Employee Wants to Withdraw Resignation: How Should HR Handle This Situation?

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Point-to-Ponder:

What should the employer or HR head do if one of their employees applies for the withdrawal/cancellation of their resignation request letter filed just fifteen (15) calendar days ago without giving a reason for the withdrawal?

As per the terms of the employment contract, any employee can apply for and submit a "Resignation Request Letter." Upon receipt, the employer has to consider and make a decision and convey/inform the concerned employee about the employer's decision.

Avid readers and professionals are welcome to share their advice, comments, guidance, and views, please.

Harsh Kumar Sharan, XLRI Alumnus Kritarth Consulting Pvt Ltd; Specialist Educator PoSH Mandatory Programs; Serving Member (External) on ICs PAN India; Domestic Inquiry Specialist, Open for Engagement as Freelancer, [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons] [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons] Blog: https://holistichr.blogpost.com 27th July 2022

Dear Mr. Harsh Kumar Sharan,

Your question is "What should the employer or HR head do if one of their employees applies for the withdrawal/cancellation of his/her resignation request letter filed by him/herself just fifteen (15) calendar days ago without giving a reason for withdrawal?"

Reply: If the employee submits a letter to withdraw the resignation letter, the HR head can send a letter asking why he/she wishes to withdraw the letter. There is nothing wrong with seeking clarification.

Whether a reason for the withdrawal of the resignation is provided or not, it is at the discretion of the management to accept or reject the request. However, while making a decision, the HR head must verify if the management had accepted the resignation and communicated the "Acceptance of Resignation." In some companies, the letter of resignation may have a specified date by which it can be withdrawn, which provides clarity.

Regardless of the administrative procedures on paper, HR always considers the value of the employee and whether their departure is regrettable. The decision on the submission or withdrawal of the resignation ultimately depends on HR's ability to find a suitable replacement, the uniqueness of the work done, and other factors.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar