Dear Seniors
I m working in an Audit Firm since 14 months, I have HR generalist Profile. This firm is run by 2 partners, total employee strength is 200, and HR Department consists of HR Manager and HR Coordinator (myself). My concerns are:
HR Department is not at all involved in meetings or any communication at planning stage related to recruitment, training and development, appraisals, or any other issues related to employees.
Top management takes decision and implements them as per their conveniences and HR comes to know from external sources, In order to explain the situation please let me give examples
Top management, planned for recruitment, drafted the print ad, designed entire application process online with IT department, Published the recruitment ad in newspaper, applicants started applying, all this happenings in the company, I or my HR Manager (so he says) were not aware or informed of this developments. Until one candidate calls to follow up regarding the advertisement, I was surprised, upset and felt humiliated to be ignored so drastically by the management. I m dedicated to my work. I proactively seek information and keep myself updated with happenings around, I make report after reports what management asks from me and I fairly present good amount of information with what skills I posses. I confronted my HR manager on this development, but he says he is equally surprised at this breaking news. I told him to speak to top management about this; I told him this is humiliation. He said he can’t discuss this issue with top management; they are owners, if they like to keep things discreet, they can, and we can’t question them.
Entire training and development plan for the current year was designed by few technical managers in discussion with the partners and once everything was finalized, a mail was sent to HR along with all participants with the final training plan. The training is into chapters and after end of very chapter, audience have to gives tests, this test score collection responsibility is given to a typist in the firm, and the secretary of the partner is advised to coordinate the training program entirely from feedbacks, results to summarizing the learning of the staff. Don’t you think this are responsibility of HRs, in the mail, there is no mention of any HR Involvement.
Technical Managers recruit staff as per their need and whims, and this candidates are screened, interviewed, offered and join the firm so discreetly, I m not informed, involved in this process, one fine day I see a new face, or they come to me for some work, and when I ask them who are they, they say they are working with the firms since so n so days or months. I feel so surprised, when I question this actions of the management and put forward my cause to my Manager, he just brushes me aside, saying that, “deal with it”, this is how family owned companies work.
I don’t understand why so much of secrecy is practiced in simple, neutral, routine functions of HRs. What could be the reasons to keep HRs away from decision making related to HR functions at least. I posses experience, qualification, analytical skills and good understanding of my job, then why I m not being involved.
As HR I appear worthless in this firm, and its affecting my morale and enthusiasm towards my job, How M I suppose to contribute when I m not even asked to or involved in matters so directly related to my job here.
I m feeling depressed and lost, if I leave this job it would cause stability issues in my career graph. Please advise a way to work around this situation.
Thanks
Hussain
From Kuwait, Salmiya
27I m working in an Audit Firm since 14 months, I have HR generalist Profile. This firm is run by 2 partners, total employee strength is 200, and HR Department consists of HR Manager and HR Coordinator (myself). My concerns are:
HR Department is not at all involved in meetings or any communication at planning stage related to recruitment, training and development, appraisals, or any other issues related to employees.
Top management takes decision and implements them as per their conveniences and HR comes to know from external sources, In order to explain the situation please let me give examples
Top management, planned for recruitment, drafted the print ad, designed entire application process online with IT department, Published the recruitment ad in newspaper, applicants started applying, all this happenings in the company, I or my HR Manager (so he says) were not aware or informed of this developments. Until one candidate calls to follow up regarding the advertisement, I was surprised, upset and felt humiliated to be ignored so drastically by the management. I m dedicated to my work. I proactively seek information and keep myself updated with happenings around, I make report after reports what management asks from me and I fairly present good amount of information with what skills I posses. I confronted my HR manager on this development, but he says he is equally surprised at this breaking news. I told him to speak to top management about this; I told him this is humiliation. He said he can’t discuss this issue with top management; they are owners, if they like to keep things discreet, they can, and we can’t question them.
