Absconding Definition
Absconding refers to a situation in which a staff member does not report to work for consecutive days without prior information. If the worker remains uncontactable and has not informed their managers, peers, or anyone in the organisation for more than three consecutive days, they may be classified as an absconder.
FAQs
Is absconding and termination the same?
No, absconding and termination are not the same. It refers to a staff leaving their job without notice, while termination is a formal exit commenced by the employer/ HR.
Why is absconding bad?
There are better ways to exist from an organisation. It disrupts workflows, impacts team morale, and creates additional work for the employer, such as hiring replacements or handling pending tasks (all at the same time).
What are the reasons an employee absconds from work?
Employees may abscond from work due to several issues including, workplace conflicts, job frustration, financial problems, family issues, or distress of consequences like underperformance reviews.
Why do employees abscond or leave without notice?
Employees often leave without notice due to sudden personal emergencies, dissatisfaction with work culture, or better opportunities elsewhere.
Can any employee abscond from the company?
Yes, any employee can technically abscond from the company, but doing so violates their employment contract and can lead to legal or professional consequences.
Can the employee join another company after absconding?
Starting a job in another company is definitely possible but an individual should know that abscondment can deteriorate their reputation as an employee. Most of the times, background checks reveal the incident.
How to stop absconding employees?
Organisations can create an open and supportive work environment where staff can effortlessly address their grievances. Implementing clear communication policies is one of the first steps to set up a supportive work environment.
How do you deal with an employee who leaves all of a sudden?
When an employee absconds suddenly, the company should initially try to contact them to know the reason behind their decision and document the incident for HR records.
What measures are there to prevent an employee from abscondment?
Measures such as regular employee engagement, clear policies on exit procedures, and accessible grievance mechanisms can reduce such cases.
Does an employee get their salary if they abscond from the company?
No, employees who abscond without notice may forfeit their salary, as companies typically hold it to recover costs or as per the employment contract terms.
Can the employee abscond without serving the notice period?
Yes, an employee can abscond without serving the notice period. However, it is a breach of contract resulting in financial or legal consequences.
What happens if someone absconds during the notice period?
If staff absconds during the notice period, the management team may withhold their relieving letter, final settlement, or take legal action.
What will affect an employee’s career after absconding from the first employer?
Absconding from your first employer can negatively impact your career, as it raises red flags during background verification for future jobs.
How do you track employees from absconding?
Companies can track these cases by monitoring attendance systems, conducting regular check-ins, and following up with employees showing early warning signs.
How to report an absconding employee?
HR should document the absence, attempt communication, and escalate the issue to management if necessary.
What legal action can be taken if an employee absconds?
If an employee absconds, legal action can be taken, such as issuing a legal notice or initiating recovery proceedings for unpaid dues.
Is absconding a felony?
No, it is generally not considered a felony. However, depending on the circumstances, it can have serious professional and legal consequences.