Dear Seniors,
I work in an engineering services company. We currently only hire male candidates, and I am the only female working as HR in this company. Whenever I have to address them, they tend to behave in a very rude manner, and I am unsure of how to proceed.
Please suggest how I can effectively deal with employees in such an organization.
From India, Bangalore
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1I work in an engineering services company. We currently only hire male candidates, and I am the only female working as HR in this company. Whenever I have to address them, they tend to behave in a very rude manner, and I am unsure of how to proceed.
Please suggest how I can effectively deal with employees in such an organization.
From India, Bangalore
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Hi Rashmi,
You could speak to your senior and call for a meeting where the higher-ups will have to make it very clear to all the engineers that you are the one point of contact between them and the top management. As a result, all the things communicated by you need to be taken seriously. But please note not to complain about any individual particularly, as this will result in revolt by the entire group. Even after that, if they continue to disobey, then you could reveal the names of those individuals. Until this is done, they will continue to misbehave. All the best.
Regards,
Anita
From India, Mumbai
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You could speak to your senior and call for a meeting where the higher-ups will have to make it very clear to all the engineers that you are the one point of contact between them and the top management. As a result, all the things communicated by you need to be taken seriously. But please note not to complain about any individual particularly, as this will result in revolt by the entire group. Even after that, if they continue to disobey, then you could reveal the names of those individuals. Until this is done, they will continue to misbehave. All the best.
Regards,
Anita
From India, Mumbai
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Dear Anita,
Thank you for your reply. The issue is that the previous HR person who worked here was very lenient and never addressed any concerns with the employees. However, I am very focused on responsibilities and ensuring that company policies are followed. When I try to correct them, they perceive me as rude and begin to compare me to the previous HR.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
From India, Bangalore
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Thank you for your reply. The issue is that the previous HR person who worked here was very lenient and never addressed any concerns with the employees. However, I am very focused on responsibilities and ensuring that company policies are followed. When I try to correct them, they perceive me as rude and begin to compare me to the previous HR.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
From India, Bangalore
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Hi Rashmi,
This is the most common practice, which is why it's important to involve your senior at this point to show them that you are serious about implementing the policies. By doing so, you will be able to handle everything without needing help from higher-ups.
Before proceeding, I would like to offer a word of caution: do not expect to bring about change overnight. Take the time to understand your current office environment, identify the problems they are facing, and establish good relationships with your colleagues. Additionally, try to assist in solving a few problems; this will earn their respect for you and your work. Remember, every relationship is based on give and take. Therefore, take it slow with them as they are accustomed to a level of freedom. If you try to push matters too forcefully, they may perceive you as bossy and rude. Evaluate their performance and act accordingly.
I hope this advice proves helpful to you.
Regards,
Anita
From India, Mumbai
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This is the most common practice, which is why it's important to involve your senior at this point to show them that you are serious about implementing the policies. By doing so, you will be able to handle everything without needing help from higher-ups.
Before proceeding, I would like to offer a word of caution: do not expect to bring about change overnight. Take the time to understand your current office environment, identify the problems they are facing, and establish good relationships with your colleagues. Additionally, try to assist in solving a few problems; this will earn their respect for you and your work. Remember, every relationship is based on give and take. Therefore, take it slow with them as they are accustomed to a level of freedom. If you try to push matters too forcefully, they may perceive you as bossy and rude. Evaluate their performance and act accordingly.
I hope this advice proves helpful to you.
Regards,
Anita
From India, Mumbai
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Hello Rashmi,
In the context of what Anita mentioned, please take extra note of her lines: "find out what problem they are facing and develop a good relationship with them. Also, try to help them solve a few problems."
Unless you win their confidence, any involvement of the management in such matters is bound to be a temporary solution—presuming it doesn't rebound.
You haven't mentioned since when you are working here, but irrespective of the timeframe, I guess, by now, you must have noticed at least a few issues or problem areas where the employees might be getting hurt or affected. I suggest taking them up on a priority basis on your own with the boss and discussing with him/her along with possible solutions or choices where both the company and the employees benefit. If you can select a problem area where the maximum number are being affected, the better—since that will give you a chance to convert a majority in your favor, in a single stroke.
The idea is to convey discreetly/subtly to the employees that you care for them. Such things are more effective this way (i.e., they realizing) than if you were to open your mouth and convey.
