Notice Period Dilemma: Can a Mistake Force Me to Stay Longer at My Job?

Hello sir, I am currently serving a notice period. I mistakenly sent an email to my personal email ID, which is an IS violation. The investigation is ongoing. Can the company compel me to stay after serving the notice period?

Hi, it depends on the IT policy of the company and also on the content of the email with the attachment. Have you forwarded any confidential or secret information to your personal email ID? If so, there is a chance your employer may initiate disciplinary action. However, if the content of the email is normal, there likely won't be any issue, except perhaps a warning. Mostly, they won't force you to continue beyond the notice period, and they might even relieve you early if necessary.

There is nothing to panic about; do not communicate with the company regarding the cause. If you need to communicate at all, seek advice from experts. You should control your emotions until the last date of the notice period. The company did not conduct any disciplinary inquiry but instead allowed you to resign and leave. Resignation is generally considered a personal decision, but do not offer unconditional apologies or admit guilt for violating company policies unless those policies are clearly provided to employees.