What is Garden Leave?
Garden leave is a paid period after resigning when you remain employed but are asked to stay away from work until your notice period ends.
- Gardening leave
Updated 2026-07-25 · one of 47 terms in the OnJob career glossary
Key takeaways
- Garden leave is a paid period after resigning when you remain employed but are asked to stay away from work until your notice period ends.
- Also called Gardening leave.
- Garden leave is used mainly for senior or sensitive roles, often to protect confidential information or client relationships before you join a competitor.
- During garden leave you are still bound by your contract, including confidentiality and non-compete terms, even though you are not working.
What does Garden Leave mean?
Garden leave is an arrangement where, after you resign, the employer continues to pay you and keep you on the books but asks you not to come to work or contact clients for part or all of your notice period.
How does Garden Leave work in India?
Garden leave is used mainly for senior or sensitive roles, often to protect confidential information or client relationships before you join a competitor. While the practice is more common in some markets than in India, similar clauses appear in Indian contracts for select roles, usually alongside a notice period the employer chooses not to make you serve at your desk.
Why does Garden Leave matter to a jobseeker?
During garden leave you are still bound by your contract, including confidentiality and non-compete terms, even though you are not working. Knowing whether your role carries this clause helps you plan your transition.
Is Garden Leave the same as Gardening leave?
Yes — Garden Leave is also commonly called Gardening leave. Garden leave is a paid period after resigning when you remain employed but are asked to stay away from work until your notice period ends.
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