'Salary credited at 10:00 AM, resignation at 10:05 AM': Indian HR talks about professional ethics

An Indian HR professional has ignited a discussion on workplace ethics after sharing an incident in which an employee submitted their resignation just minutes after receiving their monthly salary.

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In a post on LinkedIn, Priyadarshini wrote, "Let’s talk about professional ethics. You were trained for weeks. The HR team invested hours into your onboarding and documentation. The company welcomed you, trusted you, and gave you a platform to grow. And then—five minutes after your first salary hit your account—you walked away. Was that fair? Was it ethical?" 

She further challenged the decision, writing, "If you never intended to stay, why take the job? Why go through the process? Why remain silent during onboarding or training?"

According to her, a resignation after payday reflects "a lack of intent, maturity, and accountability," and sends the wrong message to both employers and colleagues.

"Growth doesn’t come with your first paycheck — it comes with perseverance. So before pointing fingers at “culture” or “role mismatch,” Pause. Reflect. Communicate. Because in the end, your professionalism is defined not by your post — but by your actions," she added.

Netizens reaction

Priyadarshini’s post has received more than 2,200 reactions and over 800 comments, sparking a wide range of opinions. While some supported her stance, others argued the issue is more complex.

“Sometimes companies are becoming inhuman these days,” a user wrote.

“If the company paid the employee fairly and avoided a toxic culture, they wouldn’t resign,” another said.

Others noted that better opportunities can prompt quick resignations. “Fully agree, but if a better opportunity comes, what should an employee do?” one user asked.

Some criticised HR practices themselves. “Is HR very ethical?” one commenter questioned, while another wrote, “It’s vice versa, billing stops today and you’re laid off tomorrow by HR. Employees have to be smart to run their house.”