Hope you get the idea/point.
All the best.
Rgds,
TS
From India, Hyderabad
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In the context of what Anita mentioned, please take extra note of her lines: "find out what problem they are facing and develop a good relationship with them. Also, try to help them solve a few problems."
Unless you win their confidence, any involvement of the management in such matters is bound to be a temporary solution—presuming it doesn't rebound.
You haven't mentioned since when you are working here, but irrespective of the timeframe, I guess, by now, you must have noticed at least a few issues or problem areas where the employees might be getting hurt or affected. I suggest taking them up on a priority basis on your own with the boss and discussing with him/her along with possible solutions or choices where both the company and the employees benefit. If you can select a problem area where the maximum number are being affected, the better—since that will give you a chance to convert a majority in your favor, in a single stroke.
The idea is to convey discreetly/subtly to the employees that you care for them. Such things are more effective this way (i.e., they realizing) than if you were to open your mouth and convey.
Hope you get the idea/point.
All the best.
Rgds,
TS
From India, Hyderabad
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Hi Rashmi,
Somehow, your query attracted my attention, maybe because when I joined the organization I am working with, I was the only female. Many companies, due to their nature of function, are male dominant. Again, the lady working before me in the same position was not too strong in communicating the policies clearly and taking a stand. I did face similar issues in the beginning.
It's human tendency to like or praise the one who is not present just to use it as a weapon to bring you down. But never surrender. No one in this world is irreplaceable, and if you are ready to take your stand with due explanation and reasoning, no company or employees can make you feel low.
First, understand the management's view towards employees following the policy. Do they really want to bring about cultural change?
Secondly, find out why employees are avoiding following the policies; are they anticipating some amendments that are more employee-friendly (I hope you understand - just check if the policies are not too stringent).
Thirdly, identify the leaders in the organization who mostly influence a set of employees and have been there for a long time. Talking to them and understanding the history and past of the organization can be very helpful (trust me, this is most important).
Then, start taking hold of certain approvals and sanctions (let your management give you the authority and power to enforce the policies in place). You will surely notice a difference. However, this might take 6 to 8 months. You have not mentioned how long you have served this company and what efforts you have already made, so this suggestion might or might not be helpful. But if you haven't tried this, I bet it is going to work for you. Just give yourself time.
From India, Ahmedabad
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Somehow, your query attracted my attention, maybe because when I joined the organization I am working with, I was the only female. Many companies, due to their nature of function, are male dominant. Again, the lady working before me in the same position was not too strong in communicating the policies clearly and taking a stand. I did face similar issues in the beginning.
It's human tendency to like or praise the one who is not present just to use it as a weapon to bring you down. But never surrender. No one in this world is irreplaceable, and if you are ready to take your stand with due explanation and reasoning, no company or employees can make you feel low.
First, understand the management's view towards employees following the policy. Do they really want to bring about cultural change?
Secondly, find out why employees are avoiding following the policies; are they anticipating some amendments that are more employee-friendly (I hope you understand - just check if the policies are not too stringent).
Thirdly, identify the leaders in the organization who mostly influence a set of employees and have been there for a long time. Talking to them and understanding the history and past of the organization can be very helpful (trust me, this is most important).
Then, start taking hold of certain approvals and sanctions (let your management give you the authority and power to enforce the policies in place). You will surely notice a difference. However, this might take 6 to 8 months. You have not mentioned how long you have served this company and what efforts you have already made, so this suggestion might or might not be helpful. But if you haven't tried this, I bet it is going to work for you. Just give yourself time.
From India, Ahmedabad
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I agree with the member above with their valuable and well defined responses but, in addition to this I would like to start with a request to clarify “We hire only male candidates” and are you the only female personnel working with HR department with other male personnel or the only one female HR personnel there responsible for all HR activities?
-Have you ever tried to fill any position with female candidate in past in your company?
And, if yes, but you were not authorised to do so with any reason or by your seniors than what were the reasons and responses of your Boss/seniors in this regard, accept that they feel you are rude. Because the comparison with previous HR personnel is, obvious but to be rude is different thing and does not make any sense here that made me puzzle.
See some time, the old and small company/organizations where they still are running far behind from the corporate /advance work system and culture, feel not good with new work system and changes, and never accept it easily too. That is actually the problem with your company seems to me.
Third, as other and Anita said that you need to speak to your Boss/ seniors in this regard, you must do that, but you already have done this and got the result of your action like you said above that whenever you tried to speak to them on this issue getting accused and compare with previous HR personnel and work, therefore, now you not just need to speak to them but have to show them the need of new work system and required/ necessary changes for best working/ future and business. You have to tackle this with your mind with your wise action plan that will attract them and help you to convince to make changes.
In the situation as you are these days, advertently says that you are not fully authorised to take action in regard to development of work system there and it doesn’t matter to them whether you are operating an HR department in the company or not but are just assigned to handle and finish your work. So now it is really important to get them realize the value of HR department and personnel until then you won’t be able to make system better. Moreover, I would say you have a really good and big opportunity to work and learn from this but a big challenge to make this possible too.
Please list out the problems/issues that you have to discuss with your seniors
-changes that you require but for this you also have to be very wise and reasonable
-you have to limit yourself and need to be more tactful while dealing with your employees and seniors
-make the changes but start with slow and small changes, and for their implementation – (Example) if there are problem of late coming /attendance, lacks and employee responses in this regard, you can make necessary changes and let your Bosses know the effectiveness of these changes.
You said that your employees has attitude, behavior and other related of problems,
-you need to go for Behavioural Management Program or Individual Behaviour Management Plan by showing your seniors the effectiveness of these program, so that, you can convince them for conducting these program, because you can’t deal with this problem so easily and explain it as a problem to your seniors, also they not gonna accept it too.
-No need to be too nice or too professional - control over your reactions and response to all with whatever activity and your work, and do not let them get any chance to say you are rude (being soft but professional)
“Don't expect to bring change over night” Anita
Now hope you got many ideas to work with and I have made myself clear with solutions of your problem after the suggestions provided by other members
Best of Luck
From India, Gurgaon
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-Have you ever tried to fill any position with female candidate in past in your company?
And, if yes, but you were not authorised to do so with any reason or by your seniors than what were the reasons and responses of your Boss/seniors in this regard, accept that they feel you are rude. Because the comparison with previous HR personnel is, obvious but to be rude is different thing and does not make any sense here that made me puzzle.
See some time, the old and small company/organizations where they still are running far behind from the corporate /advance work system and culture, feel not good with new work system and changes, and never accept it easily too. That is actually the problem with your company seems to me.
Third, as other and Anita said that you need to speak to your Boss/ seniors in this regard, you must do that, but you already have done this and got the result of your action like you said above that whenever you tried to speak to them on this issue getting accused and compare with previous HR personnel and work, therefore, now you not just need to speak to them but have to show them the need of new work system and required/ necessary changes for best working/ future and business. You have to tackle this with your mind with your wise action plan that will attract them and help you to convince to make changes.
In the situation as you are these days, advertently says that you are not fully authorised to take action in regard to development of work system there and it doesn’t matter to them whether you are operating an HR department in the company or not but are just assigned to handle and finish your work. So now it is really important to get them realize the value of HR department and personnel until then you won’t be able to make system better. Moreover, I would say you have a really good and big opportunity to work and learn from this but a big challenge to make this possible too.
Please list out the problems/issues that you have to discuss with your seniors
-changes that you require but for this you also have to be very wise and reasonable
-you have to limit yourself and need to be more tactful while dealing with your employees and seniors
-make the changes but start with slow and small changes, and for their implementation – (Example) if there are problem of late coming /attendance, lacks and employee responses in this regard, you can make necessary changes and let your Bosses know the effectiveness of these changes.
You said that your employees has attitude, behavior and other related of problems,
-you need to go for Behavioural Management Program or Individual Behaviour Management Plan by showing your seniors the effectiveness of these program, so that, you can convince them for conducting these program, because you can’t deal with this problem so easily and explain it as a problem to your seniors, also they not gonna accept it too.
-No need to be too nice or too professional - control over your reactions and response to all with whatever activity and your work, and do not let them get any chance to say you are rude (being soft but professional)
“Don't expect to bring change over night” Anita
Now hope you got many ideas to work with and I have made myself clear with solutions of your problem after the suggestions provided by other members
Best of Luck
From India, Gurgaon
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