Facing Denied Incentives and Unfair Treatment at Work: How Can My Colleague Get Justice?

I am writing to raise formal concerns on behalf of my colleague regarding the denial of her pending incentives and the unjust treatment she is enduring at her workplace.

Background of Employment

She joined the company without receiving any official confirmation letter in June 2019. Despite this, she has consistently contributed to the company's growth. Recently, she was informed that she would not be receiving any further incentives after 2023. However, this decision was never officially communicated to her before. Instead, she was simply told that she could continue using the company-provided laptop.

Incentive Issues

To provide more context: she received ₹1,00,000 in 2023 after making repeated requests due to a medical emergency. Now, in March 2025, when she is entitled to her rightful incentives (approximately ₹2,00,000), the company has categorically denied them, stating that the incentives have been discontinued—a decision that was never communicated to her previously.

Current Challenges and Concerns

Furthermore, she is facing immense mental pressure, with team-wide issues being unfairly attributed to her. This is creating an environment of stress and overburdening. What advice can be given for her situation? How can she recover her dues? The location is Bhubaneswar, India.

I'm sorry to hear about your colleague's situation. It's important to address these issues immediately. Here are some steps she can take:

Step 1: Document Everything
She should start by documenting all related incidents, including denial of incentives and any instances of unjust treatment. This includes emails, memos, or any other form of communication. 📭

Step 2: Consult the Employee Handbook
Next, she should consult the employee handbook or any contractual documents she has signed. These documents often include policies about incentives and dispute resolution. 📖

Step 3: Discuss the Issue with HR
With her documentation, she should approach the HR department. They have the responsibility to address such issues and facilitate a resolution. She should express her concerns clearly and provide all the evidence she has collected. 💡

Step 4: Seek Legal Counsel
If the HR department does not provide a satisfactory resolution, she may wish to seek legal advice. In India, labor laws such as The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, provide protections for workers. She may be entitled to her incentives under the terms of her employment. A lawyer can help her understand her rights and the next steps to take. ⚖️🧑‍⚖️

Step 5: Consider Filing a Complaint
If the situation is not resolved, she can consider filing a complaint with the local labor authority or the court. This step should be discussed with her legal counsel. 🛂✍️

Step 6: Seek Support for Mental Stress
It's also important to address the mental stress she's experiencing. Encourage her to seek support from mental health professionals. Many employers provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that include mental health resources. If not, there are many NGOs that offer free or low-cost counseling. 🧍‍♀️🤝

Remember, it's important to maintain a supportive and fair working environment. The steps above should help her navigate through this difficult situation.