A Guide to Negotiating Your Notice Period

In Germany, the typical notice period is 3 months but can extend to 6 months. This period protects your rights if you're let go or made redundant. However, there are situations where shortening your notice period may benefit both you and your employer. Here’s how to approach this process professionally.

Why consider shortening your notice period?

• Avoid workplace tension: Staying too long can make things awkward. Leaving early helps you exit on a positive note, preserving your reputation and ensuring a smoother transition for your employer.
• Stay engaged in your work: Once you’ve resigned, you may be removed from key projects, or placed on gardening leave. Shortening your notice lets you stay motivated and productive until the end.
• Advance your career faster: Leaving sooner allows you to start your new job sooner, which means you can begin the next exciting phase of your career without delay.
• Overlapping with your successor: A shorter notice period means you have more time to overlap with your replacement, ensuring a smoother handover and valuable knowledge transfer.

How to negotiate your notice period

• Know your contract: Before initiating the conversation, review your contract, including any exit or bonus clauses. Understanding your rights will help you negotiate effectively.
• Submit a formal resignation: Write a brief resignation letter with your desired last day of work. In Germany, it must be handwritten. Once your employer acknowledges the resignation, your notice period begins.
• Be realistic: Shortening your notice period is a negotiation. Be realistic about what’s achievable and consider the company’s needs. Empathise with their concerns about your departure.
• Help find a replacement: Suggest a replacement or reach out to your network. Helping your employer find a suitable candidate eases their concerns and shows your commitment to a smooth transition.
• Prepare a handover: A thorough handover ensures your responsibilities are taken care of and makes the transition easier for your replacement and team.
• Use annual leave: If possible, use any remaining annual leave to shorten your notice period. This is a win-win, as it allows you to leave sooner while still being compensated.

Important considerations

• Bonuses: If your contract ties bonuses to your performance, you’re entitled to a pro-rata payment if you leave before the bonus is due. However, if your bonus is an incentive to stay, your employer may require you to repay it if you leave early.
• Leave on good terms: The tech industry is small, and burning bridges can have long-term consequences. Be respectful, avoid negativity, and leave on a positive note to maintain good relationships.

Next steps

If you’re navigating a career transition or need advice on your next step, Glocomms can help. Reach out to our team for support during your career journey.