Notice Periods in Australia: What Employees Should Know Before Resigning

A notice period is the amount of time between when you formally resign and your final day of employment. It allows employers time to arrange a handover, recruit a replacement, redistribute workload, and maintain business continuity. For employees, it also provides time to finish projects, transfer knowledge, and leave on good terms.

How Much Notice Do You Need to Give?

There is no single notice period that applies to every employee. Your required notice period may be determined by your employment contract, an award, an enterprise agreement, company policies, and your seniority level. Many Australian employees commonly have notice periods of:

The most reliable source is always your employment contract. Before resigning, review the details carefully.

What Happens If You Don't Give Enough Notice?

Some employees are tempted to leave immediately once they have accepted a new role. While this may be possible in certain circumstances, failing to provide the required notice can create problems. Potential consequences may include damage to professional relationships, negative impressions with managers, contractual disputes, and loss of goodwill and future references. Australia's professional networks can be surprisingly connected, particularly within specialised industries. How you leave can be remembered long after you've moved on.

Do Notice Periods Apply During Probation?

In most cases, yes. However, notice requirements during probation are often shorter. Many employers require one to two weeks’ notice, or another shorter period specified in the contract. Probation periods are designed to allow both employers and employees to assess whether the role is the right fit. Even so, professional communication remains important.

Can You Take Annual Leave During Your Notice Period?

This is one of the most common resignation questions. The answer depends on your employment contract, workplace policies, employer approval and operational requirements. Some employers may approve annual leave during a notice period. Others may require you to work your notice and instead pay out any unused leave balance when employment ends. Never assume your leave will automatically be approved. Always discuss the arrangement with your manager or HR team first.

What Happens to Unused Annual Leave When You Resign?

Generally, unused annual leave is paid out when employment ends. Your final pay may include outstanding wages, unused annual leave, applicable leave entitlements, and superannuation contributions. The timing of final payments can vary between employers, but most organisations will outline the process as part of your offboarding.

Can an Employer Make You Leave Immediately?

Sometimes. After receiving a resignation, employers may decide not to have an employee work their full notice period. This can occur when confidential information is involved, the employee is moving to a competitor, or operational needs require a different arrangement.

In these situations, employers may place the employee on gardening leave, pay out part or all the notice period, or agree on an earlier finish date. The exact approach depends on the circumstances and employment agreement.

What Is Gardening Leave?

Gardening leave occurs when an employee remains employed and continues to be paid but is not required to attend work during part or all of their notice period. This arrangement is most common in senior positions, sales roles, client-facing positions, or industries involving sensitive information. Employees remain bound by their employment obligations during this period, even though they are not actively working.

How to Handle Your Notice Period Professionally

Your notice period is often your final impression on an employer. Regardless of why you're leaving, try to remain engaged and professional until your final day. Good practice includes communicating openly, completing handovers, documenting key processes, assisting colleagues where appropriate, and maintaining a positive attitude. Avoid checking out mentally, gossiping about your resignation, criticising the business, or leaving work unfinished. The goal is to leave with your professional reputation intact.

Can You Negotiate a Shorter Notice Period?

Sometimes. If your new employer would like you to start earlier, you can ask your current employer whether a shorter notice period is possible. Many employers are willing to discuss an earlier finish date, using accrued leave, and a mutually agreed transition plan. However, approval is not guaranteed. Approach the conversation respectfully and be prepared for either outcome.

Common Notice Period Mistakes to Avoid

When resigning, avoid these common errors:

A professional exit often creates future opportunities, references, and valuable professional connections.

Notice periods are more than an administrative requirement. They are part of leaving a role professionally and maintaining your reputation. Before resigning, review your contract, understand your obligations, and communicate clearly with your employer. A well-managed resignation can help ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved and set you up positively for your next career move.

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