Handling Unresponsive Employees: What Should HR Do After Issuing Show Cause Notices?

I have issued two show cause notices to workers regarding unauthorized absence over the past month. However, there has been no response from their side. Could you please advise on the next steps to be taken from the HR department?

Hi, I hope you meant to say that those employees absconded from work without any information and that you had issued a show-cause notice. In the case of no response even after the issue of the letter, you should proceed with further disciplinary action, such as termination of employment. But before that, please ensure that the show-cause notice is received by those employees and also try to reach them through all possible sources. Provide a sufficient timeframe for those employees before proceeding with termination.

The recipient is required to respond to the notice within the specified time frame. You can put the employee on suspension if the recipient fails to respond until they provide a satisfactory explanation. Otherwise, you can terminate them if they don't have a valid explanation for the misconduct, especially if they are habitual violators.

While issuing a show cause notice against a complaint or alleged misconduct, a 24 or 48-hour time limit is given to submit a reply. Also, it is stated: "In case we don't receive your reply within the above period, it will be presumed that you have accepted the misconduct and have nothing to say, and necessary disciplinary action shall be initiated as per the law." Accordingly, suitable disciplinary action can be initiated against such employees, depending upon the gravity of the misconduct.