Feeling Trapped at Work: How to Handle a Boss Who Won't Allow Holidays?

Hi all seniors, I am working in a small-scale concern, and our director is in direct touch with all employees. There is a recurring issue that whenever any employee goes on holiday, our employer becomes dissatisfied and calls repeatedly. Additionally, we deduct salary for every holiday taken, and no holidays are allowed in a year.

Autocratic Management Style

Our director runs the unit in an autocratic manner and expects every employee to prioritize the company above all else. Everyone is required to work long hours, whether they are high performers or learners. Even high performers are questioned about not overseeing the work of learners.

I have been working here for the past 3 years, and I am now feeling fed up and disturbed by all of this. Please suggest what I should do in this case.

It is time for you to look for a change. Companies that do not have any HR policies in place are bound to doom.

Thank you.

Addressing Workplace Issues: Establishing a System

To run away from the problem is not a solution! I would suggest you make a system in your company, set up some policies or rules for this. How many people are working in your company, and what is the nature of work? Could you please let me know more about this issue?

I don't think that people in your company don't want to find a solution to this problem because there is no one who will agree to deductions from their salary for holidays or being bothered by others on their leaves. They certainly want to find a solution to this problem, but there is no one who can establish the system. I guess you have to take this responsibility. Discuss this with all the members or the most senior individuals in your company, such as Managers or GMs, if any, and establish a rule.

Considerations for Leave Policies in Small Manufacturing Companies

I agree with Mr. Anil Arora and hope you are working in a small manufacturing company. Please consider both perspectives—from management as well as from employees—as you are the bridge between management and workers. Management may need to implement some leave policies because they do not want employees to take leave without informing when the factory is running.

Therefore, establish some leave policies ensuring that both management and workers agree to and follow them. I am forwarding the HR standing order or employee handbook for your reference; if you have any questions, please let us know. Otherwise, my seniors will provide guidance.

Thank you.

Regards,
[Your Name]

Dear Verma, I agree with Mr. Anil Arora and hope that you are working in a small manufacturing company. So, please think from both ends, from Management as well as from the Employee, because you are the bridge between Management & Worker. I think Management wants to implement some Leave policies because they don't want employees to take leave without informing when the factory is running.

Creating Leave Policies

Therefore, create some Leave Policies ensuring that both Management and workers agree to and follow the policy. I am sending you the HR Standing order or Employee Handbook for your reference; if you need any further information, please let us know. Alternatively, my seniors will guide you.

I agree that there should be a policy for leave, but what if all 365 days are busy days? Our director calls every time we are on holiday, often for work that we have already completed in advance for that specific off day. Instead of checking in the office, he uses rude language, making it seem like a crime to take a day off.

The worst part is that he is not open to establishing a firm policy regarding this matter. His moods swing drastically, and we have to endure it for no apparent reason.

Regards,

Mr. Anuj, it is almost impossible to be busy all 365 days. Perhaps you don't remember the national holidays that are included in these 365 days. Lolzzzz. Moreover, you need to establish leave policies and first try to convince your boss about them. You can start by emphasizing your motives and explaining to your boss that you and other employees are requesting this change. Additionally, you need to formally obtain approval from all the employees in your company for this policy and then implement it.

Secondly, if you and your boss are genuinely concerned about the company's future and wish to avoid potential issues, you need to establish a system for that. I believe your boss will accept these policies and appreciate your dedicated adherence to them. It's important to recognize that failure to address these issues could lead to resignations, decreased productivity, a negative work environment, and potential legal complications in the future if action is not taken.

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. I hope it will work for us. Apart from that, is there any limit on holidays allowed as per the law for employees? We are not aiming for the maximum, but I am willing to make a provision in our policy for our promising employees who take very few leaves in a year. They should be compensated in terms of leave encashment.

Mr. Anuj, it is almost impossible to have all 365 days busy. I guess you don't remember the national holidays that are already counted within these 365 days. Additionally, you first need to establish leave policies and try to convince your boss about them. You can start by emphasizing the motive behind the policies and explaining that you and other employees are requesting this change. Also, you will need formal approval from all the employees in your company for this policy and its implementation.

Thank you again for your valuable suggestion. I hope it will work for us. Besides, is there a limit on holidays allowed as per the law for employees? We are not aiming for the maximum, but I am willing to make a provision in our policy for our promising employees who take very few leaves in a year. They should be compensated in terms of leave encashment.

Secondly, if you and your boss are genuinely concerned about your company's future and want to avoid potential problems that could impact you and your company, I am certain your boss may not readily accept these changes. You will need to establish these policies and adhere to them sincerely. Also, be aware that this issue could lead to resignations, decreased productivity, a negative work environment, poor performance, and even legal problems if action is taken. These points need to be communicated to your boss. Do not underestimate their importance. This is my perspective based on my industrial experience.