Feeling Stuck in a New HR Role: Should I Stay or Look for New Opportunities?

Hi Friends,

I am working as Manager-HR in a steel company in Kolkata for the last 6 months. Since this is a new company, things are not organized. Most of the time, I handle recruitment (including sourcing and coordinating with vendors), exit formalities, and issuing offers. The company doesn't have any policies, performance appraisals, etc. Even though my title is Manager, I perform the duties of an executive. While they offer flexibility in timing and the workload is relatively low compared to other companies, I am concerned about justifying my position in my next job. Should I continue with this organization for some more time or start looking for a new opportunity?

Please advise.

Sweta

Hi Sweta,

For a job change, I don't think it's a favorable time to do so as it's been 6 months since you must have been confirmed there. Companies are laying off staff, and you are secure. Search for something good and then switch over. Think this way; at least, we have a secure job in our hands as existing conditions are worse these days.

Now, coming to your KRA as a manager. You have said that the company is not organized, and you are doing work that is supposed to be done by an executive. Firstly, I must say that if the company is not organized, then being a manager, take initiative and make it organized. In this way, you may justify your managerial work as well. Introduce new policies, take initiatives, and prove your managerial skills.

In your free time, enhance your knowledge. I am not very experienced, but I thought of answering your query this way.

Regards,
SJ

Thank you, dear, for your suggestion. I shall work for some more time. My only concern was there's no value addition to my career in this organization. I was previously working with Mafoi, so whatever I have learned in Mafoi, I am applying that. There's nothing extra I'm learning.
Sweta :(

Thank you for your response. I think you are right. I shall spend some more time in this organization. Till date, I have been successful in taking one initiative, i.e., organizing welfare activities for our colleagues. I tried for performance appraisal also, but the MD, whom I report to, said no. He said let things be organized first, then we'll implement new policies. I think I'll have to wait for another year's time. Under this situation, what would you have done?

I understand that it is really easy to give advice, but dealing with it is something else. If I were in your shoes, then definitely I would try implementing new things for employee betterment, which would act as retention as well, such as a "Reward and Recognition Program." I am sure your MD would definitely say yes to this. Consider organizing event celebrations within the office, focusing on talent engagement, etc.

Start an exercise of collecting feedback from employees to improve. Create a questionnaire based on it and then act accordingly. Alternatively, focus on enhancing knowledge through further studies. Keep sending HR emails to all the employees. Many companies do not have an Employee ID; if you can start implementing these, it would be beneficial.

Prepare a proposal encompassing all these ideas and present it to him. He will definitely say yes to at least one.

Regards,
SJ

Hi,

I would suggest that this time, thinking of change is totally wrong. You have been appointed as a Manager to start new things and implement new policies. If they wanted to only run the same process, they would have appointed an Executive. Take it as an opportunity and a challenge. In some big companies, employees only follow the existing process; there is no room to do anything creative and new. I hope you will understand and reflect on it.

Regards,
Deepa

I understand that it is really easy to give advice, but dealing with it is something else. If I were in your shoes, I would definitely try to implement new initiatives for employee development, which would also enhance retention. Initiatives such as a "Reward and Recognition Program," organizing office event celebrations, talent engagement activities, and gathering feedback from employees through a questionnaire could be beneficial. Additionally, consider starting an exercise to enhance knowledge through studies and regular HR communication via emails to all employees. Many companies do not have Employee IDs; if feasible, consider implementing this practice.

Prepare a comprehensive proposal incorporating these ideas and present it to your MD. I am confident that he will be receptive to at least one of these suggestions. I have initiated farewell parties, a practice that was not in place before, and I am committed to implementing new policies. Your suggestions are always valued and appreciated.

Cheers!
Sweta

Dear Sweta,

It's a time of global recession, so it might be that your boss is contradicting your new suggestion because of this. In this situation, please try to understand what your boss is looking for and provide ideas that help the organization in cutting costs and improving work efficiency. Ensure that your boss is also looking for the same. If it is essential, consider getting an assistant to support you daily.

Regards,

V. Vinutha

Dear Sweta,

I think it's an opportunity to learn for you in that organization, where you are designated as a manager, and I also think you have the power to make some changes. If I were in your position, I would have set some policies in HR. Setting benchmarks will be a great initiative for you and your career. If you can do so, you can show this as your achievement. Setting some standards is not a small thing and also makes things in an organized way. If you are taking this initiative, you can surely get approval from your superiors.

