What Is a Resignation Letter?
A resignation letter is a formal written notice from an employee to their employer, informing them of the employee’s intention to leave the job. In Zimbabwe, a resignation letter is a legal requirement under the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] — you must give written notice of your intention to resign, and you must serve the notice period specified in your employment contract or the law.
A properly drafted resignation letter protects your rights to final pay, accrued leave, and your employment record. It also demonstrates professionalism and helps maintain relationships for future references.
Notice Periods Under the Labour Act
The minimum notice period depends on your employment terms:
| Employment Type | Minimum Notice Period |
|---|
| Monthly-paid employees | One calendar month |
| Fortnightly-paid employees | Two weeks |
| Weekly-paid employees | Two weeks |
| Daily/casual workers | One day |
| Probationary employees | As per contract (usually one week) |
| Fixed-term contract | As per contract terms |
Important: Your
employment contract may specify a longer notice period than the statutory minimum (e.g., 3 months for senior positions). The contract terms apply if they give the employer more notice than the legal minimum. Always check your contract.
How to Resign Properly
- Check your employment contract — Confirm the required notice period, any handover obligations, and any restrictive covenants (non-compete, non-solicitation).
- Write a formal resignation letter — Address it to your direct manager or HR department. State the date of the letter, your intention to resign, and your last working day.
- Submit the letter — Hand-deliver it and keep a copy. Email a copy to HR as well for your records. Ask for written acknowledgement of receipt.
- Serve your notice period — Continue to perform your duties professionally during the notice period. Your employer may choose to place you on “garden leave” (paid leave during notice) or waive the notice period.
- Complete handover — Prepare handover notes, return company property (laptop, phone, keys, ID card), and brief your replacement or colleagues on ongoing work.
- Collect your final pay — Ensure you receive payment for days worked, accrued leave, and any other entitlements on your last day or the next pay cycle.
What to Include in Your Resignation Letter
| Element | Details |
|---|
| Date | The date you submit the letter — the notice period starts from this date |
| Addressee | Your direct manager or HR manager, with the company name and address |
| Statement of resignation | “I hereby tender my resignation from the position of [Job Title]” |
| Last working day | Calculate based on your notice period: “My last working day will be [Date]” |
| Gratitude (optional) | A brief thank you for the opportunity — keeps the relationship professional |
| Handover offer | “I am happy to assist with the handover during my notice period” |
| Signature | Your full name and signature |
Your Rights on Resignation
When you resign, you are entitled to:
- Full payment for days worked — Including the notice period
- Accrued leave pay — Payment for all untaken leave days at your normal daily rate
- Pro-rata bonus — If your contract provides for a 13th cheque or performance bonus and you have worked part of the qualifying period
- NSSA benefits — Your NSSA contributions are preserved. You can claim benefits when you reach retirement age.
- Pension/provident fund — If enrolled in a company pension scheme, you may be entitled to a withdrawal benefit or transfer to a new employer's scheme
- Certificate of service — Your employer should provide a written confirmation of your employment dates and position held
Resignation During Probation
If you are still within your probation period, you can resign with shorter notice — typically one week, or as stated in your contract. You are still entitled to:
- Payment for all days worked
- Any accrued leave (even during probation)
- A certificate of service (if requested)
Can You Resign with Immediate Effect?
An employee can resign with immediate effect (without serving notice) only if:
- The employer agrees to waive the notice period
- The employer has committed a fundamental breach of the employment contract (e.g., non-payment of wages, unsafe working conditions, harassment)
- The employee pays the employer an amount equal to the wages for the unserved notice period (“payment in lieu of notice”)
If you simply walk out without notice and without justification, the employer may deduct the notice period pay from your final salary or, in rare cases, claim damages.
After Resignation: What Your Employer Must Do
- Pay your final salary, including accrued leave, within the normal pay cycle
- Provide a certificate of service if requested
- Process your NSSA and pension paperwork
- Return any personal documents held (e.g., original qualifications)
- Not unreasonably withhold a reference
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