A notice period in a job is the duration that needs to be given to the employee by the employer or to the employer by the employee before the employment can be terminated. The length of the notice period varies based on the industry, seniority of the employee, the company, and the role. The notice period should be reasonable, which means long enough for the employer to find a replacement or the employee to find a role but short enough that it does not lock either side into an unwanted relationship. The notice period for new starters may be shorter if they have a probationary period. The employee might be requested to work during their notice period, which might mean helping find and train their replacement or finishing projects theyre working on. If an employer doesnt want the employee to work their notice period, they can place them on garden leave. The notice period applies to both the employee and the employer. The typical employee notice period in the United States is two weeks or one month, and it is typically determined by the employment contract that the employee signed when they first got hired. The notice period for different countries varies, and it is usually prescribed by law or the employment contract. Establishing a notice period policy can contribute to continuous productivity, high morale, healthy employee-employer relationships, and positive employee reputation. The notice period establishes a timeline for the termination process, enabling each side a smoother transition to the next stage.