Dear Seniors,
I am working in a very small company with a staff of 40 people, out of which 80% of the staff are very old and have been working for almost 5 to 10 years in this organization. Previously, there was no HR, and the system is really spoiled. I joined here in September and implemented policies, procedures, an attendance system, and time management system.
Since these employees have never followed any rules and know that our MD will not dismiss them under any circumstances, they are all harassing me in various ways. While this situation is not affecting me significantly, I am still not comfortable working here.
What should I do in such a case, and how should I handle them?
Awaiting your response.
Regards,
Amee
From India, Mumbai
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1I am working in a very small company with a staff of 40 people, out of which 80% of the staff are very old and have been working for almost 5 to 10 years in this organization. Previously, there was no HR, and the system is really spoiled. I joined here in September and implemented policies, procedures, an attendance system, and time management system.
Since these employees have never followed any rules and know that our MD will not dismiss them under any circumstances, they are all harassing me in various ways. While this situation is not affecting me significantly, I am still not comfortable working here.
What should I do in such a case, and how should I handle them?
Awaiting your response.
Regards,
Amee
From India, Mumbai
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[QUOTE=VINSAGAR;976826]Dear Ameevaishnav,
Please first tell me, what type of policies have you implemented for employees?
What a demotivating statement. We create policies for employees, not against them. May I offer a candid opinion, Mr. Amee? Consider leaving. It will be a significant challenge for you to align these loyal liabilities. Seek out a better opportunity.
From India, Mumbai
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Please first tell me, what type of policies have you implemented for employees?
What a demotivating statement. We create policies for employees, not against them. May I offer a candid opinion, Mr. Amee? Consider leaving. It will be a significant challenge for you to align these loyal liabilities. Seek out a better opportunity.
From India, Mumbai
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Now is the time to prove yourself as a real HR professional. Quitting the job is not advisable. Ultimately, "HR" is tasked with handling human-related issues. Try to explain the policies as benefits to the employees and the organization, whether they are for the long run. However, if you lose hope, you cannot survive; you may face the same problems even in another company.
Amee, you are appointed to oversee such issues; you should demonstrate your value to the management. All the best!
Regards,
Nirmal Anand
From India, Hyderabad
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Amee, you are appointed to oversee such issues; you should demonstrate your value to the management. All the best!
Regards,
Nirmal Anand
From India, Hyderabad
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Keep in mind,there are rare opportunities for HR in the Market, so try to retain with the company.take care. Regards, Nirmal Anand
From India, Hyderabad
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From India, Hyderabad
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I agree with Mr. Nirmal Anand. A few months ago, I was in the same position, but gradually I gained the confidence of management and employees. I am still not at 100%, but there is a lot of difference. So, never lose hope, talk with employees. It will take time, but you will definitely be able to make your position in the organization.
Regards,
Jasmeet
From India, Ludhiana
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Regards,
Jasmeet
From India, Ludhiana
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Dear Amee,
I was also at the same place. Even I had joined a new company in September 2009, and we have mostly old staff. All the policies that I had made were disapproved as I took help from senior members who were running the company according to them. Then I approached the Director for each and every small thing and took approval on paper.
Now I don't have any problem. I have started ID card issuance, prepared an Employee Handbook, and changed many policies as well. I would suggest you take approval from your reporting boss and handle the matter. Intelligence is to be shown in the correct way and at the right time. If you do it, no one can stop you from introducing correct policies.
Also, tell me what type of harassment you are facing?
Thank you.
From India, Mumbai
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I was also at the same place. Even I had joined a new company in September 2009, and we have mostly old staff. All the policies that I had made were disapproved as I took help from senior members who were running the company according to them. Then I approached the Director for each and every small thing and took approval on paper.
Now I don't have any problem. I have started ID card issuance, prepared an Employee Handbook, and changed many policies as well. I would suggest you take approval from your reporting boss and handle the matter. Intelligence is to be shown in the correct way and at the right time. If you do it, no one can stop you from introducing correct policies.
Also, tell me what type of harassment you are facing?
Thank you.
From India, Mumbai
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Amee,
IT feels demotivated and suppressed when employees are against you. One question to ask yourself is if there is harassment that you are facing or just plain resistance to change. Understand their point of view as well; for many years, they had the upper hand, and now you are teaching a spoiled child to behave :). So, they are going to crib, shout, pressurize, etc. On the other hand, you want them to work and work with full productivity, so you need their cooperation.
