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HomeGuidesEmploymentEmployment contract

Employment notice period — rules and examples

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Table of contents

  • What determines the notice period
  • Fixed‑term contracts
  • Shortening the notice period
  • Indicative examples
  • Checklist
  • How to count the notice period
  • Release from work during notice
  • Example timeline
  • Seniority with the employer matters
  • Shortening by agreement
  • Common counting mistakes
  • Practical tip
  • Typical notice periods (indicative)
  • What counts toward seniority
  • Leave and release from work
  • Practical scenario
  • Two date examples
  • Extra tip
  • Probation and notice length
  • Proof of delivery date
  • Record the arrangements
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What determines the notice period

The notice period usually depends on seniority with the employer. Labour Code rules include common thresholds (e.g., 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months), but always check the current law and your contract.

Fixed‑term contracts

As a rule, fixed‑term contracts can be terminated and the same notice periods apply. Still, always check the contract dates and clauses. See fixed‑term contract.

Shortening the notice period

In some situations the notice period can be shortened, or shortened by mutual agreement. Confirm it in writing.

Indicative examples

  • shorter seniority → shorter notice,
  • longer seniority → longer notice.

Checklist

  • confirm seniority,
  • check contract type and clauses,
  • verify the notice period in writing.

How to count the notice period

Counting depends on whether the period is in weeks or months. A safe rule of thumb:

  • weekly periods usually end on Saturday and start on the first Sunday after delivery,
  • monthly periods end at the last day of a month and start on the first day of the next month.

For day‑based periods, count from the day after delivery. That is why the delivery date and proof of receipt are critical.

Release from work during notice

An employer may release an employee from work during notice, but salary remains due for that time.

Example timeline

A notice delivered on 5 May with a one‑month period may end the contract at the end of June. It is worth calculating the final date before submitting the notice.

Seniority with the employer matters

In practice seniority with the current employer determines the notice period. Total career length does not count.

Shortening by agreement

The parties may agree on an earlier end date. Confirm it in writing to avoid disputes about termination date.

Common counting mistakes

  • counting from the submission date instead of the next day,
  • ignoring “end of month” rules for monthly periods,
  • lack of proof of delivery date.

Practical tip

If unsure, calculate the date with HR or ask for written confirmation. It is a simple way to avoid disputes.

Typical notice periods (indicative)

As a rule you will see three thresholds: 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months — depending on seniority with the employer. These are statutory values, but always confirm in current regulations and the contract.

What counts toward seniority

Seniority with the employer includes consecutive employment periods with the same employer, even with breaks. This affects the notice length.

Leave and release from work

During the notice period, the employer may grant leave or release the employee from work. This does not shorten the notice period but affects daily organization.

Practical scenario

An employee gives notice on 12 March. With a one‑month notice period, the contract ends at the end of April. If the employer releases the employee from work on 20 March, the notice still runs until the end of April.

Two date examples

  • A notice delivered on 3 February with a two‑week period typically ends on the Saturday after two full weeks.
  • A notice delivered on 18 July with a three‑month period typically ends at the end of October.

Extra tip

If the employee submits notice and the employer agrees to an earlier end date, a mutual agreement can close the matter faster.

Probation and notice length

For probationary contracts, the notice period is often shorter and depends on the length of the probation. Always check whether you are on probation or a standard contract.

Proof of delivery date

A common issue is a dispute over when notice was delivered. Written proof matters, because the notice period runs from that date.

Record the arrangements

If the parties agree on a different end date or a release from work, confirm it in a short note or email.

Try it in practice

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  • Net salary calculator — gross to net
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Od czego zależy okres wypowiedzenia?+
Najczęściej od stażu pracy u danego pracodawcy.
Czy okres różni się dla umów na czas określony?+
Co do zasady obowiązują te same reguły, ale warto sprawdzić umowę.
Czy można skrócić okres wypowiedzenia?+
Tak, w określonych sytuacjach i za zgodą stron.

Related calculators

  • Net salary calculator — gross to net
  • Cost of employee calculator

Related guides

  • Employment termination — procedure and obligations
  • Employment contract basics — rights and duties
  • Fixed‑term employment — limits, rules and practice

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