Resignation is a big deal in one’s lifetime, no matter the part of the world in which a person is in. But such a major decision has a lot of processes and expectations that go along with it and might also vary greatly from country to country. Formal notice of resignation is given to an employer both in the U.S. and in the UK; however, there are many cultural and legal differences in how this is effected. In this article, we will delve into exactly how different it is to resign from a job in the U.S. and the UK, and what steps one needs to take and what should be avoided in such cases. Whichever side of the ocean you may be on, resignation should be professional and graceful to keep your relationships in good stead and not burn bridges for the future.
Key Differences in Resignation Culture Between the U.S. and the UK
Notice period Although the basic premise of resignation remains the same in both countries, that is informing the employer of your decision to leave, these countries have different cultural and legal frameworks. These differences may affect how you should go about resigning or what is expected of you.
Notice Period
One of the biggest differences between resigning in the US and the UK is regarding the notice period.
In the U.S., it is two weeks, regardless of one’s position. The period is more a matter of practice rather than law, and while usually observed, sometimes U.S. employees quit work without notice, especially in “at-will” states. In such states, employers and employees can end the employment relationship at any time, without cause or notice, unless there is a contract around specifying otherwise.
UK: There is more structured notice, and it is usually stated within the terms of employment contracts. UK law allows a minimum of one week’s notice for anyone employed by an organization for over one month, but in most contracts, longer periods are required, such as one month or even more for permanent employees. Senior positions usually have longer periods like three months or even six-month notice.
Legislative Protection
The legal protection accorded to employees upon resignation differs quite remarkably between these two countries.
US: Employment is usually “at-will,” meaning an employee can either resign from or get discharged with relatively minimal legal restraint. Of course, if there is a contract, the resignation terms, such as notice period and final salary, may be specified therein.
In the UK, employees are better legally protected. Employees enjoy statutory rights such as receiving full pay even while working out their notice and appealing against any acts of unfair treatment. This is particularly evident in the case of constructive dismissals where an employee has to leave on account of some action on the part of his employer.
Payout and Benefits
Another principal difference exists in the aspect of final payout and benefits.
In the U.S., when an employee resigns, he/she is usually paid for hours worked and accrued and unused PTO if the company has a policy for it. No federal law insists employers pay out for unused vacation, but some states do. Health insurance typically ends on the last day of the month in which a person quits; employees can continue their insurance under a law called COBRA, but they pay for it themselves.
As mentioned, in the UK, employees are entitled to be paid for accrued holiday leave, and health benefits provided by the employer can be continued during the notice period. Again, UK employees may still be entitled to statutory redundancy pay in certain situations, and they are entitled to use state support, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, following resignation.
Steps to Resigning in the U.S. and the UK
While the procedure for resignation may be different from the U.S. to the UK, both have a certain degree of professionalism needed for a gracious exit. General steps to follow in both countries include the following:
1. Check Your Contract
Before you start the process of resigning, refer back to your employment contract-if you have one. This will outline your responsibilities concerning notice periods, what salary and other entitlements you will receive at the end, and any restrictive covenants, such as non-compete clauses. For instance, in the U.S., your contact may not define the period of notice; however, in the UK, it more than likely will.
2. Write a Letter of Resignation
In both countries, there should be a formal letter of resignation due to the fact that it is just a written record showing your intention to quit. Keep your letter professional, short, and considerate. State your last working day and offer your assistance in the transition. Do not let your frustrations out or criticize the company.
Most resignation letters in the U.S. are straight to the point, confirming one’s date of departure and appreciation for the opportunity.
It may also acknowledge your notice period and any outstanding holidays or payments due to you in the UK.
If you need some help with the structure of such a letter templates for a letter of resignation come in very handy. These will give you a good guide as to how to write your letter in such a manner that it is polite but professional .
3. Provide Notice to Your Employer
Once you have written a draft of your letter of resignation, set up an appointment with your manager to have the conversation in person. You should always resign in person-or over video, if absolutely necessary-which is a more professional approach and is respectful in helping to preserve goodwill. Then follow up by sending your letter of resignation.
Offer to help with the handover of your responsibilities and this may be appreciated in the US or the UK and thus ensure a smooth transition. This may be through training your replacement or providing detailed documentation of your work, this will create a good final impression.
4. Work the Notice Period
In the U.S., this most likely will mean working out a standard two weeks’ notice, unless your employer decides to waive. In the UK, you will have to work out the period of notice in your contract, which may be anything between one week and several months. Be professional and keep doing a good job, just as before.
5. Prepare for an Exit Interview
In both countries, some companies will ask you to participate in an exit interview. This is your chance to talk about your experience. Be honest, but remain professional and never overly critical. The object of this interview is to leave with the best relationship possible, so keep your comments constructive.
If you are not sure about how to go about that, then the resignation letter templates are available to frame a professional and decent letter which should allow your transition to be smooth and not appear to be out of order.
Things to Avoid When Resigning
No matter which country you are resigning in, there are a few common mistakes that should be avoided:
Too Little or No Notice at All: Not serving due notice of employment is unprofessional and reflects badly on you in the eyes of a future potential employer. Though not always legally necessary in the U.S., two weeks’ notice is quite simply common courtesy. In the UK, you would have to adhere to your contract regarding your notice period.
Burning Bridges: Leaving on bad terms, criticizing colleagues or the company, will hurt your career in the long run. You never know when you might need a reference or run into former colleagues in future positions.
Not Leaving a Transition Plan: Not offering to help with the transition can leave a poor final impression. Make sure to wrap things up and offer your assistance where possible.
Not Collecting Personal Belongings: Remember to collect your personal files and belongings prior to the last day. Chances are, in both countries, as soon as you walk out, your access to company systems will be deactivated.
Conclusion
Though similar in most respects, the processes of resigning in the U.S. and the UK have key differences around notice periods, legal protections, and final payouts. Wherever you may be, it is paramount to ensure that you resign in a professional manner so that you leave on good terms with your current role. This will require a well-structured resignation letter, a clear notice period, and an expressed readiness to assist in transition for the best professional reputation.
