Facing Workplace Harassment: How Should I Handle My Boss's Pressure to Resign?

Workplace Harassment and Forced Resignation

My boss has been pressuring me for the last few months to submit my resignation on a blank piece of paper without providing any written reason. He claims that he needs a "circle-shaped" person, but I am a "square shape." His allegations against me are all verbal, and he insists that I don't know how to work.

On Thursday, 17th June, he placed a blank paper in front of me three times, demanding that I write my resignation immediately. When I refused, he threatened me, saying he could ruin my career, as he has done before. When I asked him what the issue was, he said, "You put your resignation, then I will tell you."

He has disrespected a manager in front of juniors, speaks rudely, and has told me, "I will slap you." He blames me for nothing and is more focused on forming groups.

Regards

Workplace Harassment and Forced Resignation

My boss has been pressuring me for the last few months to submit my resignation on a blank piece of paper without any written reason. He claims he needs a "circle-shaped" person, but I am a "square shape." His allegations against me are all verbal, and he says I don't know how to work.

On Thursday, 17th June, he placed a blank paper in front of me three times, insisting that I write my resignation immediately. When I refused, he threatened me, saying he could ruin my career, as he claims to have done before. When I asked him what the issue was, he said, "You put your resignation, then I will tell you."

He disrespects me in front of juniors, speaks rudely, and has even told me, "I will slap you." He blames me for nothing and is more focused on forming groups.

Regards

As you have not provided enough information about your job role, the type of organization you work for, etc., it is challenging to offer you specific advice. However, please refrain from signing any blank documents. If you decide to resign, cite harassment by your boss as the reason for your departure.

Hierarchy in the Organization

Who is the person above your boss in the organization?

As a learned member above has mentioned, do not sign blank papers under any circumstances. Threatening to slap by itself is a criminal offense, especially if it is accompanied by hand gestures, etc., as per Section 351 IPC. Try to note down document dates, timings, wordings, and names of those present. Also, look around for another job. Present circumstances are not conducive for work. Also, introspect deeply—have you done anything to provoke such behavior knowingly or unknowingly?

Advice on Handling Workplace Pressure

As Simhan mentioned, DON'T... repeat DON'T... sign any blank papers—not just here but anywhere.

Coming to your situation, how long have you been working in this company? How big is the company in terms of employee strength? Don't you have an HR department? If your boss can talk like this and still get away with it, you need to speak to HR. However, if your company is small and your boss also happens to be the owner, the only option you have is to move from here, and fast.

I don't think you should resign by giving the reason(s) as suggested by Simhan. In all probability, you will be terminated without your resignation being acknowledged, creating another problem while trying to solve this one.

You mentioned "He is more into grouping." What do you mean by this?

Regards,
TS

Resignation seems like the most feasible option if the boss remains the owner of the firm.

Other than that, report to higher authorities ASAP.

Regards,
SK

Resignation Process Under Duress

You address your resignation to the Chairman of your company and on top just write, "Through: Mr. _____________ (Your Boss's name and Designation)."

In the body of the resignation, you just mention that "As compelled by my immediate boss Mr. _____________ (Your Boss's Name and Designation), I am hereby resigning from the service of the organization with three months' notice. This resignation is under duress, and I request you to do the needful as per the relevant law of the land."

Make the resignation in duplicate and take acknowledgment of your boss on the duplicate copy of the resignation. Just relax and watch the fun thereafter. He will not dare to forward the resignation nor ask you anytime to resign.