Feeling Overwhelmed by Unreasonable Deadlines and Poor Treatment at Work – How Should I Handle This?

Dear Friends,

I am working with a small software company in Delhi as an HR Manager. I am facing a few problems as they don't have much work for me. Every day, they assign me new tasks with very short deadlines in the evening. Additionally, they constantly look for bugs and faults in the tasks I complete. Their behavior is not good, and they don't know how to communicate with a manager. It feels like mental harassment. Due to this situation, my daily routine, personal life, and studies are suffering.

Please advise me on what I should do.

Thanks in advance.

Riya Mehta

Hi Riya,

The same is happening to me too. I'm working in a BPO. It's been 1 month, and my peers also find faults and bugs in tasks done by me. Even when there is no mistake, they themselves create one and blame me. The seniors also support them.

Riya, Nirbhav, Raveesh,

Agreed that the workplace can feel like a torture chamber at times. But life is full of struggles, and let me use the cliché "Winners never quit because quitters never win!"

Try to win over the situation by giving back silently - by working efficiently and without talking - remain silent. Silence can be an effective tool. But give your maximum efficiency. Watch the situation for improvement. If it doesn't improve to your satisfaction, search for better prospects.

Remember, life is beautiful, and you are the most beautiful person in it. The end of a job is not the end of the world. A better job may be waiting for you, dear.

Dr. V.S. Rege

Hi Riya,

How are you doing? I hope all is well.

I wanted to bring to your attention that there is a possibility of them terminating you due to a lack of work or cost-cutting measures. In any case, I suggest discussing this with your seniors.

All the best.

Koti.

Hi Riya,

You should not worry. I think you should try to find positive points each day in what your superior is asking you. It may be that out of 10, 6 times he or she may be reprimanding you or making you feel that you have not done what was expected. Sometimes we get too busy focusing only on the negatives. If you can remain cheerful and do everything calmly and bright, you can change the situation. Do not worry about the job being odd or even. Nothing is odd; in a company, we need to do everything, and if we think this is my work and this is not my work, then you will have such thoughts.

I do hope things improve for you, and we hear some good news from you a little later. If you wish to change your job, you may still work towards that, but don't lose heart and fight it out with a positive spirit. Anytime you need help, you can get in touch. Best of luck and cheers.

Hi Riya,

This is all due to the workload in your company, and I suppose someone (maybe your senior) is feeling insecure. This is all to harass you. Maybe he/she thinks that if you do not leave this company, he/she may be promoted before you.

Please handle this situation with patience. You must talk to your manager to resolve this issue.

Have a nice time. :)
Naren

Hi Riya,

I understand that you are working as a Manager in HR. Who is responsible for identifying your tasks and deliverables? Is it the Managing Director or someone else? Please specify.

Why are there daily deadlines in place? I suggest requesting monthly or weekly targets instead to work towards. Perhaps the reason they are finding faults in your performance is because you are struggling to meet their requests within tight time frames.

Don't lose hope though.

You should try to talk it out with your senior upfront regarding the issues that you are facing. Also, ask him/her directly whether the situation will improve in the near future or not, i.e., will they assign you more and better job assignments. Through your senior's answer, you should be able to gauge whether something better will be coming up in the future or they just don't want to do so. Accordingly, you should take a call whether this place of work is worth sticking around or should you hunt for a better opportunity.

Hi Riya,

All software companies are the same. Half the people have to sit without work. That won't change, so don't worry about it.

Who are 'they'? Are they all your supervisors? No? Then just speak to your supervisor, ask him to set your KRAs right, and tell him that you want more work but in a more organized manner. Tell your boss that you are looking up to him for a solution! Ask him politely, "Do you think it's right to give a very short time for work?" "Do you think it's right to assign work in the evening when I'm sitting free all day and am ready to work?" Make him answer something! When he has to answer, he will probably notice your trauma. If he doesn't, just look for another job.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Shikha

I simply agree with Asha. In this situation, you should go directly to your boss and discuss with him that despite having daily deadlines, you should have monthly/weekly tasks to perform. This would help you and management analyze the work you do on a daily basis, and they will realize your worth in the organization.

I would also suggest you engage yourself in other HR-related activities rather than sitting idle in times when you have no work. Try to initiate new activities and programs in our organization to engage yourself and thus let them also realize what you do. Regarding their way of behaving with you, you should handle it with absolute care. Try to be patient and calm, be subtle and effective in your tasks performed. Check and recheck your work done to avoid mistakes.

