How Should We Support an Employee Recovering from a Serious Accident? Seeking Advice

I am new to this job. This employee has been working for 4.8 months in this office as Manager Admin & Facilities. Once, while with the office boy on office work, he had an accident resulting in fractures in his left hand and left leg, with his left leg being replaced by a steel rod. After his discharge from the hospital following the accident, he began working from home. Despite his physical challenges, he continued to manage tasks through phone communication with his subordinates. Doctors have advised him to rest for 6 months.

Company's Proposal for Support

My superiors have instructed me to discuss the situation with the employee and issue a notice. They have proposed that the company will cover his medical expenses and provide 3 months' salary in advance. I seek your suggestions on handling this matter.

Regards,
Manjunath

This is an NGO run by one of the IT giants, which focuses on education (training). The head office is situated in Bangalore, and the person who has met with an accident is the Admin & Facilities Manager, who has worked for more than 4 years and 8 months.

Warm Regards,
Manjunath

From your statement, I understand that your management directs you to serve the notice of termination. If so, the present move of your management is just like adding insult to injury. Whether any social security law is applicable to the individual or not, the accident arising in the course of his employment has debilitated him. Despite the consequential physical infirmity, he discharges his duty from home. You have not clearly mentioned whether his left leg was amputated. Anyway, as his nature of work is purely administrative, as you mentioned, such a confident person can effectively work as usual notwithstanding his physical infirmity.

Apparently, from the doctor's advice of 6 months of complete rest, there may be every possibility that he can discharge his duties like before. Then, why is your management so hasty to dispense with his services? It is not out of compassion I am telling. An NGO founded and run by an "I.T GIANT" for the noble cause of imparting education or training is so insistent on eliminating an otherwise sincere and effective employee because of his physical infirmity caused by an employment accident. This is certainly an unscrupulous act. So, plead with your management to reconsider their hasty decision and persuade them to retain him, at least with some alternative job. After all, charity begins at home!

I would second the opinion of Umakanthan. The person met with the accident while he was on duty. Hence, it is the responsibility of the organization to compensate him for his loss.

Secondly, the loss of limbs is a huge blow. It will have a certain effect on the emotions of the person as well. However, I believe the person is tough and strong, fighting his current situation by trying to continue serving you even from home, despite being advised complete bed rest for 6 months.

Thirdly, the doctor mentioned about rest for 6 months, which means he can resume his duties as before thereafter.

You mention yours is an NGO (and I believe NGOs are organizations that do not work for profits and are the Indian version of what is best known as NPO - Non-Profit Organization in the West).

A person who selflessly serves you and your organization even after such a huge loss should not be rewarded by asking him to resign and rest. Instead, his strength should be recognized, at the very least by letting everyone know that despite the accident, being on bed rest, and suffering a huge loss, he had the courage to continue his duties from home.

Think about it.

Please keep us posted about the developments in this case; it would be interesting and enlightening for everyone. While seconding and appreciating the inputs from members, I am still apprehensive that the company, despite its stature, will retain that loyal and hardworking employee. It may sound very pessimistic, but I find that despite their publicity on human values, CSR, and being a great place to work, companies no longer care for such issues, as is evident by what is being asked of you.

Warm regards.