Frustrated with Broken Promises at Work: Is Absconding the Right Move? Seeking Advice on Bonds and Starting My Own Business

I work for a reputed Indian IT company that hired me on 23 July 2012. They had told me that they would provide training, and they also made me sign a bond for 2 years and 2 lakhs. However, from the very first day, I haven't been given any kind of training. It's almost been 9 months, and I haven't been given any work to do. Even though my job description is that of a business analyst, I haven't been given the job that they promised. It has been very frustrating for the past 5 months. I am not satisfied with the work I am doing. So now, I am planning to abscond from the company. I wanted to know if there would be any problem in the future if I abscond. Moreover, I am planning to set up my own enterprise. So kindly suggest what I can do in this regard. I also wanted to know if one-sided bonds are really acceptable in the Indian IT industry.

Thank you.

I understand your aggravation! BONDS are certainly invalid in nature in any industry, especially when training is involved. Many employers scoff at such finicky tricks. I am unsure why a reputed IT company engages in this practice. The reality may be that these "so-called" reputed companies have no projects on hand and are simply utilizing employees to increase their profits. If this is not the case, then the promised training should be a priority.

Perspectives on Employee Bonds

I see your issue from two perspectives:

• Employees may view this as an advantage to remain with a company that pays them monthly despite minimal work. The disadvantages include a lack of motivation to learn new skills, limited growth opportunities, and a less engaging work environment. The advantages are having money in hand and job security until the company decides to terminate their services.

• My suggestion is to thoroughly read your Bond agreement (whether one-sided or two-sided) and understand its terms. Since yours is one-sided, it should not pose a significant issue. Highlight the notice period specified in the Bond and adhere to that process. Giving notice will ensure compliance with the appointment regulations.

a) Breaching the bond will not negatively impact you since no training was provided, and no losses were incurred by the employer.

b) Verify whether the employer can issue you a training certificate.

c) Violating the bond terms will have legal implications for both parties. The employer will struggle to defend their case if training was not provided.

For these reasons, carefully review your Bond and inform us of any crucial points. Our senior members are available to provide you with their expert advice.

Thank you.

It's a bit surprising and confusing as to why, in your words, a reputed Indian IT company would keep an employee on the rolls without any work for 9 months when the general norm is to lay off such employees—especially in these days when every company seems to be taking hits. Have you missed mentioning any points?

Going by your posting, you seem to be a Fresher—please confirm. But you also mentioned 'job description is of a business analyst'—what is your experience level?

The company may not have given you work as per the job description—please elaborate on what work you have been assigned so far (in 9 months).

Frankly, there are quite a few conflicting statements in what you mentioned. Please provide the above-mentioned inputs/clarifications for the members to give realistic and appropriate suggestions.

Regards,
TS

Hi all, Thanks, Sharmila, for your advice. I will certainly look into my bond and let you know the specs.

Hi Tajsatheesh, I am a fresher. I was campus recruited by this company, and my job description mentioned was as a business analyst only. However, I am currently termed as a management trainee, but for the past 9 months, I have had no work to do. In simple terms, I am on the bench. The issue here is not about the training that the company hasn't provided, but the reality is that I am sitting idle here. Even though I am being paid for no work, I am not satisfied with the work I am doing. I am completely frustrated. Not to brag about myself, but I am a university topper and a person with very high energy levels. However, I feel I am underutilized here. So, I am planning to abscond from this company. Kindly advise.

Being a fresher, your available options would be different from those that apply to experienced employees. I can understand your line: "I am completely frustrated."

1. Please confirm if you have discussed this issue with your boss or anyone in HR. If yes, what was their response? If no, are there any specific reasons?

2. Were there any situations when you refused to accept other assignments that did not fall into the "business analyst" category?

3. Are you the only one who is facing this situation, or are there any others with the same experience? Please elaborate on these points/aspects as the options available to you would depend on them.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

Why don't you have a word with your seniors in the company? How do they look at the situation? Perhaps, as they have been working for more years than you, they will be able to provide insight on how flexible they are when someone on the bench wants to quit. Before making a decision, inquire within your own company. They will be able to offer better guidance since they are 'insiders,' whereas we are 'outsiders'!

