I am working for an IT consulting company for almost 2 1/2 years. I joined as a developer initially and later took up a project-leading role. I requested a service line change from developer to leading areas as my stronger area is project leadership rather than technical aspects, with around 10 years of overall experience. Some of the initial projects I worked on had bad technical experiences, but I excelled in project leading and took on some projects as a project leader.
The issue now is that my company does not have enough project lead roles, and my current project has ended. Only developer and development positions are available, and I have been on the bench for 2 months. During this time, I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) but successfully completed the process within the agreed 8-week period, meeting all expectations. However, I have not received confirmation from management that my PIP process has ended. Instead, I was assigned to another short-term project for 2 months, implying that I am continuing in the organization in my current status. Unfortunately, this new project has ended due to the client's organizational restructuring.
Now, HR and the project manager have called me for a meeting, suggesting I look for other opportunities and pressuring me to resign. They claim there are no positions for me as a Project Lead, and they believe I am not a suitable fit for developer roles in their projects. They are urging me to resign and serve a notice period of 2 months, threatening termination on performance grounds otherwise. According to our HR policy, non-performing employees are put on a 6-8 week PIP, and if no improvement is shown, termination follows.
In my case, although I was placed on a PIP and not officially informed of its successful completion, I fulfilled all requirements and submitted the necessary work and artifacts as outlined in the PIP. Subsequently, I was assigned to another project for 2 months, indicating they did not terminate me immediately after the PIP.
Given these circumstances, it seems unjust for them to request my resignation. What legal options do I have? How can they disrupt my financial planning, affecting my children's education, family support, and mental well-being? I have not resigned yet but am facing a significant dilemma. What is your best advice?
From India, Hyderabad
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The issue now is that my company does not have enough project lead roles, and my current project has ended. Only developer and development positions are available, and I have been on the bench for 2 months. During this time, I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) but successfully completed the process within the agreed 8-week period, meeting all expectations. However, I have not received confirmation from management that my PIP process has ended. Instead, I was assigned to another short-term project for 2 months, implying that I am continuing in the organization in my current status. Unfortunately, this new project has ended due to the client's organizational restructuring.
Now, HR and the project manager have called me for a meeting, suggesting I look for other opportunities and pressuring me to resign. They claim there are no positions for me as a Project Lead, and they believe I am not a suitable fit for developer roles in their projects. They are urging me to resign and serve a notice period of 2 months, threatening termination on performance grounds otherwise. According to our HR policy, non-performing employees are put on a 6-8 week PIP, and if no improvement is shown, termination follows.
In my case, although I was placed on a PIP and not officially informed of its successful completion, I fulfilled all requirements and submitted the necessary work and artifacts as outlined in the PIP. Subsequently, I was assigned to another project for 2 months, indicating they did not terminate me immediately after the PIP.
Given these circumstances, it seems unjust for them to request my resignation. What legal options do I have? How can they disrupt my financial planning, affecting my children's education, family support, and mental well-being? I have not resigned yet but am facing a significant dilemma. What is your best advice?
From India, Hyderabad
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Advice on Handling Employment Termination
If the employer has decided not to continue with you, then there is no point in staying. Your performance is not in question; if it were, they would never have given you a chance to resign but would have terminated you by the end of the PIP. Practically, I would suggest you look for a job change. You should have foreseen this when you were put on the bench.
Steps to Take
Call for a meeting and seek help from your PM and HR. Tell them that you are considering a change. Also, inform them that you may require additional time, as there will be limited hiring by the end of the calendar year. In the worst case, expect a notice period of 2 months' salary and request a service letter until you secure a job, which should not take more than 4 months. Good luck!
PS - Send a copy of your resume to [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons].
From India, Bangalore
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482If the employer has decided not to continue with you, then there is no point in staying. Your performance is not in question; if it were, they would never have given you a chance to resign but would have terminated you by the end of the PIP. Practically, I would suggest you look for a job change. You should have foreseen this when you were put on the bench.
Steps to Take
Call for a meeting and seek help from your PM and HR. Tell them that you are considering a change. Also, inform them that you may require additional time, as there will be limited hiring by the end of the calendar year. In the worst case, expect a notice period of 2 months' salary and request a service letter until you secure a job, which should not take more than 4 months. Good luck!
PS - Send a copy of your resume to [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons].
From India, Bangalore
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Performance Improvement Plan.doc