Q: I have accepted a new job that starts in a month. Now I have to give a two-week notice at my current job, but I am conflicted because of the way they’ve treated other people who have given their two-week notice.  One was asked to leave right away, which meant they had no income for 2 weeks before their next job. Another was allowed to work until the end but wasn’t paid for accrued vacation days. It’s like they don’t trust you if you resign. Should I give them two-week notice and hope for the best?

A: Whether it’s a friendship, a business partnership, a divorce, or an employment relationship, breaking-up is hard to do. And it can be messy, especially if there’s little trust.

But, It’s possible you might not know the full story.

First, let’s talk best resignation practices.

Most company require a two-week minimum notice upon resignation so they can train someone else and prepare to transition. In exchange for participating in a smooth transition, the employee gets to: wrap loose ends professionally, visit the doctor or dentist one last time, become eligible for rehire, get paid their unused accrued leave, likely attend a farewell lunch with coworkers. That’s how the bargain is supposed to work.

But it doesn’t always go as planned.

I’ve seen employees give a two week-notice, and unexpectedly become Mr. Hyde: a malcontent or disruptive element to colleagues and customers. In these cases, the employee may be asked to leave sooner than the notice period. But (absent some gross misconduct) I always recommended that they be paid through the end. You may think your colleague didn’t get paid, but I’d be surprised if they didn’t.  An employer who reneges on this “bargain”, will erode the trust of workers who stay. You are a perfect example.

The same goes for the colleague who didn’t get their accrued leave. You may not have the full story, there may be a reason why. In my experience, leave is a last carrot used when someone doesn’t return company property (cell, laptop, tablet).

So, unless you know for sure your colleagues were short-changed and absolutely don’t trust your current employer, I recommend you give proper notice. Why burn bridges?

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com