice. Most employers want employees that are leaving voluntarily to give the 'customary' two weeks notice. But sometimes companies fire employees once they give notice under certain circumstances. For example, they may fire an employee if they learn he or she is going to work for a competitor, or they may fire the employee if the employee was on probation or doing substandard work prior to giving notice.

Employers should seriously consider paying employees for their two-week notice, even if there is a valid reason why the employer does not want them to work during their notice period. Why should employers pay to get rid of an employee? Simply put, if companies want to encourage all employees to give two weeks notice, firing some employees without paying them for their notice period is going to send the wrong message.

The information contained in this publication is not legal advice, and is
not a substitute for legal advice. Readers are encouraged research issues and questions carefully, and to contact an attorney in their State to clarify any questions or issues raised after reading any of the items in this publication.