Frustrated with HR: How Do I Address My Missing Bonus Issue?

How and where to raise a complaint against HR... My bonus always comes at the end of March, but this time it was not processed. HR is giving the excuse that they did not follow up with the employer, and it was not processed. This was not communicated to any employee beforehand.

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Dear Vaibhavi, Has the bonus not been disbursed for all the employees, or are you being singled out? If the bonus payment has not been made to anyone, then there is nothing to complain about. However, if others have been paid but you are singled out, then there appears to be a problem with your appraisal. What is your appraisal rating?

Have you spoken with your reporting manager about the non-payment of the bonus? What is his take on it?

Lastly, HR simply executes the policies or orders from the top. Therefore, there is no point in making a complaint against HR as such. Instead of complaining, you may submit a formal application for the non-payment of the bonus. Route this application through the proper channel, which is your HOD. Wait for the official reply.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Please note that for payment of Bonus under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, it is on or before 30-11-2017 for the Financial Year 2016-17. Is it a Statutory Bonus or an incentive paid by the Employer? HR is also an Employee like you. As Mr. Dinesh advised you, please raise your query with the Employer. Please do not jump to conclusions without verifying facts. What benefit will HR get by withholding your payment? You are working for your Employer.

Salary Components and Bonus Eligibility

What are your salary components, i.e., Basic, DA, Gross, etc.?

If you are receiving Basic, DA, or a consolidated salary exceeding Rs. 21,000 per month from 1st April 2015, you are not eligible for Payment of Bonus as per the act. You have mentioned that you received a bonus every year in the month of March. If that is the case, your company is violating the law.

In India, it is mandatory for every Indian Company and Indian Multinational Company to have their Financial Year from 1st April to 31st March. Hence, your company is obligated to pay the Bonus within 8 months from the close of the financial year, i.e., on or before 30th November, as communicated by Mr. Srinath Sai Ram.

Since your company is making payments in the month of March, it may not be a Bonus but an ex-gratia payment as a gesture of goodwill made by your company, for which you cannot demand as your right.

If your Basic salary is less than Rs. 21,000 per month, you are entitled to a minimum Bonus amount of Rs. 7,000 or an amount equivalent to the Minimum wages, whichever is higher (subject to you working for the whole year).

If you meet the above criteria, as suggested by Shri Divekar, make a written communication for the release of the same.

Regards,
Suresh