In an employment journey, understanding notice periods is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure a smooth and positive transition when terminating employment. So here’s everything you need to know about the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) guidelines and regulations about notice periods and how to manage your employees who are leaving your company in a fair and efficient manner!
What is a notice period?
A notice period is a period of time in which the employer and/or employee are given formal notice of the termination of an employment contract. It is important that the termination intention be fair and compliant with that of the other party.
What is the notice period required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if it is not specified in the contract?
Notice periods vary from one employment contract to another; however, some contracts may not specify one. In this situation, the parties may abide by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) default notice period:
Employment Term
Notice Period
Employed for < 26 weeks
1 day
Employed for ≥ 26 weeks to < 2 years
1 week
Employed for ≥ 2 years to < 5 years
2 weeks
Employed for 5 years or more
4 weeks
However, employers can choose to implement longer notice periods in employment contracts but cannot provide shorter notice periods than the abovementioned mandated periods set by MOM.
How do I calculate the start and end of the notice period?
When either party serves a notice, the notice period begins and ends on the last day of the notice period specified in the employment contract or the minimum period required by MOM.
Example:
If a notice is served on 1 November, the period begins on 1 November. Should the employment contract indicate a one-month notice period, the last service day would be on 30 November, as the notice period includes public holidays and weekends.
What is the average notice period?
Notice periods usually range from 1 to 3 months. The more critical or higher-level the positions are, the longer the notice period. This is also dependent on the industry and position of the role.
It is highly encouraged for both the employer and employee to negotiate the notice period before finalising the employment contract so that the duration is mutually agreeable and appropriate for both parties.
Can the notice period be waived?
The notice period can be waived if both the employer and employee mutually agree on the decision. This agreement should be documented clearly in writing to avoid any future disputes between the parties. Both parties must agree on the notice period, and neither party may impose it unilaterally.
Some employers may agree on a shorter or waived notice period and opt for a notice period buyout.
What is a notice period buyout?
A notice period buyout is an agreement where the employer chooses to pay the employee a sum of money in lieu of serving the full notice period.
This happens when an employee needs to vacate his or her position immediately, or the working relationship between the employer and employee has deteriorated and it is no longer in the parties’ best interest to continue the employment contract.
The amount is usually decided based on the salary the employee would have earned during the notice period. It is important that the terms and conditions of the buyout, including the exact amount and the date of payment, are clearly documented and agreed upon.
Is a notice period buyout taxable?
Notice period buyouts are taxable in Singapore because the payment is considered to be part of the employee's income and is subject to income tax. Employers must include the buyout amount in the employee's Form IR8A, which is used for income tax reporting.
It's essential for both employers and employees to be aware of the tax implications of notice period buyouts and plan accordingly.
As an employer, preparing and submitting IR8A can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process. Fortunately, you can electronically submit your employees' income records to IRAS via the Auto-Inclusion Scheme. Learn more with our IR8A and Auto Inclusion Scheme (AIS) Guide for Employers!
How much notice does an employee need to give an employer during the probationary period?
A probationary period is a given time for both the employer and employee to assess if the role is a good fit. During this time of an employment contract, notice periods can vary, and shorter notice periods are often applied.
Should employment contracts not specify a notice period during probation, employers and employees should adhere to MOM's default notice periods.
Shorter notice periods during probation allow for more flexibility in the event either party decides to terminate the employment relationship.
Can an employee take medical leave during the notice period?
An employee's entitlement to medical leave and the process for obtaining it should not change during the notice period. Medical leave eligibility and requirements are defined by the employment contract and relevant employment laws.
However, employees should always notify their employer promptly and provide medical certificates, just as they would during their regular employment!
Can an employee take maternity leave during the notice period?
Yes, an employee is entitled to maternity leave during the notice period. Pregnancy-related leave benefits, such as maternity leave, are protected under Singapore's employment laws. Employers must adhere to these laws, regardless of whether the employee is in their notice period or not.
Tip: If you are an employer in Singapore, make sure you are up to date on the latest maternity, paternity, and childcare leave regulations. In our guide "Maternity, paternity, and childcare leave in Singapore: What every employer must know," we have answered frequently asked questions about parental leave in Singapore. Read on to find out more!
Can an employee take unpaid leave during the notice period?
Employees are entitled to unpaid leave during their notice period as long as both parties are agreeable.