All the Best Sweta, Have a great Future.

Regards,
Eshwar Reddy
9704799908

Yes, Shweta, I understand your position very well, as I faced a similar situation five months ago. It was my first job, and I was designated as Manager - HR, but I ended up doing assistant-type work. The organization had no policies in place, and the management was not flexible in adopting new ones. I felt like I was working as a data entry operator.

However, I made the decision to change jobs, even if it meant a lower salary compared to what I earned at that company. I made this choice upon realizing that the HR job profile at my current company was excellent. I am now satisfied with the good profile I have at the beginning of my career, having left that job only six months ago. In my current company, I hold the position of Manager - HR and have implemented many HR policies and procedures. I appreciate the job profile, the culture, and my colleagues in my current workplace. Though, I feel disheartened when I compare my salary to my previous job. :(

In your case, I suggest not leaving your organization due to the poor market conditions. However, once you secure a good job profile in a reputable company, do not hesitate to switch jobs. Friends in citehr can assist you further with their suggestions.

Please note: This revised text maintains the original message and tone while correcting spelling, grammar, and paragraph formatting.

Hi Friends,

I am working as Manager-HR in a steel company in Kolkata since the last 6 months. Since this is a new company, things are not organized. Most of the time I do recruitment (at times sourcing, coordinating with vendors), exit formalities, and issuing the offer. The company doesn't have any policy, performance appraisal, etc. Just for the name's sake, I am a Manager, but I do all the work that an executive does. Although they are flexible in timing, and the workload is also quite low compared to other concerns. My concern is how will I justify my position in the next job when I don't do managerial work, and should I stick to this organization for some more time or look for a change? Please suggest.

Sweta

This is Ashwini. At least you are working in a company. I can understand your problem, but in these troubled times leaving a job is no longer an option. I am working in a consultancy in Bangalore where there are limited openings, and thousands are ready to apply. I would always look for such openings as a welcome change. You can change to another company or get promoted in the coming days, but all I would say always think before you leap.

Dear Sweta,

It's really strange that you are looking for a job change just because you could not find organized procedures in your company.

I don't know which kind of managerial job application you are considering, but I strongly feel that "you have an opportunity that will provide you a chance to learn and establish much more than the most experienced manager can get."

You can develop your own policies and techniques for maintaining the HR activities in your current organization.

As you are in a steel company, handling manpower in such an industry is indeed a tough job. Although due to the recession there may not be many opportunities, within the next few months, the entire picture will change, and you will be at the topmost position.

If you are getting your salary on time, if you have flexibility at work, if you could develop your own strategy for recruitment as well as other HR activities, then it is really great.

So, I conclude, "just try to utilize your strengths within the current organization" — you will become stronger in the field. Don't even think about a job change.

All the best.

Rajesh (0 9923 00 9924) [Login to view]

Hi Friends, I am working as Manager-HR in a steel company in Kolkata since the last 6 months. Since this is a new company, things are not organized. Most of the time, I do recruitment (at times sourcing, coordinating with vendors), exit formalities, and issuing offers. The company doesn't have any policies, performance appraisals, etc. Just for the name's sake, I am a Manager, but I do all the work that an executive does. However, they are flexible in timing, and the workload is also quite low compared to other concerns. My concern is how will I justify my position in the next job when I don't perform managerial work and should I stick to this organization for some more time or look for a change? Please suggest.

Sweta

I am surprised! In fact, people are looking for an opportunity to implement their new ideas, and you are just trying to be a part of the unorganized situation of the company!!

In my opinion, you should not quit the organization right now. Being an HR person, you should develop the HR policies and systems for the company. You can approach your MD and open up your ideas, recruit someone to assist you in developing a system for the company. Within a year, you will see the change and will be surprised at the appreciation you get from the Management.

Try it!!

Best of luck,

Swapna

Hi Sweta,

I agree with Deepamba. It's easy to advise, but putting things into practice is sometimes tough. I recently joined a startup company, and it requires a lot of effort to get new things in place. However, this is the right time for you to prove yourself as a manager. By staying and implementing new ideas, your role will be justified, and you will gain valuable experience.

Convincing senior management requires some tactics. You can gather feedback from employees, engage with them for new implementation ideas, and after making changes, gather feedback from everyone. Once your senior team gains confidence in you, you can begin initiatives such as policy implementation and introducing a performance appraisal system.