Entire training and development plan for the current year was designed by few technical managers in discussion with the partners and once everything was finalized, a mail was sent to HR along with all participants with the final training plan. The training is into chapters and after end of very chapter, audience have to gives tests, this test score collection responsibility is given to a typist in the firm, and the secretary of the partner is advised to coordinate the training program entirely from feedbacks, results to summarizing the learning of the staff. Don’t you think this are responsibility of HRs, in the mail, there is no mention of any HR Involvement.
Technical Managers recruit staff as per their need and whims, and this candidates are screened, interviewed, offered and join the firm so discreetly, I m not informed, involved in this process, one fine day I see a new face, or they come to me for some work, and when I ask them who are they, they say they are working with the firms since so n so days or months. I feel so surprised, when I question this actions of the management and put forward my cause to my Manager, he just brushes me aside, saying that, “deal with it”, this is how family owned companies work.
I don’t understand why so much of secrecy is practiced in simple, neutral, routine functions of HRs. What could be the reasons to keep HRs away from decision making related to HR functions at least. I posses experience, qualification, analytical skills and good understanding of my job, then why I m not being involved.
As HR I appear worthless in this firm, and its affecting my morale and enthusiasm towards my job, How M I suppose to contribute when I m not even asked to or involved in matters so directly related to my job here.
I m feeling depressed and lost, if I leave this job it would cause stability issues in my career graph. Please advise a way to work around this situation.
Thanks
Hussain
From Kuwait, Salmiya
Dear Hussain,
I understood your situation. Its really bad. Any how your HR Manager Behavior also not in right way.
In front of Management You please try to show HR important and Responsibilities, You make effective presentation on HR Duties and objectives and results also.
Show your attitude as a HR. At any condition You dot go for depression.
First You try to change Your HR Manager Attitude
In every job stability is very important.
I think this is a Great Chance to prove as a HR, Go head..
All The Best Hussain
From India, Bangalore
I understood your situation. Its really bad. Any how your HR Manager Behavior also not in right way.
In front of Management You please try to show HR important and Responsibilities, You make effective presentation on HR Duties and objectives and results also.
Show your attitude as a HR. At any condition You dot go for depression.
First You try to change Your HR Manager Attitude
In every job stability is very important.
I think this is a Great Chance to prove as a HR, Go head..
All The Best Hussain
From India, Bangalore
Hello Hussain,
I feel the top managemnt in your company lacks the understanding on the proper working of the HR department. What I feel is you try to find out the drawbacks in different departments,may it be training development,recruitment,planning etc.
Let me explain with an example:
As a HR, am sure you know what a HR looks in a candidate to recruit him/her (for eg:confidence,managing ability,problem handling,workload handling) and try to evaluate your existing employees' these various areas.I am sure you will be finding at least some drawbacks.Now go to your top management with this research work and made them feel that as an HR your senior will be in a better position to evaluate the candidates during the interview .and once your senior is included in the interviews and other HR activities automatically you will be getting included.
However remember it is all about playing with your words.you have to very wisely convince them that without the HR involvement any HR related process cant be a perfect one but at the same time you have to be careful enough not to challenge your top management's year old experience.
Hope this might help you.
Regards,
Priyanky Sarmah
Soft Skill & Personality Counsellor
From India, Bhubaneswar
I feel the top managemnt in your company lacks the understanding on the proper working of the HR department. What I feel is you try to find out the drawbacks in different departments,may it be training development,recruitment,planning etc.
Let me explain with an example:
As a HR, am sure you know what a HR looks in a candidate to recruit him/her (for eg:confidence,managing ability,problem handling,workload handling) and try to evaluate your existing employees' these various areas.I am sure you will be finding at least some drawbacks.Now go to your top management with this research work and made them feel that as an HR your senior will be in a better position to evaluate the candidates during the interview .and once your senior is included in the interviews and other HR activities automatically you will be getting included.
However remember it is all about playing with your words.you have to very wisely convince them that without the HR involvement any HR related process cant be a perfect one but at the same time you have to be careful enough not to challenge your top management's year old experience.
Hope this might help you.
