Facing Unfair Target Pressure During Notice Period: How Should I Handle This?

I'm working in a private general insurance company. I submitted my resignation, and my supervisor asked me to serve a 45-day notice period. During my notice period, I am struggling to meet my targets in the last 15 days. Overall, I have completed 125% of my yearly target. Now, my superior is saying that if I fail to meet my targets during these days (they have also doubled my target this time), they will hold my settlement and extend my notice period for another 45 days. Kindly suggest what I have to do. I am totally stressed and restless.

I have been working for this company for the past four and a half years. During this period, I have consistently met my assigned targets. Please suggest to me.

Regards,

For an appropriate suggestion, experts may need some additional information such as:

• How is your salary defined (Fixed % + Variable %)?

• Your appointment letter clause regarding the Separation Notice period or in lieu of Notice (Basic/gross salary).

• How your sales incentives are calculated, monthly or quarterly.

• Have you received your last quarter's achieved incentives, or are they paid in the next quarter?

In the absence of all the above information, and by making some assumptions, you always have the choice of giving a 1-day notice or a 45-day notice (the balance will be deducted as per the appointment letter clause). It is always suggested to serve at least a 30-45 day notice period, so that handover-takeover can be done easily. Considering your service period of 4.5 years, it is not advisable to leave early.

Looking into your situation, where you missed the last 15 days' target and your targets are doubled, this is a normal practice in general insurance companies. Estimate what you will gain and what you will lose.

All issues can be solved with proper discussion. During this crucial conversation, please be polite and always refer to your past good performance, achievements, and overall contribution to the company. Promise good performance in the remaining 30 days (i.e., out of 45, which you have already served 15 days). Explain to HR and your immediate supervisor why targets were missed with proper justification, assure performance over the remaining 30 days, and smoothly separate from the company so that they give you a good reference in the future.

Please note that the company will not deduct fixed salary if you serve the full notice period (target and achievement are irrelevant for fixed salary; it will be considered only for variable salary, which completely depends on the targets).

Regards,
HR Department
BrainLight HR Solutions