Indian Overseas Bank Berhampur Staff’s Leave Banned Amid Quarter-Ending Pressure

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) under Berhampur Region has released an order that mentions that the leaves for the employees are restricted for the month of September. The bankers expressed deep concern over a new directive that bans all staff leave during the upcoming half-year closing on September 30th, 2025. According to staff, the order issued on September 9th, demands 100% attendance and classifies any leave without Regional Head approval as unauthorised, adding to what they describe as mounting “quarter-ending pressure”.

Half-year or quarter-ending exercises are critical periods for banks to close books, finalise accounts, and report key performance indicators (KPIs). While such deadlines are part of routine banking operations, employees say blanket restrictions on leave ignore personal emergencies and disrupt work-life balance.

Directive Details
As per the circular:
1) Branch Managers cannot proceed on leave unless the reason is genuinely unavoidable and        explicitly approved by the Regional Head (SRM).
2) Other staff can be granted leave only with proper justification and confirmation from the           Regional Office.
3) Any leave sanctioned without proper approval will be treated as unauthorised.
4) Branch Managers have been instructed to strictly enforce the directive and ensure 100%             attendance during the period.

Image: Circular from IOB Berhampur about leave restrictions

Several employees feel that this kind of directives “feels like intimidation” and “treats bankers like bonded labour”. They allege that for management “only KPIs and targets matter” while staff health, family commitments and dignity are given “zero priority”. Employees say quarter-ending pressure is being turned into a “blanket control mechanism” rather than managed with proper staffing and planning.

Banking staff and unions have previously criticised such leave bans, arguing that banks can maintain compliance standards without undermining statutory leave rights. They advocate for a case-by-case approach instead of blanket restrictions, especially during peak workload periods.

Employees are urging bank management to reconsider these kinds of restrictions and think thoroughly before announcing or sharing the orders. They stress that efficient half-year closing can be achieved through better planning and balanced human-resource practices rather than rigid attendance mandates.

Conclusion
The controversy highlights a recurring tension in public sector banks between compliance-driven targets during quarter-ending periods and the humane treatment of staff.