Dear Companies: Don’t Hold Salaries During the Notice Period
- hemander linkcvright
- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read
In today’s competitive job market, trust matters more than ever. Professionals change jobs for growth, learning, and better opportunities. Yet one issue keeps coming up across industries — companies holding or delaying salaries during the notice period.
This may seem like a small administrative decision, but for employees, it can be stressful, unfair, and damaging. For employers, it quietly hurts reputation, employer branding, and future hiring.
Let’s talk about why this practice needs to stop — and what professionals should know when navigating their careers.
What Happened: A Common but Unspoken Problem
Many working professionals face this situation when they resign:
They serve their full notice period
They complete handovers responsibly
They remain professional until the last working day
Yet, their salary is either delayed, partially held, or completely stopped during the notice period.
Sometimes it’s framed as:
“Company policy”
“Final settlement adjustment”
“Security or compliance reasons”
But from the employee’s point of view, it feels like punishment for resigning — not a professional transition.
Why Holding Salary During Notice Period Is a Bad Practice
A notice period is still employment, not a favor. The employee continues to work, deliver tasks, attend meetings, and support transitions.
Holding salary during this time sends the wrong message.
1. Work Was Done, Payment Is Earned
If someone is actively working:
They deserve to be paid
Salary is not optional or conditional
Notice period work has real value
Payment should reflect effort, regardless of whether someone is staying or leaving.
2. It Creates Financial Stress
Most professionals plan their job transitions carefully:
Rent
EMIs
Family responsibilities
Relocation expenses
When salary is held unexpectedly, it creates unnecessary anxiety and financial pressure — especially for early-career professionals and fresh graduates.
3. It Damages Employer Branding
In the age of LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and word-of-mouth:
Employees talk
Reviews spread
Reputation lasts longer than policies
One poor exit experience can discourage dozens of future candidates from applying.
4. It Affects Trust and Workplace Culture
When employees see colleagues treated unfairly during exits:
Morale drops
Loyalty weakens
Engagement declines
A healthy company culture is reflected not just in onboarding — but also in exits.
The Key Lesson: Professional Exits Matter
A resignation does not cancel professionalism — on either side.
Just as employees are expected to:
Serve notice properly
Complete handovers
Respect company policies
Companies should:
Pay salaries on time
Follow transparent exit processes
Treat exits with dignity
A professional exit leaves doors open — for referrals, rehires, and positive brand perception.
How This Impacts Job Seekers and Career Growth
For professionals actively focused on:
Job search
Interview preparation
Career guidance
CV writing and LinkedIn profile optimization
Exit experiences matter more than people realize.
Recruiters often ask:
“Why did you leave your previous company?”
“How was your notice period experience?”
“Would your manager recommend you?”
A respectful exit benefits both sides.
Actionable Tips for Professionals Facing Salary Issues
If you are serving or about to serve a notice period, here are practical steps to protect yourself:
1. Check Your Offer Letter and HR Policy
Before resigning:
Review notice period salary clauses
Understand final settlement timelines
Keep documents saved and accessible
2. Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Always:
Send written emails
Ask for salary confirmation politely
Avoid emotional or aggressive language
Professional communication strengthens your position.
3. Plan Financially Before Resigning
If possible:
Maintain emergency savings
Avoid overlapping financial commitments
Prepare for small delays just in case
Career planning is not just about resumes — it’s about stability.
4. Keep Your CV and LinkedIn Profile Updated
While serving notice:
Update your CV with recent achievements
Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Prepare for interviews confidently
A strong profile helps you move forward faster.
5. Choose Employers Wisely
During interviews, observe:
How companies talk about exits
Their attitude toward employee transitions
Online reviews and employee feedback
Good companies respect both joining and leaving employees.
A Message to Companies: Respect Builds Reputation
Holding salary during notice periods may seem like control — but it weakens trust.
Respectful exits lead to:
Better referrals
Strong employer branding
Long-term goodwill in the job market
Today’s employee may be tomorrow’s client, partner, or rehire.
Final Thoughts: Careers Are Built on Mutual Respect
Careers are not just about job offers, resumes, or interviews. They are about how people are treated at every stage — joining, working, and leaving.
Paying salary during the notice period is not generosity.
It is professionalism. For job seekers, employees, and companies alike — respectful exits create stronger careers and healthier workplaces.
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