What is an Employment Resignation?

It’s really quite simple.  Resignation is the process by which you officially end or terminate employment.  There are many ways to submit your resignation; depending on the nature of your employment contract or the laws in your province, you may resign verbally or in writing.  That being said, most employers will request written notification of your intent to resign – but why?

Human resources departments can be fastidious in their expectation to receive your employment resignation in writing.  Usually added to your personnel file, written notice of resignation provides your company a record of the date your employment ended.  This record can be used to protect the company in case any legal challenges come up, but it is also important with respect to processing the end of your employment for other legal reasons.  For example, in British Columbia, you are not eligible for employment insurance if you choose to resign.  Written notice of employment resignation is therefore used by your employer to file the necessary paperwork with government bodies.  Similarly, written notice of employment resignation is evidence that your employer did not terminate your employment – either with or without cause.

Many people see employment resignation as a difficult process, but it does not need to be viewed negatively.  Life circumstances change, sometimes there is a poor fit between you and your company, or you may be pursuing new challenges or opportunities.  Whatever your reasons for terminating your employment, the way you resign says a lot about you professionally.  Consider the company you work for and the position you hold when deciding to resign.  In many provinces, you are not legally required to provide any notice of termination – but how will this affect the company you work for and your ability to get a reference?  Alternatively, you may have signed an employment contract that very clearly outlines your responsibilities when you resign your employment.  Take care to provide your company with adequate and respectful notice.

Some other tips for employment resignation is to be brief.  Your written notice of employment resignation should include the current date, the final date of your employment, your name, and signature.  You are not required to provide a reason for your resignation, but many find it easiest to include something about “seeking new opportunities” to make the resignation more palatable to your employer.  At a minimum, it is usually recommended to provide 2 weeks’ notice of resignation.  Again, you’ll want to carefully consider your position, the impact of your resignation, and your employment contract in formatting your resignation letter.

Remember, a succinct and respectful resignation letter that provides adequate notice to your employer is the ideal way to terminate your employment.  You never know when you may cross paths with your employer or their human resources personnel in the future.

Read what the Federal Government says about quitting your job here.

Read our related post: What are employees owed under the BC Employment Standards Act when their employment ends?

DISCLAIMER: The content of this article, and this website generally, is not intended as legal advice and cannot be relied upon as legal advice.  To provide legal advice on your problem, a lawyer must first understand your specific situation.

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