Paying an Ex-employee
An employee gave me two weeks' notice before quitting her position at my practice. She had intended to leave for some time, but kept it quiet. After the first week, I told her not to bother coming in the following week. She was paid for the week she worked and the balance of her earned vacation.Am I obligated to pay her for the balance of the second week? She did not work with us after I discontinued her.
Question: An employee gave me two weeks' notice before quitting her position at my practice. She had intended to leave for some time, but kept it quiet. After the first week, I told her not to bother coming in the following week. She was paid for the week she worked and the balance of her earned vacation.
Am I obligated to pay her for the balance of the second week? She did not work with us after I discontinued her.
Answer: You should consult your agreement or contract with the employee, if one exists, and do as it says.
If you do not have an agreement, I think it's best to pay her for the two weeks she was willing to give you. The fact that you did not take advantage of her courtesy is not her fault. Indeed, she was wise to not give you longer notice as you, apparently, would have let her go.
The matter will likely not make or break you, and it's better for your reputation and peace of mind to take the high road in such matters than to come across as a cheapskate.
