Hi, I'm working in a company that provides financial services. We have a sales team where the relationship managers (RMs) have to meet with clients for general discussions or meetings to provide financial advice. On such occasions, clients often offer drinks, and the RMs can't refuse them as they aim to build a good rapport with the clients. Therefore, we have decided to implement a policy that addresses the limitation of alcohol consumption.
Please provide your suggestions on what limitations could be set on alcohol consumption, similar to the restrictions we have for driving. Additionally, if you have any sample policies on this topic, please share them.
Thanks in advance.
From India, Bangalore
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Please provide your suggestions on what limitations could be set on alcohol consumption, similar to the restrictions we have for driving. Additionally, if you have any sample policies on this topic, please share them.
Thanks in advance.
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Aparna,
Great! Your RMs are lucky to be tipped by their clients! There is a lot to envy about their job!
Ok. Humor apart, your company appears to have been confused between "business call" and "general discussion". What brings you more business, the former or the latter? First, decide on that count. Why do RMs visit their clients? Possibly to provide financial advice? Let the discussion revolve around financial investment and let your RMs leave the place.
Your RMs need to handle this matter professionally. If some client insists on taking drinks, they can be told politely "No". Please note that liquor is such a liquid that makes one spill the beans! In Hindi, it can be said that "Dil ki baat hote pe aati hai". Today it is just a peg or two of wine, but these high and mighty people may go further also. Can you control this through HR Policies?
The psychology of the rich is very different. Imagine for a while some RM is lured to become an agent and told to bring vital information from a business rival. If the project succeeds, the RM could be showered with some investment. The company will also become happy, but you could be setting a dangerous precedent!
There is no need to make a policy as such on the consumption of liquor. Since the RM's role is advisory, its sanctity must be cherished. Nevertheless, in the rarest of rare cases, they may consume a tot or two, but such consumption must be reported on the same day or the next day.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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8219Great! Your RMs are lucky to be tipped by their clients! There is a lot to envy about their job!
Ok. Humor apart, your company appears to have been confused between "business call" and "general discussion". What brings you more business, the former or the latter? First, decide on that count. Why do RMs visit their clients? Possibly to provide financial advice? Let the discussion revolve around financial investment and let your RMs leave the place.
Your RMs need to handle this matter professionally. If some client insists on taking drinks, they can be told politely "No". Please note that liquor is such a liquid that makes one spill the beans! In Hindi, it can be said that "Dil ki baat hote pe aati hai". Today it is just a peg or two of wine, but these high and mighty people may go further also. Can you control this through HR Policies?
The psychology of the rich is very different. Imagine for a while some RM is lured to become an agent and told to bring vital information from a business rival. If the project succeeds, the RM could be showered with some investment. The company will also become happy, but you could be setting a dangerous precedent!
There is no need to make a policy as such on the consumption of liquor. Since the RM's role is advisory, its sanctity must be cherished. Nevertheless, in the rarest of rare cases, they may consume a tot or two, but such consumption must be reported on the same day or the next day.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Friend,
This is happening everywhere regarding business approval with clients and corporate companies. However, we need to implement restrictions on alcohol consumption during interactions with clients to ensure their well-being and prevent any negative impact on the company's growth.
Regards,
Parameswari
Chennai.
Hi, I'm working in a company that provides financial services, so our sales team, where the Relationship Managers (RMs) meet clients for discussions or meetings to offer financial advice. During such interactions, clients often offer drinks, and the RMs find it challenging to refuse as they aim to build a good rapport. Therefore, we are considering implementing a policy to limit alcohol consumption. I would appreciate your suggestions on setting these limitations, similar to those in place for driving. Additionally, if you have any sample policies on this matter, please share them.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
From India, Mumbai
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This is happening everywhere regarding business approval with clients and corporate companies. However, we need to implement restrictions on alcohol consumption during interactions with clients to ensure their well-being and prevent any negative impact on the company's growth.
Regards,
Parameswari
Chennai.
Hi, I'm working in a company that provides financial services, so our sales team, where the Relationship Managers (RMs) meet clients for discussions or meetings to offer financial advice. During such interactions, clients often offer drinks, and the RMs find it challenging to refuse as they aim to build a good rapport. Therefore, we are considering implementing a policy to limit alcohol consumption. I would appreciate your suggestions on setting these limitations, similar to those in place for driving. Additionally, if you have any sample policies on this matter, please share them.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
From India, Mumbai
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(Fact Check Failed/Partial)-The user's reply is incorrect as it lacks specific details on alcohol consumption policies and their legal implications in a corporate setting.
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Aparna_Sanjiv - My opinion is firm in this regard, and I would create a 'no liquor on duty' policy and apply it loosely. The RMs can decide if they want to indulge or opt out - if they want to opt out, they can cite this policy. If they want to be polite, they can stick to only 1 or 2 or whatever the case may be.
Enforcing this policy means that the RMs can't claim reimbursement for the liquor or alcoholic beverage. And don't call them Relationship Managers. Maybe portfolio managers? or advisers or something appropriate.
Hope this helps.
From India, Mumbai
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Enforcing this policy means that the RMs can't claim reimbursement for the liquor or alcoholic beverage. And don't call them Relationship Managers. Maybe portfolio managers? or advisers or something appropriate.
Hope this helps.
From India, Mumbai
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(Fact Check Failed/Partial)-The user reply is partially correct. It aligns with the idea of implementing a "no liquor on duty" policy but lacks specificity on the limitations of alcohol consumption. Additionally, the suggestion to change the title of Relationship Managers to Portfolio Managers or Advisors is subjective.
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WOW! What a point!! Isn’t that what the OP just stated? or did I miss something?
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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I don't see what is wrong with refusing liquor at a client's place? Remember that RMs are on official duty and not visiting the client's office for chatting or gossiping. They can very politely refuse, and surely no client in the right state of mind shall feel offended. I liked Mr. Divekar's reply to this post, and he has highlighted a very important point. It's generally a universal policy not to consume alcohol while on duty.
From India, New Delhi
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From India, New Delhi
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(Fact Checked)-The user's reply is correct. It is within the rights of Relationship Managers (RMs) to politely refuse alcohol during client meetings while on official duty. (1 Acknowledge point)
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I do not understand this. Treat your RM as a responsible person who can make his/her own decisions. If a client discussion is followed by lunch, including a couple of drinks, so be it. Act as grown-up individuals and let the RM decide what needs to be done, rather than being instructed by the HR/HQ. Anyone responsible enough will not get sozzled by a few drinks. Knowing where to put a stop is what the RM should learn from his own drinking habits. Let's treat people as mature adults.
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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(Fact Check Failed/Partial)-The user's reply is incorrect. It is important for companies to have policies regarding alcohol consumption in the workplace to ensure professionalism, safety, and legal compliance. It is not solely about trust but about setting clear boundaries and expectations.
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Certain rules and a code of conduct need to be spelled out in every organization. Treating people as adults does not mean that the organization can leave everything to the maturity of employees. This financial services organization should clearly spell out no drinking with clients if meeting for an official discussion. Everyone has a different capacity to hold drinks. The organization cannot be expected to rely on any official's capacity to hold drinks and should frame a general rule for such interactions. If a client calls for a purely social interaction, then of course we can leave it to the maturity of officials to behave consistently with the organization's culture.
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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(Fact Checked)-The user reply is correct in emphasizing the need for clear rules on alcohol consumption during official client meetings to maintain professionalism and avoid risks. Encouraging a structured approach aligns with best practices in organizational conduct. (1 Acknowledge point)
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Dear Mr. CV Manian,
Your post implies that whether to take drinks or not should be left to the discretion of the RM. Nevertheless, organizations cannot run on an individual's discretion. The objective of laying down rules and regulations is to bring uniformity in behavior among all the staff members. There is every possibility of a difference in the interpretation of phrases like "discretion" or "maturity." What if, under the garb of "maturity," RMs start fulfilling their boozing instincts?
I have seen MNCs wherein employees are not allowed to accept any gifts. Going further, these MNCs do not allow employees to accept even new year diaries from the suppliers or customers. However, the poster of this post, i.e. Aparna, has asked about liquor. This is a far more personalized offer. Let us not forget the difference between "tea" and "wine." The former is a part and parcel of Indian's daily life but not the latter.
The actual problem is not about the acceptance of the offer of liquor. The actual problem lies in not having a business-like approach by the RMs. Offering advice on managing funds is a highly cerebral activity. This would require understanding the risk appetite of the customer and matching it with the right product.
If the quality of advice is of a superior level, then there is no need to satisfy the client by accepting a peg or two. There is a difference between "customer delight" and "customer appeasement." A customer can be delighted even if the service provided is within the parameters of service. To delight a customer, employees need to go the extra mile. Nevertheless, that extra mile should not lead to regalement. Otherwise, that extra mile could bring extra problems in its wake. Let us not forget about it.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
I do not understand this. Treat your RM as a responsible person who can make his/her own decision. If a client discussion is followed by lunch including a couple of drinks, so be it. Act as grown-up individuals and let the RM decide what needs to be done, rather than being instructed by the HR/HQ. Anyone responsible enough will not get sozzled by a few drinks. Where to put a stop is what the RM should know from his drinking habits. Let's treat people as mature adults.
From India, Bangalore
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Your post implies that whether to take drinks or not should be left to the discretion of the RM. Nevertheless, organizations cannot run on an individual's discretion. The objective of laying down rules and regulations is to bring uniformity in behavior among all the staff members. There is every possibility of a difference in the interpretation of phrases like "discretion" or "maturity." What if, under the garb of "maturity," RMs start fulfilling their boozing instincts?
I have seen MNCs wherein employees are not allowed to accept any gifts. Going further, these MNCs do not allow employees to accept even new year diaries from the suppliers or customers. However, the poster of this post, i.e. Aparna, has asked about liquor. This is a far more personalized offer. Let us not forget the difference between "tea" and "wine." The former is a part and parcel of Indian's daily life but not the latter.
The actual problem is not about the acceptance of the offer of liquor. The actual problem lies in not having a business-like approach by the RMs. Offering advice on managing funds is a highly cerebral activity. This would require understanding the risk appetite of the customer and matching it with the right product.
If the quality of advice is of a superior level, then there is no need to satisfy the client by accepting a peg or two. There is a difference between "customer delight" and "customer appeasement." A customer can be delighted even if the service provided is within the parameters of service. To delight a customer, employees need to go the extra mile. Nevertheless, that extra mile should not lead to regalement. Otherwise, that extra mile could bring extra problems in its wake. Let us not forget about it.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
I do not understand this. Treat your RM as a responsible person who can make his/her own decision. If a client discussion is followed by lunch including a couple of drinks, so be it. Act as grown-up individuals and let the RM decide what needs to be done, rather than being instructed by the HR/HQ. Anyone responsible enough will not get sozzled by a few drinks. Where to put a stop is what the RM should know from his drinking habits. Let's treat people as mature adults.
From India, Bangalore
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(Fact Check Failed/Partial)-The user reply is incorrect. Organizations have a responsibility to set guidelines on alcohol consumption to ensure professionalism and avoid potential legal issues. Refer to your organization's HR policy and consider legal implications.
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We have seen comments from both sides. I would like to give my support to the "ban drinks" group.
The first point was about the fact that the RM can't refuse to drink because they have to develop a rapport with the customer. Well, this is definitely a wrong idea that someone has put in because he likes free drinks. He may even be asking for the drinks.
You are talking of an Indian business scenario. In a business meeting in India, drinks are not on the table. Even if you meet someone at home they don't offer drinks, they offer tea. If you come in the evening when the client mortally has a drink, they will offer you one out of courtesy but not be offended if you refuse.
There are many grounds for refusal. One is to say that our new HR rule is that we are not allowed to drink while on duty, so please excuse me. Another is to take the excuse of having to drive/ride and the law does not permit. The fact that one has to take public transport where even the smallest infraction takes a massive leap in perception of others if you smell of alcohol (say he stumbled and fell on a lady, if he smells of alcohol, the public will beat him up or the cops around will simply jail him as a drunk predator).
If you want to soften the blow, he can say "I would appreciate a coke or a soda if it's not too much trouble."
What exactly are your RMs trying to do? They are supposed to sell mainly on professional skills and the company's ability. Some of them may get friendly and become close to the client and family. But those are exceptions, not the rule.
Next, you will find bills of RMs asking for reimbursement of "escort costs" because that helps him develop rapport with the client?
(Yeah, I know that's extreme, but where does building a rapport end and non-professional behavior begin?)
From India, Mumbai
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The first point was about the fact that the RM can't refuse to drink because they have to develop a rapport with the customer. Well, this is definitely a wrong idea that someone has put in because he likes free drinks. He may even be asking for the drinks.
You are talking of an Indian business scenario. In a business meeting in India, drinks are not on the table. Even if you meet someone at home they don't offer drinks, they offer tea. If you come in the evening when the client mortally has a drink, they will offer you one out of courtesy but not be offended if you refuse.
There are many grounds for refusal. One is to say that our new HR rule is that we are not allowed to drink while on duty, so please excuse me. Another is to take the excuse of having to drive/ride and the law does not permit. The fact that one has to take public transport where even the smallest infraction takes a massive leap in perception of others if you smell of alcohol (say he stumbled and fell on a lady, if he smells of alcohol, the public will beat him up or the cops around will simply jail him as a drunk predator).
If you want to soften the blow, he can say "I would appreciate a coke or a soda if it's not too much trouble."
What exactly are your RMs trying to do? They are supposed to sell mainly on professional skills and the company's ability. Some of them may get friendly and become close to the client and family. But those are exceptions, not the rule.
Next, you will find bills of RMs asking for reimbursement of "escort costs" because that helps him develop rapport with the client?
(Yeah, I know that's extreme, but where does building a rapport end and non-professional behavior begin?)
From India, Mumbai
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(Fact Check Failed/Partial)-The user's reply contains some inaccuracies regarding the cultural norms around alcohol consumption in India and the handling of client meetings. It's important to ensure a professional and respectful approach in such situations.
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(Fact Check Failed/Partial)-The user's reply contains some inaccuracies: 1. There should be a policy on alcohol consumption in the workplace to ensure professionalism and safety. 2. RMs should not consume alcohol during work-related meetings. 3. Handling alcohol in a professional setting is crucial to maintain boundaries and integrity. Amendment: Implement a clear policy on alcohol consumption at work to maintain professionalism and boundaries.