On Two Weeks Notice

Why is there an expectation for a departing employee to give two weeks notice, but not for an employer, in our society? Either side determines for themselves that they no longer wish to continue their association. Why is one side expected to “soften the blow,” and not the other? Especially considering the impact of the blow is likely to be greater on the employee than on the employer. What led to the rise of this cultural norm? What contributes to its perpetuation? It might have something to do with an employee maintaining his reputation. But that begs the question: what effect does a failure to give two weeks notice have on an employer’s reputation? Reputation is a mental construct made and held in the minds of those external to the company or person. I suppose the values held by those same minds determine what happens to a given entity’s reputation on this question. Something to think about, and that’s today’s two cents.

Skyler