1. Involve line managers in policy building.
2. Take senior management into confidence for every policy you make. If they are committed to change, then you can take it forward; otherwise, a one-man show won't work.
3. Start with less contradicting acts or procedures and policies.
4. Involve with employees, talk to them on an everyday basis, create rapport with them, know what really can help them? Implement that first.
5. Prove through your actions that you care for them and their jobs to work better.
6. Present policies making line manager or supervisor through their point of view as to how easy it will be for them if you have a manual to give to new people.
Remember, it's not about you or the work you are doing; it's human nature, and it takes time to expect and absorb new things and changes. You will have to keep your patience high.
I won't say you won't get a good job, etc. I feel God has given you the best opportunity to grow as a human being, cross your boundaries, and learn new skills. So take up the challenge. You will be so happy and fulfilled once things settle a bit, and after all, what is a company without people; so they are your people, understand, comfort them that it's not for sucking more work from them; it's for a better company and growth. I wish you all the best.
Do update us on how it is going, what is working for you and your company.
Cheers!!!
From India, Mumbai
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IT feels demotivated and suppressed when employees are against you. One question to ask yourself is if there is harassment that you are facing or just plain resistance to change. Understand their point of view as well; for many years, they had the upper hand, and now you are teaching a spoiled child to behave :). So, they are going to crib, shout, pressurize, etc. On the other hand, you want them to work and work with full productivity, so you need their cooperation.
1. Involve line managers in policy building.
2. Take senior management into confidence for every policy you make. If they are committed to change, then you can take it forward; otherwise, a one-man show won't work.
3. Start with less contradicting acts or procedures and policies.
4. Involve with employees, talk to them on an everyday basis, create rapport with them, know what really can help them? Implement that first.
5. Prove through your actions that you care for them and their jobs to work better.
6. Present policies making line manager or supervisor through their point of view as to how easy it will be for them if you have a manual to give to new people.
Remember, it's not about you or the work you are doing; it's human nature, and it takes time to expect and absorb new things and changes. You will have to keep your patience high.
I won't say you won't get a good job, etc. I feel God has given you the best opportunity to grow as a human being, cross your boundaries, and learn new skills. So take up the challenge. You will be so happy and fulfilled once things settle a bit, and after all, what is a company without people; so they are your people, understand, comfort them that it's not for sucking more work from them; it's for a better company and growth. I wish you all the best.
Do update us on how it is going, what is working for you and your company.
Cheers!!!
From India, Mumbai
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Dear Amee,
First, take your MD into confidence and make him understand the positive aspects of the policies you have prepared. If the situation remains the same, then take more assertive action where your importance is not compromised. I am a Manager in HR and have been working for the same company as yours for the past 4 years. I have been in a similar situation to yours when I was just an AM, with no one above me except the directors. In that instance, I took assertive action. I requested a labor officer to visit and conduct an audit. Through this, they realized the significance of HR and the necessity of working within established policies.
All the best.
From India, Bhopal
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First, take your MD into confidence and make him understand the positive aspects of the policies you have prepared. If the situation remains the same, then take more assertive action where your importance is not compromised. I am a Manager in HR and have been working for the same company as yours for the past 4 years. I have been in a similar situation to yours when I was just an AM, with no one above me except the directors. In that instance, I took assertive action. I requested a labor officer to visit and conduct an audit. Through this, they realized the significance of HR and the necessity of working within established policies.
All the best.
From India, Bhopal
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These are the common problems when OD or change management takes place. One common thing to do is to formalize all your policies through a reporting system. When these numbers are reflected to the management, they will automatically react as they would have no choice. Another suggestion would be to implement certifications like ISO; then the members would again have no choice. Do not confront them directly; instead, let them take the lead.
From India, New Delhi
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From India, New Delhi
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Please communicate through emails by putting your boss in the cc. The second point is, in case anyone is not following, also put them in the main and cc your boss and their boss. Be strong. Maturity may not come for a few people even if their hair turns grey. Please remember - even though everyone, including the MD of the company, may have an ego, being HR, we should not have it. Just like in your house, even if you make many mistakes or shout at your mother, she will still love you the same way. Similarly, HR should play a maternal role in any organization. Cheer up, buddy. Feel proud that you have the privilege of excusing many people in the earlier stages of your career. For further clarifications, you may always write to me if you feel like sharing anything on the same.
From India, Hyderabad
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From India, Hyderabad
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Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace.pdf