Wife Denied Opportunity To Work In The Same Company As Husband!!

Hello All,

Good Morning!

I would like to place my query in the form of the following points:

* I recently received a call from my ex-employer asking if I would be interested in returning to work for them. I worked as an HR in this company for 3 years before leaving for family reasons.

* I was excited about this opportunity since this company is a great place to work, and I thoroughly enjoyed my previous tenure there. I resigned from the company 2 years ago.

* Everything was progressing smoothly regarding my rejoining, and I was eagerly awaiting official confirmation.

* My husband has been working in the same company (in a different department) for the past 6.5 years. We only got married after I had left this job.

* Everyone in the company, including the management, was aware that my husband also worked there, and there were no issues raised about it.

* Out of the blue, while I was anticipating a call regarding my job confirmation, I was informed by HR that they couldn't offer me employment due to my husband's employment in the same company (albeit in a different location).

My query pertains to the fact that the company's management was aware of my husband's employment all along yet showed keen interest in hiring me. However, I was later informed that some senior members of the management felt it would not be appropriate. Ironically, the company currently employs a couple who met at work, got married, and now work together (the husband rejoined the company after their marriage).

I find it difficult to comprehend being denied an opportunity based on this reason. If it were related to my work or skills, I could accept it, but I struggle to understand this decision, especially considering that the company initially approached me and then backtracked.

I have come across discussions on whether spouses should be allowed to work in the same company after marriage, but my situation, I believe, presents a different angle.

Seniors, I would appreciate hearing your opinion or perspective on this matter.

Does one of the persons that you quote work in HR? If not, the fact that you would be employed in HR may be the reason. You have to take these things as they come and not feel bad about it.

Hello Sir,

The couple I have quoted, neither of them works in HR. As you mentioned, maybe the reason is that I work in HR, but this could have been considered from the company's point of view much earlier, not after all the rounds of discussions I had with them.

If you have worked with this company before and know any of the high-up people, reach out to them and tell them about how you are keen on joining the company and any issues the management foresees can be discussed and sorted out. Do not show an ounce of irritation; rather, be very positive and tell them about how they would not have to retrain you and how that can save the company some money. I am sure you can think of other positives you can bring into the company; stress on those and don't take no for an answer (do this with your enthusiasm rather than stubbornness). Try to reach out to all who are in decision-making roles and convert them one by one; if you can change their focus to the positives, they will drop their concerns.

Regards,
Sid

Hello Sid,

Last I heard that the MD, HR, and a few others in management have no issues with me rejoining, and I also have a good track record of my work there. During my earlier tenure, I closely worked with the MD on some value engineering projects, but I am not sure if I can approach him since it's a collective decision that needs to be taken by the Company Management Group. The HR is very keen on having me on board as well but only mentioned that a few people from the old school of thought (as quoted by HR) have expressed their concerns.

It's just that I had everything in place and lost out at the last minute for no fault of mine.

Hi, Divya,

I second Mr. Simhan, would like to say that there is no need to take much stress and worry about anything because you can get any good job outside and I believe you have this confidence too.

Second, you are feeling bad because of your high expectation and that you really wanted to rejoin because of your past employment with them. You are familiar with the work style and atmosphere but today’s truth is that the things have changed and you have to accept it. You have worked with them in past (With HR department) and know well about their work style and procedure /policies, but it may also possible that today company having a policy or conditions that are not allowing them to hire you again as you are a wife of a present employee which you are not aware of it.

About Management, they never show directly what they want actually because of their nature of work. Therefore, you must not expect anything from them. Our system is still not so mature, though, we have adopted western corporate culture and their work style a lot but still there are many things/reasons, which never allowed accepting these and your case is one of them.

I professional and personally feel that there is no harm in appointing a wife or any present employee even when the candidate is an ex-employee but still it is not being accepted which is a truth and need to be work with.



This would also be learning for you and im sure, this will help other by your exercise in future.

Well, lastly, I would say that you must forget this and look for a good job elsewhere and wishing you very best of luck for this too.

Thanks for the suggestion, Mr. Anil. Well, it might be a factor of me being an HR person that did not work in my favor. The company is, in fact, very encouraging about employing people who are related to each other, be it husband and wife or any other. Just that it did not work out for me though.