As with any other arrangement during the notice period, it is crucial that there is clear documentation to avoid disputes.
Can annual leave be used to offset the notice period?
In some cases, it is possible for employees to request to use their accrued annual leave to offset their notice period if both the employer and the employee agree to it. This arrangement cannot be imposed unilaterally by either party.
It is necessary to document the details of this arrangement, including the number of days to be used and the specific dates, to avoid any confusion.
Can an employer refuse the request to use annual leave to offset the notice period?
In some cases, employers have the right to refuse such requests if they have reason to believe it is not feasible for the company after assessing the operational needs and impact of the employee’s absence. The decision to grant or deny annual leave during the notice period is at the discretion of the employer.
It's imperative to communicate the reasons for refusal clearly and professionally to maintain fairness, transparency, and trust.
Can an employee start a new job during their notice period?
An employee can start a new job if he or she is compliant with the following:
Conflict of interest: Ensure that there is no conflict of interest between the current and new employer to avoid legal complications.
Notice period commitment: The employee must still continue to fulfil their notice period commitments with their current employer.
Ethical considerations: Maintain professionalism and ethics throughout the transition.
Employees should also consult their current employment contract to check for any non-compete clauses or restrictions before taking other employment during the notice period.
Is there any difference between the notice period and garden leave?
The notice period and garden leave are both procedures for transitioning an employee out of a company, but they have distinct differences:
Notice period
Garden leave
The employee continues to work during the notice period.The employee is entitled to their regular salary and benefits.The employer has the right to assign tasks and responsibilities to the employee during this period.
The employee is asked to stay away from the workplace during the notice period.The employee is still entitled to their salary and benefits.The purpose of garden leave is to protect the company's interests, such as by preventing the employee from sharing sensitive information or poaching clients or colleagues.
In Singapore, the employer decides between granting a notice period or a garden leave. This depends on specific circumstances and the terms of the employment contract.
What are the benefits of managing notice periods smoothly?
Managing notice periods smoothly offers a multitude of advantages for both employers and employees. From legal compliance to enhanced organisational reputation, here's a closer look at some of the benefits of a well-handled notice period:
1. Legal and compliance: Ensuring a smooth notice period is essential for adhering to Singapore's employment laws and regulations. By following the prescribed procedures, both employers and employees can avoid potential legal pitfalls and costly disputes.
2. Ethical termination: A smoothly managed notice period reflects a commitment to fair and ethical employment practices. This fosters a positive work culture and demonstrates a genuine concern for employees' well-being, even when parting ways.
3. Reduced stress: The termination of an employment relationship can be a stressful experience for all parties involved. Managing notice periods smoothly helps alleviate this stress, creating a more supportive and less anxiety-inducing transition.
4. Enhanced employee morale: Employees who feel that they are treated respectfully and fairly during their notice period are more likely to maintain their morale and positive attitude. This can positively impact the morale and productivity of their colleagues who remain with the company.
5. Improved employer branding: Demonstrating empathy and professionalism during notice periods can significantly boost an employer's brand reputation. A positive reputation attracts top talent and fosters a more desirable work environment.
6. Smooth transition: An efficiently managed notice period allows organisations to prepare for the departure of employees, ensuring that essential tasks are transferred smoothly to other team members. This minimises disruptions and maintains operational continuity.
7. Knowledge transfer: During a well-handled notice period, departing employees have the opportunity to pass on their knowledge, skills, and expertise to their successors. This knowledge transfer can be invaluable for the organisation's long-term success.
8. Flexibility: Negotiating notice periods and utilising options such as buyouts, unpaid leave, and annual leave offsets can provide flexibility for both employers and employees. This flexibility allows for a more customised approach to employment transitions.
Navigating Singapore's notice periods for smooth employment transitions
Notice periods play a crucial role in Singapore's employment landscape to ensure that employment terminations are handled ethically and smoothly, in compliance with the law.
Employers and employees should familiarise themselves with the notice period requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower and further negotiate notice periods that are appropriate for both parties. The options available, such as notice period buyouts, unpaid leave, and annual leave offsets, can provide flexibility in managing the transition.
Most importantly, employers and employees should practice open communication and have a clear understanding of the legal obligations and rights of both parties. In this way, the process of ending an employment relationship can be more efficient and less stressful for everyone!
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