Garden leave is a period when an employee is told to stay away from work during their notice period but still gets paid. Instead of working or showing up at the office, they’re basically asked to chill at home, usually while their employer wraps up the transition. The idea is to keep the employee out of the business for a bit, often to protect sensitive info or prevent them from jumping straight to a competitor.
When is garden leave typically used by employers?
Employers usually bring up garden leave when someone resigns or gets let go, especially if they hold a sensitive role or have access to confidential stuff. It gives the company time to protect its interests and keep things running smoothly without the employee’s day-to-day involvement. It’s common in industries like finance, tech, or anywhere where a quick exit could mean trouble.
Is garden leave paid or unpaid?
In most cases, garden leave is paid. The employee continues to receive their salary and benefits during this time, even though they’re not coming into work. It’s kind of like a paid timeout. That said, it all depends on the employment contract or company policy. Sometimes it might be unpaid, but that’s less common.
What rights and restrictions do employees have during garden leave?
While on garden leave, employees are usually expected to stay away from work, not contact clients or colleagues, and not start a new job until the leave is over. Employers often put restrictions in place to protect their business, like keeping company info confidential and not working for competitors.
However, employees still have the right to get paid and keep their benefits during this time. They should also be reachable if their employer needs them for handovers or questions.
How long does garden leave usually last?
The length of garden leave depends on the employment contract but usually lasts from a couple of weeks to a few months. Most often, it matches the notice period the employee needs to give or receive before leaving. So, if your contract says you need to give two weeks’ notice, garden leave might last that long.
Can an employer require an employee to take garden leave?
Yes, but only if it’s in the employment contract or agreed upon by both parties. Employers can’t just spring garden leave on someone without a basis. Usually, the contract spells out if garden leave is an option during the notice period. If it is, employers can ask the employee to take it to keep things smooth.
