Feeling Harassed Over Old Misconduct Memos: Should I Respond or Wait It Out?

I have been issued two memos related to misconduct for no reason. I have not replied to them nor given any explanation for these memos. Now, I am being harassed, and my loan is not approved for that reason. I was told that they would initiate actions against me.

Should I Give an Explanation for the Earlier Memos?

To date, there is no sign of any actions being taken against me. Please guide me on how to close this chapter for good. Should I write a letter of apology to ensure the chapter can be closed forever, or should I wait until they ask me to provide it in writing? The memos were issued in July 2013 and 2014.

Are Earlier Memos Considered Canceled?

Memos issued earlier and not explained for so long, should they be considered canceled? Am I required to provide anything in writing?

Please guide.

Thanks,

SS

Dear Suhas,

Check my replies in *italics*:

Memos Issued Without Reason

Sir, I have been issued two memos related to misconduct for no reasons. I have not replied to them nor given any explanation for these memos.

*Comments*: - *I doubt any company will issue a memo to anyone without reason. Nevertheless, if you felt that you have been framed, then why did you not give a timely reply and justify your stand? You could have cleared the matter at that time itself.*

Loan Denial and Harassment

Now I have been harassed, and my loan is not approved for that reason.

*Comments*: - *Whether to give a loan to an employee is at the discretion of the management. It is the employee's privilege, not entitlement. Since your name was under a cloud, authorities perceive you as a person with doubtful integrity, hence the denial of the loan facility. Denial of a loan cannot be construed as harassment.*

Actions Against Me

I was told that they would initiate actions against me. Should I give an explanation for the earlier memos? To date, there is no sign of taking actions against me. Please guide me on how I could close the chapter forever. Should I write a letter of apology so that the chapter can be closed forever, or should I wait until they ask me to give it in writing? The memos were issued in 2013 and 2014 July.

*Comments*: - *Strange are the ways of your management. They issue a show-cause notice but keep quiet even though the employee does not respond to it. They should have awarded the suitable punishment assuming you have nothing to say. Nevertheless, even now you may clarify your stand, ask for an apology if it warrants, and clear the matter.*

Memos and Explanation

Memos issued earlier and not given any explanation for so long should be deemed to be canceled? Am I required to give anything in writing?

*Comments*: - *Do not assume anything. If you keep quiet, you will still keep the matter hanging. You need to settle this issue once and for all.*

Final Thoughts

*Final comments*: - *What is your designation? What is the logic of continuing in such a company? Are there any compelling reasons? I recommend you give a reply to the show-cause notices, clear the mist, and quit the job. Workplace relationships rest on the foundation of trust. In your case, this very foundation is weak. How will you be able to grow on a weak foundation? In your future employment, never do anything that puts your integrity into question.*

All the best!

Regards,
Dinesh Divekar

Dear Suhas ji,

Importance of Addressing Memos

A very perfect answer by Dinesh ji.

The only thing I would add to Dinesh ji's advice is that if you keep quiet, it means you accept the facts mentioned against you in the letters issued to you, and this will be kept in your service record. In case of any misconduct by you in the future, the management will certainly take note of your past service record and may not take a lenient view against you. You have broken your relationship with your management, and bear in mind, a relationship is such a thing that once broken, it cannot be repaired.

Regards,

I had a similar request from a lady working for a chain of supermarkets as an accountant. My advice was similar to Dinesh's, and I advised that she make an immediate reply to the memos and put her case upfront. Silence is often construed as an admission of guilt. She is still working there, and I believe the advice I gave her worked.

Regards,
Simon Ngugi

Thank you. I have been working in a bank for the last 29 years and have never had a stain on my career. In fact, I have received certificates of appreciation from both my customers and retired employees. I am a recognized personality in my town and possess the best abilities to serve others. My alleged misconduct has nothing to do with the approval of my loan, as some of my senior retired colleagues have suggested.

Request for Guidance on Drafting an Apology Letter

Now, could you please advise me on how to draft an apology letter that will help me regain favor with the management and improve my service record? Two memos were issued to me simply for not being able to take leave when it was crucial for me to be with my family. I had properly handed over my responsibilities to the Branch Manager, who, unfortunately, denied my request with prejudice.

I would appreciate your guidance on this matter.

Regards,
SS

If the alleged misconduct is not committed by you, decline in writing under proper acknowledgment. Be careful in the future and keep the evidence to prove your innocence.