short notice — little advance warning or time to prepare for something

a manager rushes over to an employee's desk holding important papers with a worried expression. The employee looks up from their computer screen with wide eyes and raised eyebrows showing complete surprise. The manager points at a clock on the wall indicating there's very little time left. The employee quickly starts gathering their things while other coworkers in the background look concerned and hurried. Some colleagues are already packing up their materials and moving quickly around the office. someone having to prepare for something with little advance warning or time.