Notice Period Change via Email: Should Companies Discuss with Employees First?

Dear,

I have a query. I hope you can solve it.

In my company, they have changed the official notice period from one month to two months. This change was communicated to the employees via email. Can a company change the notice period through email? Should it be discussed with the employees before sending an email or making a declaration about the change in the notice period? There is no clause regarding this change in the appointment letter. I am confused.

Help me.

Hi Sunilkhai,

Since there is no reference to the notice period in the appointment letter and since it is a sensitive issue, it should not be taken up through emails. This is because it can be disputed if an ex-employee decides to contest the same in court, which generally has a liberal attitude towards employees versus management.

The management should give individual letters and refer to the respective appointment letters in terms of the date of issue or code if given. They should state the change of the above terms regarding the notice period.

These letters should be received, acknowledged by the employees, and kept in their personnel files.

Regards,

Rajat