Stuck in a 3-Month Notice Period: Can I Really Buy Out My Time? Seeking Advice!

Hi, I'm working in an MNC where the notice period is 3 months. However, I've received a document from the company in the form of an "Employee Agreement" where it's clearly written that I can buy out my notice period. But informally, the management has made it mandatory to serve the full 3 months' notice period. They are accepting salary in lieu of the notice period. Due to this policy, I am missing out on some good opportunities as no company is willing to hire with a 3-month notice period. I would like to know if there could be any hidden policies that could force me to serve the mandatory notice period, especially since the company has recently merged with another. Your valuable information on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

First, go through your appointment letter to determine what conditions are mentioned regarding leaving the company. If there are no such conditions in your appointment letter, you can definitely buy out your notice period. Provide them with a reference to your appointment letter.

Regards

Policy Changes and Notice Period Buy-Out

Every change in the policy is declared by HR and announced on the internal portal or notice board. If there wasn't any such declaration, you still need to refer to the employment agreement. There must be a conditional statement made under the topic 'Separation'. What is it?

If they are ready to buy the notice period, why are you not considering it? Serve one month and buy the rest of the duration. Speak to your future employer, if they can help you with the separation, in terms of offering a date within the duration and the documents you may need.

If the employer really needs you to join early, they can even offer you a joining bonus, which might be an equivalent amount to the notice period buy-out. Ask the hiring manager about it once you are offered the role.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

The notice period is mentioned in the employment contract to avoid the loss that the employer and employee will bear from sudden termination. If you have a clause that mentions buying out the notice period, then buy a part of the notice pay and serve the rest. Most of the time, the future employer pays on your behalf. In my case, the company paid when I resigned from my previous position. You can negotiate the same with your prospective employer. The best course of action is to discuss this with your HR team, especially the one you trust the most, and hopefully, you will find a resolution to this issue.

I hope this information helps you. I have seen Ms. (Cite Contribution)'s post, and she has guided you in the right direction.