Balancing Family and Career: How to Approach Management for a Spouse's Transfer Request

Hi, I am working in an Urban Cooperative Bank with a branch in Mysore as an Assistant Manager. I have been with the organization for 22 years. Recently, I was transferred from the Bangalore branch to the Mysore branch due to a promotion. However, my wife has been working in the same branch for 15 years as a Junior Assistant, and we have a 7-year-old daughter studying in the second standard at a school in Bangalore.

Family Transfer Request

I am planning to have my wife transferred to Mysore and change our daughter's schooling to Mysore as well. My wife has already submitted a written request to the Chief Executive Officer of our organization seeking a transfer to Mysore based on family circumstances.

Approaching Management for Support

I am considering approaching the management to request the transfer of my wife to ensure a more balanced family life, promote women's status across all spheres of life, guarantee the education and welfare of our children, and provide for the needs of elderly dependents.

Regards,
Narayana Swamy K S
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Your request seems genuine. Assuming that you have already assessed the availability of opportunities to accommodate another resource within the center, what resistance are you likely to encounter? How do you suggest resolving them?

Furthermore, couples working in non-reporting relationships shouldn't create any administrative concerns.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

What (Cite Contribution) said is right. If your wife is not directly reporting to you, it is fine. There may be some murmurs and gossip in any organization where a husband and wife are working.

I have seen a peculiar case in an office where the wife was in a superior position and the husband was in a subordinate role. Just imagine how they maintained a balanced life.

Regards,
Pon

There is no mention of whether you both worked in the same branch in Bangalore prior to your promotion. Additionally, there is no specific rule or by-law prohibiting the employment of a husband and wife involving a superior-subordinate hierarchical relationship in the same branch. Otherwise, there is no harm in making a representation as you have mentioned.

Transfer Policy for Working Couples in Multi-Locational Establishments

The transfer policy towards working couples in multi-locational establishments normally aims to keep spouses at the same location. However, given the nature of financial transactions in banks, along with confidentiality and security issues, it is doubtful whether a bank would post a couple in the same branch. This decision largely depends on the bank's transfer policy, service rules, or any statutory provisions, as cooperative banks are regulated by the Cooperative Act of the State.

There is nothing wrong with approaching the management with a request for the transfer of your wife to Mysore. If it is permissible under the bank's norms, the bank can accede to the request.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
In-House HR & IR Advisor

Earlier, I worked in a Public Sector Bank. Since the bank deals with money, a high level of security procedures is followed to prevent any misuse. Hence, to ensure that there is no scope for any issues, a husband and wife are not posted in the same branch. If your request is not for posting in the same branch, you may always approach management for a transfer.

Regards,
agdesai

Apart from the above views, I would like to mention that the transfer request should be from the employee and not from the spouse, even if both are working under the same organization. In your case, your wife has already applied for a transfer; please wait for the reply.