Struggling with a Distant Job Transfer: How Can I Get HR to Respond?

I need suggestions on the following issue. I have been working in a public sector bank for more than a year as a probationary officer. In due course, I have been transferred twice per the officers' rules of the bank. Being a married lady, it has been very difficult for me and my family during all this period. However, recently, I received a transfer letter for Kolkata, which is too far away from my place. I have submitted a transfer request three times to my HR department at the head office to change my order. Unfortunately, I have not received any communication from my head office for the past two months, and I haven't joined the new place of posting under the impression that my order would be changed to a place or zone near my family. I don't know what should be done. It is impossible for me to join the new place, and secondly, I haven't received any communication from HR explaining why I have not joined the new place of posting. I am in a dilemma because if I resign at this stage, I will also have to pay the bond amount and my three months' salary. Can anybody guide me on this matter?

Understanding Transfer Policies and Employee Rights

You have to bear in mind that a transfer is an incident of service, and it is the prerogative of the employer to decide an employee's place of work and duration in a particular place based on the exigencies of work. Normally, the employee cannot question it unless it is a vindictive act or a colorable exercise of power.

Coming to your case, you have not mentioned whether your period of probation is over. Three transfers within a span of three years are not a normal occurrence. Have you ever thought about why you are the only one subjected to frequent transfers and whether your performance met the expectations of the branch managers you served? No manager would be willing to have a non-performer on their staff. In such cases, managers often resort to transfers rather than taking disciplinary action. Therefore, reflect on your performance and strive to improve it.

Do not overlook the transfer orders already issued in anticipation of their cancellation upon your request. The absence of written communication regarding cancellation for the last two months indicates that your request has not been considered. It would be advisable to make a personal representation to the HR Manager.

Regards

Thank you for the response. I have been transferred because I am still in the probationary phase, and they usually transfer thrice during two years of probation. The first two phases are for six months each, and the last one is for one year. In my case, however, I am not a non-performer. In fact, my Branch Manager himself requested the Zonal Manager to retain me.

Concerns About Transfer and Representation to HR

My area of concern is what should be done even if I made a personal representation to HR directly, stating my inability to join the new place. I am so worried that in case I leave this job, first of all, I have to pay them, and secondly, will they give a negative review or declare me as being absconding?

Please give your views. Thank you.

If a certain number of transfers within the probationary period is the rule, you have to obey the orders. Every married working lady undergoes such a problem in her career life, and as such, you have no choice if you want to continue in the job. If posting a Probationary Officer in Calcutta is a requirement of the job, certainly, your request cannot be considered at all. Otherwise, instead of asking for cancellation, you can request a transfer to a similar nearby city. Leaving the job altogether due to the inconvenience of a transfer does not seem to be a proper decision to me. Ultimately, it is up to you because only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches!

If transfer is a condition of your service, then you have to obey it. Unless and until you can prove that the transfer is due to victimization or punishment, you cannot challenge such transfer before the court of law.

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I totally agree with your views. I have even requested transfers to two other places in different zones, somewhere near my family, any branch. It's not necessary that I should be posted in Calcutta only. As per norms, we have to work in different zones during probation. I requested any zone nearby. Unfortunately, I was disheartened by the insensitivity of my HR department. Meanwhile, I only see a bleak future for myself in this organization and deeply regret joining it. I have contacted the GM HRM, CM HRM, and ZM of my current zone, but none have bothered to lend any help in this regard. My GM was so angry that he even shouted over the phone, questioning why I had contacted him. Such insensitive behavior from HR was not expected. Anyway, I think I need to try and find a way out of this. Thank you again for your helpful words.

Regards,
Banker