Facing a Longer Notice Period After Resignation? Here's How to Navigate Company Policy Changes

I am working in an IT company. I joined this company in 2011. At that time, I received the appointment letter which mentioned a 1-month notice period during the probation period. Now, I have submitted my resignation. The company has not provided me with any confirmation letter, and they have changed their exit policy. According to their new policy, they are requesting a 2-month notice period. This policy is documented and shared within the company.

Please guide me on how I can proceed.

Regards,
Deepak

Hi, HR policy may change. Have you received a new appointment letter after the policy change? If not, then you need to serve only a 1-month notice period as per the previous policy that was amended for you.

Thank you, Ravi, for the quick response. However, my HR team has informed me that they have shared all the necessary information through a common document. As you have more than four years with us, your status as a confirmed employee means we do not need to provide you with any additional documentation in this regard. You are required to adhere to the standard two months' notice period. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification.

What I understand is that you have completed 4 years in this company, so you are not on a probationary period. Previously, the notice period was 30 days. However, since your employer has already shared the new policy of 2 months with you before your resignation, it means you have to serve the complete 2 months' notice period. You can mutually discuss with your HR to request some relaxation on this. Best of luck.

Regards,
MSR

Notice Period Validity

They might have mentioned in your appointment order that the notice period at the time of joining may be one month. Subsequently, they have changed the notice period to 2 months; they might have also informed you through a general notice. If that is the case, the notice for 2 months is valid.

Moreover, there will be one general condition in the appointment order stating that you will be bound by the company rules in existence and those that may come up in the future. Therefore, the notice period of 2 months is valid.

Your query is well answered by our friend, Mr. Gurumoorthy. Since you are bound by the company's rules, which are in force from time to time, it is correct that you have to give a two-month notice period. Having served the company for four years only, the best course of action is to request your HOD to relieve you at the earliest. It depends on the HOD or HR to consider your request or not.

Regards,
Adoni Suguresh
Labour Laws Consultant