All the best! :)

Nivedita

Guys,
I don't feel that its not the time to change……Every time you apply for a change there is a risk involved in that ..and so for the current situation. its just that you are jumping to conclusion in advance without facing the actual world….things no doubt are bad that does not mean that sun is not going to come out or stars wont come in the sky ..its just that you take a calculated risk, measures the pros and cons, and be careful while choosing something and do more of research work and then arrive at a decision…who says this the market is bad….yes for some I agree and for some its not …my friend who was struggling in the peak and when the companies were desperate to gets people on board was unable to find the job ..but now as u guys says its recession you wont find a job he has been able to find a good job in a multinational company…..infact for him it's the best time for a job…..Its your perception and your experience that makes the environment good and bad …..PLS DON'T SAY MARKET IS BAD OR POOR, IF YOU CAN GET A GOOD BREAK ITS NOT A RECESSION BUT AT LEAST MAKE AN EFFORT FIRST …..FOR ALL ITS WONT BE GOOD AND FOR ALL IT WONT BE BAD…..ITS WHAT YOU GET OUT OF IT….THE ONLY DIFFERENCE I SEE IS THE TIME..FOR SOME IT TAKES FEW DAYS AND FOR SOME IT WOULD BE MONTHS TO GET A JOB DEPENDING UPON THE SECTOR AND YOUR SPECIALISATION

Dear Shwetha,

Please don't look out for a job change as we are all living in an economy that is in a deep depression. Let's wait for the time until the economy becomes stagnant, and at this moment, you will not get a better job with a better salary. Stay with that company and apply your knowledge to improve the work culture. Have a look at the OD as well. Be open to suggestions.

Thank you.

Now I am working in Elixir Asset Reconstruction (I) Ltd. in Delhi. You should talk to me; perhaps I can help you regarding this matter.

Hi Shweta,

My sympathy is with you. I have a question for others: what should HR do when management is not willing to change or amend anything? They expect the HR department to show results, but when there is a need to invest time or money, they simply ignore it until the point when you lose interest in approaching them.

What should one do in such a scenario? Okay, leaving the job is not the solution, but what if there is no solution available within your current job either, at least from a career point of view?

I hope I will receive some good suggestions on this.

Thanks,
Rashmi

Dear Vinutha,

It's a time of global recession, so it might be that your boss is contradicting your new suggestion due to this situation. Please try to understand what your boss is looking for and provide ideas that help the organization cut costs and improve work efficiency. Ensure that your boss is also aligned with these objectives. If necessary, consider having an assistant to support you in your daily tasks.

Regards,

V. Vinutha

Thank you, Vinutha, for your suggestion. You have outlined exactly what I am trying to achieve at this point in time. To reduce costs, I have ceased using external consultants for our current requirements. I am handling everything myself, whether it is a junior or senior position. However, the issue lies in the lack of recognition for my efforts here. Since joining this organization, I have managed most requirements independently, without external support.

I think this is not the right time to leave the job. It's important to gain at least one year of experience in this industry because every industry has its own norms which you will learn during your tenure.

First, I would like to thank you, Bhavana, for your response. I must say "the grass is always greener on the other side" :)

The company is not yet well established. We are still creating different positions. The only problem is, Bhavana, they never involve me in decision-making. We don't have an HR round here. I only source and coordinate. I am not even fully involved in salary negotiation. The MD does it for senior positions. Can you suggest some changes? How should I initiate the concept of performance appraisal.

Shweta

Hello there,

Look at this job as fresh clay in your hands. You can mold it any way you like. Start by establishing the basics and work your way upward. Once you are able to work out a plan or things you want to establish, I am sure you can even justify adding people to your team to implement it. :-P

There is no such thing as a dream job - it's what we make of it. :-D

Iatia

Dear Loveleen,

Thank you so much for your suggestion. I would request you to explain all the topics like policy guidelines, appraisals, payroll, performance management, and training in detail on how I should proceed. I would also like to inform you that I have been working with this organization since June 2008. So far, I have handled recruitment and taken initiatives such as opening corporate salary accounts, organizing farewell parties, and distributing sweets during Diwali, which were not in practice before my joining. I am also working on changing the format of our appointment letter, which currently consists of a single page.

I am located at the registered office in Kolkata, where we have around 15 employees. Most of our employees are at the site in Orissa. Please provide suggestions considering that all decision-making powers are vested in the MD's hands.

Sweta

Hi friend, now the job situation isn't good and also your experience is very low. Please stick to the job for right now, then you can consider a change. Don't think about the position; accept the work happily, whatever you do.

Dear Rajesh,

Thank you for the response. I would like to tell you that my company is reluctant to changes. They don't want to adopt new policies. In this situation, what should I do? Yes, we receive our salary on time, and there's flexibility in timings as well. But from my career point of view, I am worried because there's no value addition at all.

Sweta

Hi, I would suggest you not change jobs unless you get a good opportunity. I am a resource manager in an IT company, so I know the market. This is not the right time to change jobs. Don't worry if you are not doing managerial work. I believe an HR manager should know all the work in the HR department as well as have knowledge in other departments about what employees do and how they do it. As the company has just started new, it takes time to allocate work according to levels and designations. Try to make the job interesting by inventing new policies, rules, etc.

Hi Shweta,

My personal suggestion to you, as if I am working in a brand organization, is that no person is ever completely comfortable; no one is truly happy or satisfied in this world, no matter what they achieve in life. It's important to keep this in mind as you proceed. Take some initiatives and then move forward. You will really enjoy your work. Consider how it feels to work with a renowned organization and then transition to one that lacks the same level of name and fame. I truly understand this, as it has happened to me as well. However, do not worry.

My suggestion would be to start looking for a change and then make the switch only when you are aware of the market conditions. Remember, we are the people who often chase after money, and this applies to everyone.

Thanks,
Shilpa

It's totally not a good time to change jobs. You have to wait some more time to make a change. Other than that, try to implement some good HR practices in your current organization. Try to convince the management that these changes are necessary. However, remember not to try to impress the management in monetary terms, such as investing in external training, especially during this high recession period.

Dear Shweta,

I have been under similar circumstances a year before when nothing was organized. Organizing is a big task that cannot be accomplished within 0.6 to 1 year's time. Please prepare your KRA/task sheet for 2 or 4 quarters and then try doing it. Though I am completing 1 year, there are a lot of things to be done.

To guide you better, I'll share what I have done:

Prioritize the tasks. In the 1st quarter, I had to do a lot of recruitment, joinings, and compensation negotiations. Introducing basic and important policies like compensation, Travel - Local; Outstation & International, Telephone policy, Loan & Advance, Service Conditions, and many more, including Mediclaim/GPA, PF & ESI Registration & Implementation, Personnel Management (coding & organizing).

2nd Quarter:

HR - MIS - CTC REPORT/ MANPOWER REPORT/ ATTRITION REPORT, Organizational chart, Appraisal System, HR Audits.

I am still in the process of streamlining things out here. Introduce important policies gradually and see the results. It's going to help you. All the best.

Please feel free to revert for any queries.

Regards,

Sashmita

Dear Sashmita,

I have been under similar circumstances a year before, where nothing was organized. Organizing is a big task, which cannot be accomplished within 0.6 - 1 year's time. Please prepare your KRA/task sheet for 2 or 4 quarters and then try doing it. Though I am completing 1 year, there are a lot of things to be done. To guide you better, I'll share what I have done:

Prioritize the tasks. In the 1st quarter, I had to do a lot of recruitment, joinings, and compensation negotiations. I introduced basic and important policies like compensation, travel (local, outstation, and international), telephone policy, loan and advance policies, service conditions, and many more. I also implemented Mediclaim/GPA, PF & ESI registration, and personnel management (coding and organizing).

In the 2nd quarter: HR-MIS, CTC report, manpower report, attrition report, organizational chart, appraisal system, and HR audits. I am still in the process of streamlining things here. Introduce important policies gradually and observe the results. It's going to help you. All the best. Please feel free to revert for any query.

Regards, Sashmita

Thank you, Sashmita, for your response. I joined this organization in June 2008 and have been engaged in recruitment since then. Here is a summary of the work I have done in the 1st quarter:

1st Quarter:
1) Recruitment (Identifying different sources of recruitment channels, sourcing senior profiles)
2) Opening corporate salary accounts
3) Providing travel reimbursement
4) Organizing welfare activities (farewell parties, birthday parties, etc.)

Could you explain the task sheet for the 2nd quarter? I would also like to mention that my MD is reluctant to change the current system where employees receive their salary by the 11th of every month. I suggested paying employees by the first week of every month, but he rejected the proposal. Under this situation, what other changes can be made that can benefit the organization and the employees?