Regards,
Priyanky Sarmah
Soft Skill & Personality Counsellor
From India, Bhubaneswar
hi hussain......
i went through your post and it appears very demoralizing and humilating, sometime i also experience the same thing as i am in the same field. but i think the concept of HR is not clear with everyone, they feel HR is just for retrenchment process and do nothing. but we should not lose hope and should keep on trying our best and the time will come when everyone must be knowing what exacty HR is?
donot feel lost keep your chin up!
Warm regards
Pinky
From India, Delhi
i went through your post and it appears very demoralizing and humilating, sometime i also experience the same thing as i am in the same field. but i think the concept of HR is not clear with everyone, they feel HR is just for retrenchment process and do nothing. but we should not lose hope and should keep on trying our best and the time will come when everyone must be knowing what exacty HR is?
donot feel lost keep your chin up!
Warm regards
Pinky
From India, Delhi
Well Said priya... Hi, You just follow what priya was said its a good option. once your manager involves the hr process and decision making obviously you will get into the process. But at the same time dont over take your manager and the management be polite and be honest. Love your job dont love your company, if you love your job your company automaticlly loves you..........Try to conduct employee engagement activites, new joinee induction programm with the help of your manager dont do anything without your manager knowledge....He is the only person who understand you and retain you.
Indirectly prove to your management that HR Dept is vital to the organisation. If you want to bring anything means just do it. for example if your company dont have any standing orders means prepare that and get approval from management. like that you can bring more to the organisation. Just show your interest on developement of the organisation. cetainly you will get recognisation from the management
From India
Indirectly prove to your management that HR Dept is vital to the organisation. If you want to bring anything means just do it. for example if your company dont have any standing orders means prepare that and get approval from management. like that you can bring more to the organisation. Just show your interest on developement of the organisation. cetainly you will get recognisation from the management
From India
Hi Hussain,
I agree with Mr.RR this will be a great chance for you to prove yourself as a good HR.
Normally No Management would be really interested/willing to do the HR job without the involvement of HR,Unless they have a very bad opinion/experience with their HR team in the past. The response given by your HR Managers leaves me in a doubt about the way he would have dealt things in the past. That might be one of the reason for management to ignore the HR team. His answer even sounds very lethargic.
Try to learn more about your Manager and his deeds first. Also observe your Management and try to understand their attitude. If you find at least one person in the management with a good attitude try to meet them personally and just share your thoughts and try to get their trust.
If things work out fine your hard work will put you on the top.
Best Wishes
Phani Manyam
From India, Hyderabad
I agree with Mr.RR this will be a great chance for you to prove yourself as a good HR.
Normally No Management would be really interested/willing to do the HR job without the involvement of HR,Unless they have a very bad opinion/experience with their HR team in the past. The response given by your HR Managers leaves me in a doubt about the way he would have dealt things in the past. That might be one of the reason for management to ignore the HR team. His answer even sounds very lethargic.
Try to learn more about your Manager and his deeds first. Also observe your Management and try to understand their attitude. If you find at least one person in the management with a good attitude try to meet them personally and just share your thoughts and try to get their trust.
If things work out fine your hard work will put you on the top.
Best Wishes
Phani Manyam
From India, Hyderabad
Dear Readers
I thank everyone for their responses, suggestion and tips to overcome my challenges, after reading your suggestion, I m motivated and cheered up to go ahead and resolve this issue.
Hopefully I shall communicate more assertively with the management to seek involvement. The thing is - it’s a different country, and dealing with diverse nationalities, the perceptions, non verbal behavior and understanding is so very different, work styles of managements are weird here. On discussing this issues with my other HR friends, they also face similar issues. Mostly what I can say is, it’s the stereotype images of different nationalities what management or people here have formed in their minds. So there is uncomfortable atmosphere or lack of trust and understanding which silently prevails.
Hopefully, I will communicate more and more to resolve this gap. I will not overpass my manager, need to keep him informed about everything, he is cooperative, I feel he must be used to with this kind of arrangements. He has good HR knowledge and I respect him for his wisdom and position.
