Resignation Dilemma: Should I Keep Working Until My Manager Accepts My Notice?

Hi, today morning I resigned from my post as an HR Executive. Is it necessary to continue working, and should I wait for my resignation to be accepted by the manager?

How much time does it typically take to accept a resignation letter? Kindly guide.

An HR executive raising such a question would certainly make anyone slightly disturbed. What about the notice clause to be fulfilled by the employee? Even if there is no notice clause, normally, resignation becomes effective not on the very date of its submission, but only when it is accepted by the employer and the resignee is actually relieved. The time taken by the employer to accept the resignation depends on factors like the position held by the resignee, pendency of time-bound work, if any assigned and yet to be completed by the employee, minimum time required to make alternative arrangements, etc.

Dear Chaitrali Angane,

Upon submission of the letter of resignation, the employee is expected to work not just until the letter of acceptance of the resignation is issued but until the completion of the notice period mentioned in the appointment letter. If the employee quits without completing the notice period, it constitutes abandonment of employment, which is misconduct.

While children may easily withdraw during play, the employer-employee relationship is governed by labor laws. The employer is obligated to adhere to the spirit of labor laws by not terminating the employee abruptly, just as the employee is expected to provide notice before quitting.

Therefore, please review the notice period clause in your appointment letter and make a decision. It is unlikely that your employer issued you an appointment letter without a separation clause.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar