Stuck in a Notice Period Dilemma: How Can I Convince My Company to Accept My Resignation?

Hi, I am working for a small IT organization in Hyderabad since June 2012. Three months ago, they relocated me to Bangalore to work at the client's location and promoted me. After coming here, a few unfortunate circumstances occurred: my mother fell sick, and she might need to undergo surgery very soon. Considering all this, I sent a resignation email to my reporting manager and HR, stating the reason. I can serve one month of notice (as per organizational norms, it is 2 months) and will do a buyout for the second month. I followed up with HR on the phone a couple of times, and they verbally said that my resignation has been accepted. I was told that I would receive an email from the manager soon, which never happened until a week before my one-month notice period. The email from my manager states that I cannot be relieved without completing the 2-month notice period. The manager is highlighting that I am trying to leverage my mother's health condition and diverting the discussion from a business perspective. I am only trying to explain the situation clearly and how critical it is. The mental trauma I will go through by extending my notice period will directly impact my performance. What should I do to get relieved from the company?

As per the offer letter, my notice period will be one month, whereas in HR policies, it has been changed to 2 months recently. The policy mentions that "Employees should serve a 2-month notice period, and the remaining days need to be paid."

Handling Resignation and Notice Period Issues

First, you had a good impression in your company. They have given you a promotion and a hike. If any adverse conditions arise and you are unable to perform your duties, you should discuss this with your boss and the concerned HR personnel. Perhaps they may grant you leave, either with pay or without pay.

Why have you decided to resign? Did someone suggest this to you?

Furthermore, if any changes in service conditions have occurred as you mentioned, have you received and signed a copy acknowledging these changes? If not, your notice period will be applicable as per the appointment letter.

Try to communicate with HR in a polite manner, take your time, and submit your request to withdraw your resignation.

Hi Rajesh,

Thank you for the reply. My offer letter states a 1-month notice period. However, the HR policies have been changed to require a 2-month notice period with the remaining balance to be paid. We have not signed any documents since the HR policies were updated. The changes were reflected in the policy document and stored in a shared service.

Regards,
Sairam S

The discretion to accept the 'buyout' offer is solely left with the employer. An employee cannot claim it as a right to use this and leave. I would suggest that you should discuss with your HR/Boss about your mother's condition, showing relevant documents, and also try to obtain their approval for your buyout offer and convince them so that your leaving the company will be smooth. Don't risk your good performance of the past by deserting.

Understanding Notice Period Policies and Resignation Scenarios

Like Raj Dubey & Kumar suggested, don't jeopardize your career with short-sighted decisions if the information you mentioned is complete and true. There seems to be some confusion in the policy you mentioned: "Employees should serve a 2-month notice period, and the remaining days need to be paid." If the notice period is 2 months and it is served, what are the 'remaining days need to be paid' supposed to mean? Also, the normal response in such emergencies is to apply for leave. Why is resignation being considered in this scenario?

Regards,
TS