Regards, Shweta

Hi Shweta,

My personal suggestions to you, as if I am working in a brand organization, I am also not comfortable enough; no person is happy or satisfied in this world, whatever they get in life. Things to be taken in mind and then further proceed with the same. Take some initiatives and then go ahead. You will really enjoy your work. How one feels while working with a brand organization and after that working with an organization that doesn't have name and fame, I really understand this (as it happened with me also), but never mind. My suggestions would be to start looking for a change and then only switch over, as you know about the market conditions (we are the people who run after money, applies to all).

Thanks,
Shilpa

Thank you, Shilpa. You are right. Nobody is happy with whatever they have. I will wait until the market situation is stabilized and then only switch over.

Sweta

Hi Swetha,

Change yourself now; don't be in a fool's zone. Get out of it and move to search for the cheese. You have to take the initiative to introduce new policies in your organization.

Hi Sweta,

I am Shiva from Delhi. I have 15 years of experience in admin/HR and other functions. Currently, I am working in a German-based firm as an office manager. Here, I am looking after accounts, finance, HR, admin, purchase, business development activities, and providing secretarial assistance to my director. Nowadays, companies require individuals who can multitask. In my previous organization, my designation was office administrator. At that time, they did not have any company policy. Within a very short period (six months), I introduced payroll, HR policies, security access with attendance, farewell parties, an annual tour with family members, and many other new initiatives.

You are a manager; therefore, you should create policies and implement them.

Best of luck,
Shiva
9891540119

Dear Sweta,

I have experienced the same but persevered despite all odds. Try to make small changes as other folks have rightly suggested. Take each main HR function one by one and try to implement them.

Best regards,
Ahmed Saeed

Hi Sweta,

Being an HR professional, it is your responsibility to create policies that can improve the current situation. As a Manager of HR, always remember that "HR is about getting things done by others systematically."

If you need any suggestions in the future, please feel free to contact me at my email: alokhunt2000@gmail.com.

Hello!

I have gone through your concerns and a few replies. My understandings are as follows:

1. It's a tough time. Do your work. Don't think that things will come to us on a plate.
2. You have joined the organization. Make it an opportunity for you to develop your expertise and put it to use. Don't complain. You can create systems, and I hope you are a manager recruited for that purpose.
3. Understand that an organization has problems, especially the new ones or the old ones facing changing times. Give more to the organization.
4. The next time you go to an organization, you will be able to speak, discuss, and share a story about how passionately you worked to build HR policies for your organization.
5. Keep trying to gain the support of your management to implement an HR system. One day, they will agree and understand. That's your job.

Warm regards and best wishes.

NB: Secure a job that is better than your current one and consider seeking advice. You will realize that you don't need any!! Ha! ha!

Whosoever has appointed you as an HR manager is a real damage to the company as well as you. :-D If you don't know the job and cannot elevate HR function at the inception stage, you are not fit for the HR manager job. Your designation should be HR officer. :idea:

To become an HR manager, one must have at least 10 years of experience to justify the designation as a manager. :-P You are lucky to enjoy the salary, status, and forget about the company business until your management gets wise. :idea:

Leaving the job is not the question. There is a lot of work which you can create. With reference to the steel industry, there exist contract labor, daily labor, contracting out the works, etc. For this, you need to be familiar with contract labor regulations and the Abolition Act and its implementation, statutory compliances, etc., in addition to handling other labor and social security legislations.

You have to create work for yourself. Your Mafoi knowledge helps you to a certain extent, but regarding manufacturing, there is a lot to be learned, and it requires a timely and progressive approach to learning.

Still, you have not dealt with trade union activities. Once it comes to you, you will run away within no time. I opine you have a good opportunity to learn. Please learn and do not run away. Leaving the job is in your hands; you can do it at any point in time.

BLN PATRUDU
98668-67772

Hi Sweta,

Happy New Year to you. I firmly agree with you. Being a manager in an organization and doing an executive job can be challenging. It may hurt a bit, but consider how much you can practice the things you have learned. Nowadays, everything is mechanized, but in the HR field, we organize and execute not only for men but also with the use of the other 3 Ms. Therefore, kindly develop love and affection towards your job and treat this company as your own. By doing so, you will not feel disheartened because "For Becoming an Owner, First you should become a Labourer at work." Make policies and work hard to get them implemented. Leave your mark in the company before you move forward.

Wishing you all the best!