Facing Health Challenges and Work-from-Home Dilemma: Could I Face Disciplinary Action?

Hi, I have been working in a renowned listed company for 9 years and am suffering from a severe debilitating chronic illness. I am able to work only due to the accommodation provided by my employer as requested by MS, MD, and DM doctors through their medical certificate. I have also taken a staff home loan. I have been working from home with a deterioration in health, but the super boss is not willing to give permission to work from home.

The newly joined HR manager had asked for work-from-home approval, but after submitting medical certificates and documents, the HR manager didn't come back asking for approval. In this situation, is there a possibility of disciplinary or financial action against me? Should I shift my concession staff loan provided by the employer to another bank without the benefit of the low-interest rate of the staff loan as I'm concerned about disciplinary action/financial penalty due to working from home without permission?

Please advise. 

Working from home and housing loan considerations

Your working from home status is not directly related to your housing loan. If your presence in the office is necessary due to the nature of your business or operations, management can revoke the work-from-home privilege granted to you. This concept emerged as a result of COVID-19, and previously, employees might have resigned to prioritize their health. Therefore, working from home should not be considered a right.

Housing loan implications

Regarding your housing loan, as long as you remain employed, you can maintain it. If you leave the company, you will need to repay the loan. In such a case, obtaining a new housing loan from the bank might be challenging, as banks typically offer loans to customers with a regular income. Additionally, upon joining a new company, you may not be able to provide necessary documents like a salary certificate or Form 16 to the bank.

Health and employment considerations

If health issues are the reason for leaving your current company, which provides housing loans, it may be difficult to join another company. Remaining with your present employer could be the best option. If your health prevents you from traveling to the office, finding an alternative solution is necessary. The decision is yours. If you continue receiving a salary and your housing loan EMI is deducted from it, management cannot take disciplinary action against you, except for not adhering to office orders or not reporting to the office.