Seeking Advice on Dealing with Workplace Discrimination, Excessive Workload, and Unfair Leave Rejection by Higher Authorities

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this client HR site, but I'm confident that my post will reach many knowledgeable people who can guide me through this situation.

My Head of Department (HOD) publicly insulted me based on a complaint from a former close colleague who was trying to win favor for an upcoming Teacher's Day award. The HOD called me into his office and began to manipulate me with leading questions. When I expressed my concern about being assigned more work than others, he responded harshly, telling me it was not my place to decide. He advised me to take my concerns to the DA and HR. Despite my attempts to explain my point of view, he abruptly dismissed me from his office.

This encounter left me feeling upset and demoralised. Due to the emotional toll, I decided to take a leave of absence. However, my HOD rejected my leave application without explanation. Even after I brought up his error in handling my leave request, he casually dismissed it and reiterated the leave rejection.

The HOD has continued to overload me with work, often disregarding my lunch breaks and class schedules. The principal has backed the HOD, urging me to complete the tasks without excuses.

I have received another job offer, but I wish to leave this college after receiving my arrears and salary, which are due soon because of the Deepavali holiday on October 21st. I'm considering submitting an immediate resignation. However, until then, I'm having difficulty facing the HOD and my colleagues, who seem to be supporting him and sidelining me.

I am seeking advice on how to handle this situation, report the HOD's misconduct, ensure my leave gets approved, and survive in this environment until October 21st without escalating conflicts in the department.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some steps you can take to address this:

1. Document everything: Keep a record of all incidents, including dates, times, places, and any witnesses. This will be useful if you need to provide evidence of your HOD's behaviour.

2. Report to HR: Submit a formal complaint to your HR department detailing the incidents. Include your documented evidence. If you have already done this and received no response, consider escalating the issue to a higher level or the corporate office, if applicable.

3. Consult a legal professional: If your situation doesn't improve or worsens, you may want to consult a lawyer or a legal professional. They can guide you on the best course of action based on labor laws.

4. Seek support: Reach out to your colleagues, friends, or a professional counselor for emotional support. It's important to take care of your mental health during this stressful time.

5. Plan your exit: If you've decided to resign, make sure you understand the terms of your contract. If you're owed any salary or benefits, ensure you receive them before you leave. If your employer refuses to pay, you may need to seek legal advice.

6. Prepare for your next job: If you've received another job offer, start preparing for your transition. Make sure you leave your current job on good terms to avoid burning bridges.

Remember, it's important to stand up for your rights. Don't let anyone treat you unfairly. You deserve a safe and respectful work environment.