Struggling with Forced Notice Period: How to Handle Resignation Disputes?

I worked in a private bank, and due to some family problems, I was not able to continue the services. So, I submitted my resignation to the branch manager in lieu of a month's salary. He is forcing me to serve a one-month notice, which is not possible for me. He is not accepting the resignation and is telling the HR head that the employee has not reported to the workplace for the past two days. How can he accuse me of absconding if I have already informed him that I would not be able to continue? Please help. What can I do in this case?

Yes, my friend, since your resignation is not accepted, it's a clear indication that you need to report to work for the notice period. If you do not report to work, it would be termed as "Absconded." Don't underestimate the seriousness of the wording; "it's just a term" we use in HR.

With all due respect to your family issues, I request you to deal with the situation with maturity and peace of mind. I am sure "God" will come to your help and help the people in charge understand your difficulty. Wish you all the best and hope you can resolve your issue with understanding and a little adjustment.

Regards,
Ukmitra

If you don't want to continue your service, simply send an email or a letter via speed post explaining all the issues. This will serve as your proof of informing the relevant person.

While you may have family problems, you also need to remember that there are some rules and practices while at work. You can't just walk away based on your perception or will.

While I do appreciate Abhijit Barua's suggestion, I think there are two angles to any and every resignation:

1. The proof or evidence of resigning [which is what Abhijit Barua is addressing].
2. The factual and professional need for a person to stay on the job—KT or handing over the responsibilities being just one of them. Having been in the job, it's your primary responsibility to hand over the tasks to whoever is identified to take over from you.

I suggest talking to your manager and trying to convince him for a reduced notice period—which again depends on you and the way you convince. If necessary, please be prepared to share with him the actual family reasons.

Quite often, employees use this [family problems] as the standard reason to avoid telling the actual facts—for all one knows, they may be joining another job and just wouldn't like to 'waste' [from their perspective] even a single day in the current job.

All the best.

Regards, TS