Given the scenario mentioned above, wherein an employee has signed a bond (identical to the one described above) with a reputed organization, the company did send the employee abroad for training on the job (work induction) for a significant amount of time. The employee has performed excellently so far.

But now the company is taking a MAJOR HIT.

- There has been a massive layoff throughout the company, from bottom to top management levels (though it is termed as restructuring!).
- Salaries are delayed by an uncertain amount of time.
- There is NO CLEAR COMMUNICATION about the company's roadmap ahead.

People who decided to leave due to personal financial reasons have been forced to pay the remaining amount of the bond value! Moreover, the company mentioned the amount being deducted in the F&F settlement as "OTHER CHARGES." So the employee does not stand a chance to recover this amount from the next employer.

Queries Regarding the Bond and Company Practices

- How valid is the bond for employees who are still left behind?
- If the company is deducting the bond value in the F&F statement, how can they be forced to mention it clearly in the document?
- It seems that the company knows it is illegal to have any kind of bond in place; that's why they are not mentioning the bond-related transactions anywhere in the F&F.

Please let me know if anyone could help me with the situation people are facing.

I appreciate the input of Sharmila Das and further add that since you want to start your own enterprise, you may not need to worry about a service certificate or any documentary evidence that you were engaged in a so-called IT company.

These gimmicks are quite common in IT and non-IT companies. They call candidates and make their lives miserable by keeping them without giving proper work. In a few companies, before creating a position, they do not bother to prepare a job description. In the end, their performance will be rated low, and no increments or promotions will be awarded at the year-end.

Steps to Address the Issue

Have a face-to-face discussion with your immediate supervisor in the presence of the concerned HR. If they do not respond properly, i.e., by breaking the bond without any loss to either side to let you leave the company, then send a letter (by registered ACK due) detailing the clauses mentioned in your bond where the company failed to comply.

If you receive any responses or threats from the company, forward all communications to the relevant labor department. Though we are not termed as "Labor," our interests are protected through labor departments.

Please do not leave the company without discussing or submitting any letter, and do not forget to keep documentary evidence of breaking the bond. If you have further doubts, call my mobile number.

All the best.

Regards,
S. Rao
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]
Hyderabad

Dear Kash09,

Firstly, I understand and appreciate your concerns regarding your work profile and your indecision about the way ahead. As many members suggested, you must have definitely had a word with your HR or concerned authority and might have gained some clarity.

I confess, I am not a promoter of job hopping except for valid reasons. I think one should always exit on a grand scale and better terms, as a performer and a good employee, colleague. One year is too short a time to understand your profile, let alone the organization. If you observe all successful business leaders (not owners), they have been with the organization for a substantial period; only then do they reach the CXO level.

One of my mentors told me on my first job, "Boss, never keep yourself free in the office. If you are done with the work assigned to you, try to help another person in their work, even if they are not related to your department or process. It will increase your knowledge. Always remember the first job is for gaining knowledge and not just to earn money."

Frankly, I didn't care for this advice, let alone follow it. But one day accidentally, I had to assist the work manager in another department, and I learned something new and interesting. From that day, I started helping, and I believe the knowledge I gained was incredible, something I would never have acquired had I stuck with my own job. Small tasks like filing documents, inter-department communications, and petty cash may not be related to your current work, but the skills you learn this way will help you in setting up your own venture, which you desire.

In the corporate world, people may initially laugh at you, but later in life, you will be a more valuable resource. I can't advise you to do something and not do something else, but I request you to make a calculated decision.

Now, as you mentioned this is your first job through campus, and it's understandable that you have expectations, especially from a reputed company. So, before making any decision to leave/abscond, I request you to revisit your decision to join the company and jot down the reasons for accepting the offer (it can be anything). Once done, check if those reasons are still valid (most wouldn't be in the current mindset).

Now, list points why you wish to leave and justify. Later, repeat the process by stating why you would like to continue and under what circumstances.

I urge you to work for at least 2 years in your organization, not to fulfill the bond period, but to learn and then make a decision.

I hope this is useful in your decision-making.

Regards.