Absconding

Definition and Meaning

An employee who leaves work without notice by being absent for three or more days (or higher) has committed the act of absconding from their job due to no communication between the employee and employer, and has not provided the employer with a formal resignation. This act creates several problems for both the Employer and Employee, including workflow issues, decreased Employee morale, and may create future problems for the Employee regarding background checks and possible legal or financial problems, as well. HR will address an employee who has absconded with a show cause notice, attempts to contact, possible deductions from dues, or termination of the contract in accordance with policy.

Importance of HR (Why should we care?)

• Enables HR to take prompt action against Employee Abandonment cases.
• Eliminates an organization’s vulnerabilities to Operational Risks and Compliance Violations.
• Facilitates precise Payroll , Attendance , and Workforce Records.
• Establishes Just Uniformity in conducting Exit Management’s Disciplinary Processes.
• Eliminates the potential misappropriation of salaries, Benefits or Company assets.

Legal Compliance

India does not have one law that describes the word “absconding”. However, the majority of how companies handle absconding employees falls under either of the following areas:

• Company Human Resources Policies and Standing Orders
• Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act (1946) Relevant to Establishments Applicability
• Principles of Natural Justice (i.e., Notice, Opportunity to Respond).

Companies need to follow the documented processes set out internally before marking an employee as having absconded.