How Should We Handle Misconduct Allegations Between Employees at a Distant Branch?

Dear All,

Today, I received an email from one of my Branch Managers (BM) reporting an executive of his branch for misconduct. The BM stated that he had asked the executive to resign or face termination based on his misconduct. Currently, we have put his decision on hold as we conduct an inquiry.

Case 1: The BM reported today that he discovered the executive misusing company property after office hours on Saturday. The executive had brought an unknown female to our branch office, closed the office shutter from inside, and turned on the ACs and lights. Upon the BM's arrival to check, he found both the executive and the unknown female seated in our office premises.

Case 2: Conversely, the executive reported for misconduct by the BM had already sent an email on Saturday evening with four attached photographs. The photos depicted the BM, another executive employee from our office, and two outsiders in our office premises. In his email, the executive complained that the office atmosphere had deteriorated since the BM's arrival, alleging that the BM and his ex-company colleagues frequently partied in the office, disrupting the environment. He also shared pictures of a birthday celebration taking place around 6:45 pm on September 15th in the office premises.

Now, we are 1000 kms away from this branch, having never met any of these employees as they were recruited by the former country head who is no longer with the company. Both the BM and the executive have levied allegations against each other.

In light of these circumstances, what actions should be taken?

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and replying to it, Harmeet.

Frankly, the company where I work does not have a process defined for any such actions. The management is thinking of asking for resignation from the executive.

Being in HR, I am not really convinced with the way things are handled in this case. My concern is:

1. Nobody is monitoring the branches.
2. Whatever happened in this case, both the Branch Manager (BM) and the Executive are blaming each other, but we do not know what the truth is.
3. How can we ensure that things do not escalate later on?

I am not sure. Maybe I am giving too much thought to all of this, and maybe the matter is not so serious, but it is giving a warning bell in my ears that nobody else is willing to hear.

Does any other member have any comments or suggestions to offer?

Hi,

First of all, we have to know the truth, and for this, one way would be to get in touch with someone else in the branch and try to find out how the relations have been between the GM and the executive. Another thing is that most probably security would be available in the office to monitor the office on holidays as well. So, try to get information from the security too, and you will come to know the real truth.

If in case security is not available, it would be a difficult task to accomplish. The only possible thing would be to either call both the BM and the executive to your place and have a clear-cut discussion or have one of your concerned persons go there. Then take suitable and stringent action, as this sort of behavior is not accepted from any employee (having personal parties / bringing unknown persons into office premises).

Regards,
Julie

Dear,

Immediate action is to suspend until further inquiry. Issue charge sheets and conduct a domestic inquiry.

Ak Malhotra
Senior General Manager
Dharampal Satyapal Limited

It is surprising that no one has ever seen the employees. However, in order to be fair to both the employees, independent views of some of the other employees may be taken discreetly. Outside contacts in the same town may also be used to get a fair idea. If something serious is doubted, then the audit team can be sent to the branch. Normally in such kind of cross-allegations, there are some serious matters likely to come out. It is better to have the branch audited and then make a decision based on impartial findings.

-V.V. Padmanabhan

Dear All,

I have recently joined an institution where I received a call today from a Branch head that there was a fight between two of our contract employees (both from different contractors) where one bus conductor slapped the security guard. Before anyone knew this, the conductor himself admitted it in writing and apologized for the same.

Please guide on whether a memo has to be issued to him directly from the Head Office or we should write it to the contractor to take strict action for this. This should not be repeated by this guy or any other worker.

Thank you.