Two Week Notice

Working environment must've been pretty bad to just up and quit...

It probably wasn't. What gives you the right to presume what the working conditions were like. Some people have no loyalty or sense of what is the right thing to do - which is to give adequate notice. I have had it happen to me too.

+1

It's a bummer, but it happens more and more these days. I hired a server who I was super excited about, she really seemed to know her stuff and was really professional. She worked two shifts and never came back, didn't even tell me she was quitting, and never answered her phone when I called her. I was all worried that we did something to upset her. I later found out (from her friend who referred her to me) that she just got a job somewhere else that she really wanted but didn't think she would get. I was just flabbergasted that she wouldn't even have had the courtesy to call and let me know that she wouldn't be back, I would have understood.

A two weeks notice is the proper thing for employees to do. Likewise, when management finds it necessary to reduce staff, the same guideline should apply.
Bill

It's a bummer, but it happens more and more these days. I hired a server who I was super excited about, she really seemed to know her stuff and was really professional. She worked two shifts and never came back, didn't even tell me she was quitting, and never answered her phone when I called her. I was all worried that we did something to upset her. I later found out (from her friend who referred her to me) that she just got a job somewhere else that she really wanted but didn't think she would get. I was just flabbergasted that she wouldn't even have had the courtesy to call and let me know that she wouldn't be back, I would have understood.

It has happened to me over and over. A sever comes in works a shift or two and then disappears. Never to be heard from again. Once they came in started a training shift, said they had to go to there car for their phone and then they were gone. Wow. I mean at least say go F... your self or something.

On the other side of that- I have several loyal employees that have been with me for years. Go figure.

It's rude and inconvenient but at least when an employee quits immediately, you don't have to worry about him becoming a loss control problem.

How much of quitting without notice has to do with the employee knowing that if previous employers are called for a background check, they will not say anything negative for fear of being sued?

Background Checks fall under different categories; depending on the job in question. There is a myriad of reasons a potential employer would conduct such a check, but most these days simply call previous employers and confirm dates of hire and not personal behavioral issues. If there IS such an issue reported, then takes into account an employer is telling the truth.

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs16-bck.htm#1

As for two weeks notice, I agree with people saying it's good to give one rather than not show up for up for up one day because you've found another job. In addition, I also agree with persons stating having your employees show up to work one day with the doors locked "CLOSED" ; is not in anyone's best interest.
Whether or not the working conditions were favorable or not , can not be answered unless I were to see them with my own eyes and work in the kitchen. Supposition is never the truth.

I worked with a chef who quit derby week after trying to leverage a raise and getting denied. It was pretty dirty but another chef came in quickly (who was much better anyway) and kept the ship rolling.

Thanks Eric! Bailing over Derby is, I think, punishable by death....? (pitty that that particular nameless ship was sunk irregardless of dude bailing out, but it was fun just the same...). Hope you are well and keep in touch lad!

Clancy-- the bail out king.

Willie, do you need a spanking?? I have always given 2 weeks notice even when the job was wretched. It's a "courtesy" but it also means that you don't burn your bridges and respect those who had enough faith to hire you in the first place.

Likewise, when management finds it necessary to reduce staff, the same guideline should apply.
Bill

We call that a severance package.

[Robin Garr]

Likewise, when management finds it necessary to reduce staff, the same guideline should apply.
Bill

We call that a severance package.

It does seem to be a policy in the restaurant industry for management to keep quiet about closing plans until the last day, then give waitstaff no notice. The argument is that given notice they'll all flee, forcing the place to close down sooner than planned. But I'm inclined to agree with Bill: Fairness and proper behavior dictate notice be given both upward and downward.

Willie, do you need a spanking?? I have always given 2 weeks notice even when the job was wretched. It's a "courtesy" but it also means that you don't burn your bridges and respect those who had enough faith to hire you in the first place.

Davy,
you misunderstood. I meant to say you are the King of rescues.

It probably wasn't. What gives you the right to presume what the working conditions were like. Some people have no loyalty or sense of what is the right thing to do - which is to give adequate notice. I have had it happen to me too.

Working environment must've been pretty bad to just up and quit...

Just-a speculatin' here, but since this is Mr. Key's one and only post, I'm wondering if he's the one that up and quit? Seems like an odd topic to inspire a newbie or lurker to comment.

An interesting story along these lines; we hired a nice middle aged female to staff the front of our office a few years ago. She came in worked 2 days and then never came back - we never heard anything. She didn't answer calls or e-mail. We cursed under our breath about her lack of professionalism and then 2 weeks later we found out she had died. Really creepy.

It probably wasn't. What gives you the right to presume what the working conditions were like. Some people have no loyalty or sense of what is the right thing to do - which is to give adequate notice. I have had it happen to me too.

Working environment must've been pretty bad to just up and quit...

Just-a speculatin' here, but since this is Mr. Key's one and only post, I'm wondering if he's the one that up and quit? Seems like an odd topic to inspire a newbie or lurker to comment.

I noticed that too, the only reason I didn't bring it up is that he joined last September. If he had joined at the same time he posted I would have definitely been suspicious. What you brought up could be the case or maybe he has had an experience like that.

An interesting story along these lines; we hired a nice middle aged female to staff the front of our office a few years ago. She came in worked 2 days and then never came back - we never heard anything. She didn't answer calls or e-mail. We cursed under our breath about her lack of professionalism and then 2 weeks later we found out she had died. Really creepy.

You know that is my first thought each and every time. "Is this person okay? Did something happen? I hope that they are not in the hospital." I care for all the people that work for me..even the new ones. When there is no call or no show then I get very worried.

Once again it just proves my belief; that even in a "down' economy, good help is hard to find and even harder to hold onto.

Willie, do you need a spanking?? I have always given 2 weeks notice even when the job was wretched. It's a "courtesy" but it also means that you don't burn your bridges and respect those who had enough faith to hire you in the first place.

Davy,
you misunderstood. I meant to say you are the King of rescues.

My bad. Kiss Kiss..