Feeling Trapped in a Toxic Workplace: Should I Quit Without Notice?

Hello Everyone, I am working as an HR Executive with a private limited IT company. I joined this company just 3 months ago, but now I am sick of this place. People here are so lethargic, and I don't understand how the company is functioning (I strongly doubt there is something fishy in the revenue generation of this company). I was hired with responsibilities including 60-70% recruitment and 30-40% of other HR activities, but until now, I am just doing recruitment for the company, that's it and nothing else. I have been here for the past 3 months, but you won't believe that barely anyone knows me because my HR Manager never introduced me to anyone here, and she restricts me if I try to socialize in the office.

Initially, I was informed that they have a staff of 147 employees, but now I have realized that they only have 123 headcounts. Every month, they hire 2 to 3 people and terminate 4 to 5 employees. The work culture is truly pathetic, intolerable, and uncultured. I cannot stay in this company even for one more day.

I am considering leaving the company without serving the notice period due to my dissatisfaction with the employment. However, if I submit my resignation stating that I cannot serve the notice period, they might reject my resignation and terminate me immediately. What should I do? Please advise!

Thanks!

"There is a solution to every human problem."

Considerations before quitting your job

I recommend never quitting your job without proper notice. Also, wait...

First of all, do not make impulsive decisions like "shall I quit," "this is a poor organization," "I can't stay here anymore," etc.

Unfortunately, you are in a country where HR is primarily known as a resource supplier, intellectually lazy, rule book enforcer, party coordinator, grievance officer, etc. Certainly, there are organizations managed by visionary leaders with excellent people practices, but the majority fall into the other segment.

However, HR is still a hot job and an interesting function (with good pay as well). According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an entry-level HR Professional in India is 5.75 Lakhs.

Steps to address your concerns

So, keep calm and now think, understand, and write down:
- the current problem(s)
- solutions available

In case you are unable to find a solution, just raise a ticket, and a specialist will help you.

Please understand, abandoning your job is never a solution, and the company has the full right to deny accepting your resignation without a notice period. If you truly wish to leave the company, you may either serve the notice period or pay in lieu of it. I believe both options are available in your appointment letter, as it is the case in many appointment letters. The reasons you provided do not really give you grounds to prove dissatisfaction with your work environment. The headcount specified to you before joining does not have a significant correlation with an unsatisfactory work culture, as the gap is not so big for everyone. Additionally, if your boss is not ready for you to socialize, there may be a reason for it which you can discuss with him/her. Socialization can also be done after working hours, which no one should object to, rather than in the office.

Thank you.

Dear Young (angry) Man,

The first employment principle

Never speak ill about your company. Two, if what you say is true, give them the due notice of bidding adieu, then as soon as you find an alternate opening, quit.

Analyzing your story

"The work culture is really pathetic, intolerable, and uncultured." We will really have to delve into what 'pathetic, intolerable & uncultured' mean. To you, obviously, they are an eyesore, but looking at them from the company's perspective, we may be on a totally different frequency. The reasons need to be understood, and your blame game must end.

Something 'fishy'

If you really can't concretize this perception, then there is again something wrong in the equation. This company is not for you!

Question marks

Your HR manager doesn’t allow you to socialize, right? Have you given her a reason to believe that if you socialize, you’d be creating some sort of a negative/unacceptable work environment for others?

Self-reflection

Take a good look at yourself, my young friend: professional ethics, the profession, and the ethics are all very important. Your career trajectory will advance reasonably fast if you have these three skills by your side at all times.

Regards, Arif ur Rehman

Dear Friend,

Nothing is happening as you dreamt of upon joining the job, which has made you mentally sick and decided to quit the job. Quitting the job is your own decision and has nothing to do with the management. Friend, when someone is not at ease with things around them, it's better to leave and stay happy. Do not make a hasty decision. If possible, search for a new job, and when you have it lined up, serve notice before leaving your current job. Do not rely solely on wishful thinking.

Thank you.

Many companies have this kind of culture. I suggest you stay here for a few more months and complete one year.

Other things:

- Mostly small to medium-sized IT companies are terminating and hiring 2-3 employees on average per month.
- About the environment: Due to this termination business, it is very obvious.
- Regarding your restriction with employees: Generally, it is advisable for an HR professional to maintain a distance from employees so they can make strict and fair decisions when the time comes and the situation requires it. You are young and have just joined, which is why your HR manager is giving you advice. Bear with it for some time. You will learn many things; just be patient.

Wishing you good luck!

Dear Anonymous,

Firstly, never speak ill of your company. You mentioned, "People over here are so lethargic." Why don't you come up with some games that you can play every weekend for half an hour or plan some activities that might boost their morale? A slight difference in the headcount doesn't matter. Try to generate good ideas and initiatives, and present them to your manager. You have a great opportunity to grow in this company. If you find yourself with spare time, read articles related to HR to keep yourself engaged. If you still feel that this company is unsatisfactory, intolerable, and lacking in culture, my dear friend, consider changing your job and start looking for a new one. Job satisfaction is essential for performance.

When you decide to leave, make sure to serve a proper notice period instead of being terminated. Leave the company on good terms.

All the best!

Dear Friend, I just wish to give you the following advice:

1. It's just the initial phase of your career. Don't try to judge people or any organization without having complete knowledge about it.

2. Don't speak poorly about your workplace.

3. Usually, most MSMEs have a similar work culture. You cannot choose a job expecting the environment you desire.

4. At least gain one year of experience in your current job as three months is a very short time to make a decision about staying or leaving.

5. Leave after serving a proper notice period. Depart from the company on good terms.