As advised by management, HR has no authority to initiate any policy, communication, research, survey without the permission of the owners. Wait for orders, and execute them as advised, this are the instructions.
Thanks once again for the wonderful and empathetic response. However I m doing my homework as advised here, and see what can be achieved.
From Kuwait, Salmiya
I thank everyone for their responses, suggestion and tips to overcome my challenges, after reading your suggestion, I m motivated and cheered up to go ahead and resolve this issue.
Hopefully I shall communicate more assertively with the management to seek involvement. The thing is - it’s a different country, and dealing with diverse nationalities, the perceptions, non verbal behavior and understanding is so very different, work styles of managements are weird here. On discussing this issues with my other HR friends, they also face similar issues. Mostly what I can say is, it’s the stereotype images of different nationalities what management or people here have formed in their minds. So there is uncomfortable atmosphere or lack of trust and understanding which silently prevails.
Hopefully, I will communicate more and more to resolve this gap. I will not overpass my manager, need to keep him informed about everything, he is cooperative, I feel he must be used to with this kind of arrangements. He has good HR knowledge and I respect him for his wisdom and position.
As advised by management, HR has no authority to initiate any policy, communication, research, survey without the permission of the owners. Wait for orders, and execute them as advised, this are the instructions.
Thanks once again for the wonderful and empathetic response. However I m doing my homework as advised here, and see what can be achieved.
From Kuwait, Salmiya
Hi Hussain,
Well said and closed.
Well, work culture and administrative function and powers are different in Middle East (ME) and varies from company to company. More than HR, I feel your deparment like many companies in ME is but an HR Operation/Administration Department.
Functional Managers, Mgmt Secretaries and others, play a huge inter discpline roles like what you have mentioned. As your company grows, the work will need to be handled by professionals and this is where HR get involved or maybe they will appoint some additional for such functions.
Your Boss is very correct, ME Arabs, do not like interference especially in proprietory companies, since they themselve are running the HR Department in recruitment, Policies, procedures etc as owners.
If you really want to get into this additioal responsibility, here are some tricks how you can get involved in what you want, but be very careful, if you are not a good task person yourself, you will lost and confused and with to much work and if not done well, you will "Taged".
1. Go and meet and greet all your functional Managers or those whom you know are involved in recruitment, designing advertisement, etc etc.
2. Sweet talk them and let them know unofficially that you are a pro in all these skills.
3. Help the secretaries in their work especially in areas of your interest.
It works, my own case, I was appointed as Employee Relation Officer, moved from there to HR Operation HR Consultant, and finally ended within 2 years as Recruitment Manager. In ME, things work differently. Learn the game boss.
Wish you all the best.
Ukmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Well said and closed.
Well, work culture and administrative function and powers are different in Middle East (ME) and varies from company to company. More than HR, I feel your deparment like many companies in ME is but an HR Operation/Administration Department.
Functional Managers, Mgmt Secretaries and others, play a huge inter discpline roles like what you have mentioned. As your company grows, the work will need to be handled by professionals and this is where HR get involved or maybe they will appoint some additional for such functions.
Your Boss is very correct, ME Arabs, do not like interference especially in proprietory companies, since they themselve are running the HR Department in recruitment, Policies, procedures etc as owners.
If you really want to get into this additioal responsibility, here are some tricks how you can get involved in what you want, but be very careful, if you are not a good task person yourself, you will lost and confused and with to much work and if not done well, you will "Taged".
1. Go and meet and greet all your functional Managers or those whom you know are involved in recruitment, designing advertisement, etc etc.
2. Sweet talk them and let them know unofficially that you are a pro in all these skills.
3. Help the secretaries in their work especially in areas of your interest.
It works, my own case, I was appointed as Employee Relation Officer, moved from there to HR Operation HR Consultant, and finally ended within 2 years as Recruitment Manager. In ME, things work differently. Learn the game boss.
Wish you all the best.
Ukmitra
From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
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