Hello Mr. Anil,

Well, departments like HR/Admin/Finance are expected to maintain a certain level of confidentiality. They might have had concerns about employing me in HR while my husband works in another department.

Ah, that does make sense - being in HR, you would have a certain level of insider knowledge. In that case, there is nothing you can really do - let it go - things have a way of working out for the better.

In any case, don't burn your bridges - write to the MD/HR and tell him you understand the issue - a time may come when your husband has moved to another job, and you can then join this company.

Regards,
Sid

Dear Ms. Divya Pradeep,

I second the discussion of our senior members (Sid, Anilji, & Mr. Simhan) in this thread with their notion offered. Besides, most companies do not treat the couple as individuals for fear of complaints from other employees regarding special treatment for spouses, which is absolutely incorrect. In your case, your tenure with the company was held entirely accountable based on your performance when you were single. Now, since your spouse's unpredictable employment situation is bound with the same company, by employing you both, companies can't control the risk of losing an employee due to a spouse's changing situation. That must be the only reason they turned you down.

Although, my suggestion is to try to speak with the concerned and understand the decisive factor. This not only helps you understand the disposition but also gives inner balance to make up your mind in the near future if they offer you again.

Hello, Ms. Sharmila,

I did speak to the HR to get clarity on this issue, and apparently, my employment in the HR department worked against me. Some in senior management felt that since HR (read - the spouse) would have access to certain confidential information, it might not be a great idea to employ me. There is another couple working in the same company, though not in HR. They have seen my work, and when asked individually, everybody in management had only positive opinions to share about my work.

Maybe they are right in their way, but I feel I wasn't given a chance to explain. Why did the team not consider all of this when they initially contacted me and showed such interest in having me back on board? I probably will never get an answer from them for this.

Dear Ms. Divya,

Obviously, you may not get an answer from 'em. Despite pondering, consent to your current situation and proceed further. Many a time, it ain't possible to be affirmative; therefore, look out for a job that is worthwhile to you and the employer.

Dear Divya,

I know of a few firms, including Wipro, that believe in hiring couples. They see greater stability in jobs and lower attrition rates. It is not uncommon to find couples working in non-reporting opportunities, even without a preference for hiring them. At EDS, we had an HR Manager whose wife worked as a developer, as did many others.

Your case is entirely a matter of choice by the decision-makers, and you have a proven track record. You have already heard from the MD, who views you favorably. Keep in touch with him as a valuable industry connection and seek feedback on this situation without sounding needy. The fact that they opened up to you with the reason shows transparency within the firm. They could have easily come up with a different explanation. Value them and offer your support even beyond your role.

I hope to hear a positive result regarding this.

Regards,
(Cite Contribution)

Hello All,

Good Morning! Thank you all, seniors, for your opinions and suggestions. I understand that it's futile to take this any further, and as Sid mentioned, things have a way of working out for the better.

I respect their decision and concerns but am just disappointed that I missed out on working with them again. It happens to be a place where I learned all the finer aspects of being an HR and played a significant role in shaping me into the professional I am today.

Nevertheless, I am glad to be in their good books and especially thankful to the HR Head of the company who showed utmost interest and believed in my capabilities.

Have a nice day!

Glad to hear from you. The attitude you have adopted will take you way further than the role could have. Continue to build your rapport with the leaders. They can offer you guidance and recommendations to excel in your role.

I am connected to most of my leaders from different firms I have worked with. This is how we gain our foothold in the industry. As we progress in our careers, no matter how good our ex-employers are, we always cannot join them as what we want to do isn't what they can offer.

May the best role reach out to you!

Dear Divya,

It is purely based on management decision. You can approach MD, and if you succeed, don't seek any recommendation for your life partner, as it may matter again. Since your position is in HR, few objections will be raised by your colleagues within the department that you may influence for the growth of your life partner. The HR department will maintain the formality of "not engaging any relatives" within the same company.

Regards,
S. Rao
Hyderabad

Dear Divya,

First and foremost, take a pat on your back for the achievements you have made in the organization which have led you to be called back. Cool. Please remember, when God closes one door, he opens ten doors, and also be rest assured that if they need your expertise, they will come to your home and take you.

Wishing you all the best.

Dr. Ram

In this modern world, such practices of not employing couples are being followed. In my knowledge, many couples are working in various reputed organizations without any issues. Pity on them.

Pon