Ex-Employee Skipped Notice Period for New Job: How Should I Handle Her Husband's Threats?

One of my ex-employees joined a new firm without a relieving order. She did not serve the notice period in our company, citing medical reasons. However, she immediately started at the new firm. A mail was sent to her new employer regarding this issue. Is this right or wrong? Her husband, upon learning about the situation, called and threatened me, using offensive language.

How should this situation be handled?

Dear Usha, what has happened with you is unfortunate. If the employee abandons her duties and joins a new company, then there is nothing wrong per se in informing the new company about the abandonment of her employment. In fact, that company should not have taken her on board without proper verification of the separation.

As far as the threat by the woman employee's husband is concerned, just ignore it. Consider this as a professional hazard. However, keep your employer informed through written communication about the incident. In case he calls you on your mobile, try recording the audio call. Never disclose to him about the recording. Be polite from your side when the call takes place.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

The advice given by Mr. Dinesh is apt for handling external threats to the supervisory/managerial cadre of employees in any organization during the discharge of their duties. It is advisable to urge your employer to take appropriate legal action in this regard.

Additionally, your management must deal strictly with any acts that flout the terms of the employment contract to serve as an effective deterrent to others. It is recommended to initiate disciplinary action against the ex-employee for the misconduct of abandoning their service.

Thank you so much, Mr. Dinesh and Mr. Umakanthan. I had escalated the same to my higher officials. I strongly believe an employee should help in a smooth transition during relieving. People who cheat their ex-employers should face the consequences. We do not hold anyone from joining anywhere. But every employee should be responsible and accountable when a job is given to them.

Thank you.

Regards,
Usha N

Dear Usha,

I agree with the above two answers but would also like to add some suggestions. You can conduct weekly or monthly feedback sessions with employees, allowing them to write anonymously about their needs and requirements. Encouraging employees to work towards a cause they care about can help them stay engaged and content for longer.

Regards,
Tmt Aba