Can You Retract a Resignation During the Notice Period? Exploring Time Limits and Policies

Can an employee take back his resignation from the company?

If yes, then is there any duration limit to take resignation back during the notice period?

It depends from case to case. It is important to note that many organizations do not let go of talented employees and often go to great lengths to retain them. Once a resignation acceptance letter is given by the management, the employee is obligated to leave the organization, but this is subject to the discretion of management.

You can retract your resignation letter for as long as the company accepts your retraction. The company has every right not to accept your retraction if they choose to do so.

Kind regards

I do agree with the view that it is up to the management to allow for the withdrawal of resignation. However, the very fact of submitting the resignation shows the employee has considered all the options before submitting the resignation. Then why should he be keen to withdraw the resignation? Is he trying to bargain with the company? As an HR Manager, I advised my management to accept the resignation once it comes in writing, whoever they are. No discussions with the employee. Any professional employee will discuss difficulties with his superiors and try to find a solution rather than submitting the resignation.

Hi!

As a company, I would like to know why the employee wants to withdraw his resignation. Are there clearly defined reasons? I know a case where the company took back a resignation, and the person rejoined within the notice period, only to resign again after a month for a better offer. Nowadays, the company should be more careful. Consider rehiring him only if he is a top performer and his skills are exceptional. Otherwise, let him go. Every candidate should resign only after careful consideration.

Hey Pradnya,

Good question.

As answered by a few experts, it's:
1. Within the notice period
2. And also at the discretion of the management.

What I wanted to add was, usually after the resignation letter is received and management accepts the same, they will look for a replacement and spend time and effort. So, provided you had a good rapport, ideally, management should accept your withdrawal of resignation.

You know the saying, it takes double the money and effort to train a new staff than to retain a good one.

So, all the best.

Regards,
Ukmitra

Every resignation needs to be accepted by the competent authority. Once the resignation has been accepted, the notice period starts, followed by the process of replacement and subsequently, the handing-over process. It is suggested to review whether to accept or not. If accepted, it is always advised not to reverse the decision. There may be exceptions to consider, which are ultimately in the hands of management.

RAM Akella
Head - Strategic HR
Hindustan Arabian Corp.

Hi Prandntal. Withdrawing a resignation depends on three important factors:

a) Standing Orders of the Company (HR Policy)
b) Discretion of the management
c) The performance deficiency the company would face in the absence of the resignee.

A resignation is given to the company for better prospects. 95% of the time, it is for increments. An equal percentage of resignation letters approach the HR desk without any intimation. Most companies try to negotiate a price after a resignation is handed in. If the settlement is agreed upon by the company, then the resignation can be withdrawn. It is well said that "It is better to have a known devil than an unknown saint."

Employee has the right to change his mind until the company accepts the resignation. Thereafter, only the employer has the right to decide the further course of action, whether to cancel or proceed forward with acceptance.

It's purely dependent on a case-by-case situation, circumstances, and the relationship between the employer and employee.

Thank you!

Once the acceptance of resignation is delivered, it is not possible to cancel the resignation at either end as far as security is concerned.