Dear Hrdtin,
You have mentioned that you are from a sporting good company. May I ask if the person caught not wearing proper uniform was assigned in a store where she deals directly with customers?
I have to ask this since if she deals directly with customers, the element of company branding is obviously violated.
However, I noticed that your policy is too harsh. First violation would already constitute 3 days suspension. Sanctions should begin with light to a severe reprimand, e.g. reminder, warning, suspension etc. Your guidelines should also have room for exemption for not wearing uniform which should be endorsed authorized by supervisor. Reasons may include torn uniform, failure to dry on time, etc. Although these are just examples but they can happen in reality.
As to the demand for written explanation regarding the warning you issued, did you not cite the particular policy she violated as written in your warning memo? I guess it is the lady who has the responsibility to give a written explanation regarding the violation she committed and not the HR.
Nevertheless, you may want to re-visit your policy and check if there are any loopholes and correct them as necessary.
You may also want to re-orient your employees regarding the employees code of discipline. If this is not possible, as an HR person, especially, if the issue is repeatedly done in the office, you may want to consider issuing a reminder memorandum to all employees citing the policy and why is it important for the employees to wear respective company uniforms.
Good luck on you. What I just noticed also as an HR folk, sometimes employees tend to deny to have knowledge on the content of company manual just to avoid getting reprimanded on the violation they have committed. Since we deal with people, it is also our responsibility to educate them in a way that we should not treat them harshly but going the other way around. This is one of the biggest challenges that an HR professional experiences everyday in their lives. Just be patient on these people, these are the people who will not be satisfied appreciate the HR. In our company, I must admit that these people also exist. What I do in order for them change their outlook on HR, I give them assignment to make them feel that they are being empowered. I assign them as members of the committee for a certain event or any gathering where their opinion would count a lot. Lastly, stay as cool as possible. In everything that you do, be as objective as possible.
Regards.
Mai
From Philippines, Manila
4You have mentioned that you are from a sporting good company. May I ask if the person caught not wearing proper uniform was assigned in a store where she deals directly with customers?
I have to ask this since if she deals directly with customers, the element of company branding is obviously violated.
However, I noticed that your policy is too harsh. First violation would already constitute 3 days suspension. Sanctions should begin with light to a severe reprimand, e.g. reminder, warning, suspension etc. Your guidelines should also have room for exemption for not wearing uniform which should be endorsed authorized by supervisor. Reasons may include torn uniform, failure to dry on time, etc. Although these are just examples but they can happen in reality.
As to the demand for written explanation regarding the warning you issued, did you not cite the particular policy she violated as written in your warning memo? I guess it is the lady who has the responsibility to give a written explanation regarding the violation she committed and not the HR.
Nevertheless, you may want to re-visit your policy and check if there are any loopholes and correct them as necessary.
You may also want to re-orient your employees regarding the employees code of discipline. If this is not possible, as an HR person, especially, if the issue is repeatedly done in the office, you may want to consider issuing a reminder memorandum to all employees citing the policy and why is it important for the employees to wear respective company uniforms.
Good luck on you. What I just noticed also as an HR folk, sometimes employees tend to deny to have knowledge on the content of company manual just to avoid getting reprimanded on the violation they have committed. Since we deal with people, it is also our responsibility to educate them in a way that we should not treat them harshly but going the other way around. This is one of the biggest challenges that an HR professional experiences everyday in their lives. Just be patient on these people, these are the people who will not be satisfied appreciate the HR. In our company, I must admit that these people also exist. What I do in order for them change their outlook on HR, I give them assignment to make them feel that they are being empowered. I assign them as members of the committee for a certain event or any gathering where their opinion would count a lot. Lastly, stay as cool as possible. In everything that you do, be as objective as possible.
Regards.
Mai
From Philippines, Manila
Dear BSSV (or what ever)
Requested to please read my comments again, do not like when those who call themselves professionals behave like cats. Did not knew you will be offended by it (Make sure you read my comments again, if you not able to understand call me, or send an SMS I will call you).
I will definitely give your comments to at least 1000 persons as a specimen. This is a perfect example (do not like to comment what type of example).
Well, I never qualify high standards like you to abuse and writing paragraphs, since I am working in isolated development sector. Apologies for writing these comments, what can I do those who taught me (must be stupid I guess now) years back use to start the day with peace and harmony, and forcefully make me to believe that such environment should be maintain in organisation.
One more thing this is to all I am working for 12 years and did not get a clue in the initial Question, in future requested please explain things, so that people like us (can be only me I am afraid) do not fall behind by those smart sharp shooters who join this forum in 2007. since then the politeness and respect is also vanished (Look like we back benchers are left in the progress).
And at last how come after commenting on some ones capability, abusing, harassing.. you are running away from a DEBATE. Well enough of cursing, abusing (look like I am being dragged down to same level to write paragraphs)....
I still like to quote again that lady instead of given in writing should be informed by some one (mature) and still like to know from HRDTIN will you be able to FIRE her if she comes again in IMPROPER dress???
And HRTN please do not take it other wise if you feel hurt I am really sorry (I read mine I should have avoid saying Taliban or Khap).
As I said in earlier comment to sort out this issue ASAP, if you have not I am afraid by now atmosphere will be very bad in your organisation.
HRDTIN in this case what I feel was HR Manager acted of his own (I agree now as it is as per your policy (but please change such policies if you can this is very harsh)) but is it not that the HR, policy, rules, law and Manuals are to make things better and organized rather than a hateful HR Department.
See for example many organization did not like there employee to go on Facebook during working hours agreed, they mention this in their manual and if the employer or management see such thing they call him or his reporting manager separately and notify him. Even such activities are discouraged in the manual but there is no provision of warning letter in manual.
It is left for the employee to read manuals and understand and if they don’t help them out, I mean if I wear a T-Shirt last week how come I will damage the culture of the organization ( What if due to white wash I did not get a shirt, and what if I was on leave and called for urgent work, by my boss) can we be more polite in our working, and cant we restrict warning letter for serious matters.
All up to you did not like to offend you or including BSSV, but as seen & did such mistake in past I do not like others to do it. See HR is not a post office and not a police, it is a person wanted (for all good reasons) by the employees (worker, managers, employers)
Thanks
Rupendra Chahar
9555528042
From India, Gurgaon
Requested to please read my comments again, do not like when those who call themselves professionals behave like cats. Did not knew you will be offended by it (Make sure you read my comments again, if you not able to understand call me, or send an SMS I will call you).
I will definitely give your comments to at least 1000 persons as a specimen. This is a perfect example (do not like to comment what type of example).
Well, I never qualify high standards like you to abuse and writing paragraphs, since I am working in isolated development sector. Apologies for writing these comments, what can I do those who taught me (must be stupid I guess now) years back use to start the day with peace and harmony, and forcefully make me to believe that such environment should be maintain in organisation.
One more thing this is to all I am working for 12 years and did not get a clue in the initial Question, in future requested please explain things, so that people like us (can be only me I am afraid) do not fall behind by those smart sharp shooters who join this forum in 2007. since then the politeness and respect is also vanished (Look like we back benchers are left in the progress).
And at last how come after commenting on some ones capability, abusing, harassing.. you are running away from a DEBATE. Well enough of cursing, abusing (look like I am being dragged down to same level to write paragraphs)....
I still like to quote again that lady instead of given in writing should be informed by some one (mature) and still like to know from HRDTIN will you be able to FIRE her if she comes again in IMPROPER dress???
And HRTN please do not take it other wise if you feel hurt I am really sorry (I read mine I should have avoid saying Taliban or Khap).
As I said in earlier comment to sort out this issue ASAP, if you have not I am afraid by now atmosphere will be very bad in your organisation.
HRDTIN in this case what I feel was HR Manager acted of his own (I agree now as it is as per your policy (but please change such policies if you can this is very harsh)) but is it not that the HR, policy, rules, law and Manuals are to make things better and organized rather than a hateful HR Department.
See for example many organization did not like there employee to go on Facebook during working hours agreed, they mention this in their manual and if the employer or management see such thing they call him or his reporting manager separately and notify him. Even such activities are discouraged in the manual but there is no provision of warning letter in manual.
It is left for the employee to read manuals and understand and if they don’t help them out, I mean if I wear a T-Shirt last week how come I will damage the culture of the organization ( What if due to white wash I did not get a shirt, and what if I was on leave and called for urgent work, by my boss) can we be more polite in our working, and cant we restrict warning letter for serious matters.
All up to you did not like to offend you or including BSSV, but as seen & did such mistake in past I do not like others to do it. See HR is not a post office and not a police, it is a person wanted (for all good reasons) by the employees (worker, managers, employers)
Thanks
Rupendra Chahar
9555528042
From India, Gurgaon
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