noticeperiode

Noticeperiode, or notice period, is the time between when an employer or an employee gives notice of termination and the effective end date of the employment relationship. It serves to allow a transition for both sides: the employee can seek new work, and the employer can arrange workload and replacement.

The duration of a noticeperiode is typically defined by the employment contract, a collective agreement, or applicable law. Common lengths range from two weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the employee’s length of service, position, and the jurisdiction. The start date is generally the day the notice is delivered, though some contracts count calendar days and others exclude holidays.

During the noticeperiode, the employee may be required to continue working, or the employer may place the employee on garden leave. Alternatively, the employer can offer payment in lieu of notice (PILON), ending the relationship immediately while complying with contractual obligations. Termination for cause can sometimes be effected with reduced or no notice, depending on local law and contract terms.

Fixed-term contracts often end at the term date with no further notice, while open-ended contracts usually require a noticeperiode unless terminated for breach. Mutual termination agreements can shorten or waive the notice period through negotiation.

Practical effects include continued pay and benefits during the notice, as well as obligations such as accrued vacation, post-employment restrictions, and confidentiality that may survive beyond the end date. The noticeperiode is a standard element of employment transition alongside severance and other arrangements.

See also: garden leave, severance pay, probation, termination of employment.