Feeling Unfairly Penalized for Helping During Demonetization: How Can I Get Rehired?

Hi, I am Sandhya, an ex-employee of XXXXX. I worked from 02/01/2012 to 29/12/2018 with good ratings and performance. However, due to a low salary, I left with the intention of rejoining with a better salary. During the demonetization period, a small amount of 10,000 INR was exchanged for customers in an emergency (funeral). This incident led to a decrease in my rating for that year, and now they have stopped rehiring me because of it.

Unfair Treatment During Rehiring Process

How can they justify this action when there were many frauds and scams worth crores during demonetization? It seems unfair that they would penalize me for only 10,000 INR and refuse to rehire me. The HR department at XXXXX does not seem to take responsibility for this issue, as they are unwilling to explain what happened and discuss potential solutions.

Seeking Solutions and Clarifications

I believe that for every problem, there is a solution. I inquired about any necessary approvals, but the HR department stated that there is no such policy in place.

Dear Sandhya, it appears that you are without a job. Unemployment increases one's frustration, and from your post, it seems that you are no exception.

You have tried rejoining your past company. However, your candidacy has been turned down because of some issue that occurred during demonetization. The market is vast and diverse. Instead of solely pinning your hopes on the past company, wouldn't it be better to explore opportunities beyond it? Therefore, show patience. We are currently going through a pandemic, and there is a slowdown in hiring. Once the market improves, the hiring process will commence, and you will secure a job.

If you are unemployed, you may consider spending time learning new skills. Acquiring new skills boosts one's confidence. If the thought of learning a new skill does not come to mind, at the very least, you can enhance your business English. Your post highlights this need!

All the best!

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Sandhya, you left the job of your own volition with the motive of seeking a better salary upon rehiring. However, you now find yourself upset at rejoining and placing blame on the HR of your former company. Yet, perhaps you fail to realize that often, the organization's policies are set by top management, and HR simply carries them out. So, why hold HR accountable for being at the forefront of these activities?

Having worked for seven years at your previous company, a significant tenure, it's possible you were quite emotionally attached to the organization. Nonetheless, please understand that change can be beneficial. Remember the famous proverb, "a rolling stone gathers no moss." Let your career stone continue to roll so that you may ascend. Who knows, a much better opportunity could be on the horizon. However, ask yourself, are you ready to seize that opportunity? If not, begin preparing now!

Best of luck!

Dinesh Divekar

P. S.: After joining an HR forum, you posted derogatory comments about HR professionals. Inadvertently, you may have exposed a facet of your personality. Though we are unfamiliar with you and have not interacted with you, based on your posts, members of the Citehr community could discern certain traits. If we could do this, why couldn't the HR professionals from your previous company with whom you may have engaged? Perhaps, the failure to be rehired stems from aspects of your personality that you may have revealed to your former company's HR team.

I understand what you must be going through. I think blaming HR for the company's decision will not help. HR is just representing the Head of Department or Owner. I see two alternatives in this case:

1. Approach your reporting manager, whom you used to report to, and express your desire to rejoin. Ask how you can go about it. Sort out any misunderstandings or grudges, if any. A word of caution—since you have already left that job, you need to justify why you would like to rejoin. Rejoining the same company is not easy, as one has to regain and rebuild confidence in the minds of the employer. It should be a responsible decision.

2. As rightly suggested by Divekar Sir, start finding another job. If you focus on it, you will get it one day. Aim to upskill yourself with the required skills.

All the best!

Reconsidering Rehiring Decisions

You left the organization with the intention of rejoining at a better salary. However, what made you believe that the same company would rehire you, especially at a higher salary? It seems you feel that due to a "small amount" (your perception) of Rs 10,000, the company is being unjust by declining to rehire you and blaming HR. It's important to understand that the decision to hire someone is the employer's choice, not yours.

In these circumstances, as rightly suggested, make a persuasive pitch for rehiring to the decision-makers in the company rather than getting frustrated with HR. Additionally, if you have the drive and the necessary competencies, you can surely land your dream job instead of focusing solely on this one. Success and progress come with the push of positive thoughts.

Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR and Employee Relations Consultant