This will help you get over your problem.

Regards,

Sumiksha Koul

Dear Rita,

Even though I have joined a small organization and I am the only HR, my situation is somewhat similar to yours. There is not much to do, but I am trying to stay cool and give my best. Stay positive, and remember there is always an option to find a better job. However, don't make hasty decisions. Stay calm and composed.

Take care,
Vandana

Hi Riya,

It's time to pull up your socks and give back to the management with conviction. I think you are facing a few of these problems:

- Know the most powerful person in the organization and try to win his or her heart.
- Maintain good professional relations with the key decision-makers of the organization.
- Try to win the hearts of line managers.
- Sometimes you should use your positional power to get a grip on the situation.
- At your position, you should decide what others will do; it's not for others to decide your work.
- Can you tell us the size of your company and how many decision-makers there are?

Shib

Hi Riya,

I feel strongly to face and tackle this situation as an HR task. Smile back after completion of that particular task. In case of a delay or inability to complete the task, find the lacuna and put the ball in their court. Definitely, one day you will make things straight and win hearts. Everywhere we encounter these sorts of things, but we learn to conquer and deal with the worst of situations.

Regards,
Yandamuri, HR

As previously mentioned by some members, you should provide specific details about your reporting structure. Who is assigning tasks to you? You mentioned that you are a Manager-HR. Do they require an HR team? How many individuals are in your team? Is there a senior person in your team? To whom do you report?

Do not worry, just be specific. Citehr has many HR professionals who may be more experienced than you and can assist you. :)

Riya,

It's hard for anyone to go through difficult times at work. Staying positive, although easier said than done, is definitely the message in the short term. Do your job and the tasks assigned to you to the best of your abilities. Talk to your direct-line manager to understand what exactly is going on - be as diplomatic as you can while doing so. I would not lay down all my cards if I were you and just focus on the issues/concerns you are dealing with.

While you are focusing on your job and discussing with your manager, etc., also start looking for another job. Once you find one, leave. Here are the reasons why I think leaving is a good option to consider.

1. Typically, employers who value their employees would like to keep them by motivating them - letting them know their value/worth (does this happen in Indian companies? Or is the culture such that "If I make you feel highly valued, you will become arrogant and demand more. So, I will try to keep you in tight leash"?)
2. If your direct-line manager is the one causing your trouble, talking to your manager's manager may not yield much result because with what little experience I had (many years ago) with Indian senior management circles, they are very closely knit and they stand by one another. Your problems may, at best, remain, and at worst increase.
3. If your manager is trying to find fault with everything you do, giving you impossible-to-achieve tasks (and deadlines), and documenting everything you are doing (or especially the negative aspects of your work), that tells me that (s)he is preparing grounds and documenting evidence to fire you.
4. If there is nothing you can ever do right in the view of your manager, you are in a no-win situation and it is time to move on. In the current economy (or in any economy), although moving on could be very emotional, do not make your decisions based on emotions and haste. Consider waiting and trying to work things out while keeping your options open and looking for another job. Once you find one, you have your next steps with this company outlined for you.

All the best with your situation and future.

Regards,
-Som G

Dear Riya,

I am sure you have enough support now to trudge along your way merrily. I, too, understand your problem, and it is very common in small companies that do not go by the book. It is ad-hoc-ism all the way. Do your bit, try to bring in a system to this anarchy.

Browse this site, as similar problems have been posted earlier, and good suggestions given by friendly members. By the time you are thorough with these exercises, the recessionary clouds would have waned, and the "green shoots" would have taken roots, providing you with innumerable choices if you keep yourself in touch with consultants and job sites. Remember the famous lines - "Tough times don't last; tough people do".

Hi Riya,

I guess you need to set your priorities right. You need to prove that you are someone who is making decisions in your area. You can start by being a little more communicative. Go to the department heads and ask them what problems they are facing with HR. Then, make sure you find solutions for them. If you find that the solutions are not easy, ask them for their input on potential solutions. Involve them in the problem-solving process.

Prepare training plans and involve senior employees in taking responsibility for training their subordinates in a structured manner. Be firm but polite in your interactions.

Hi Riya,

I think what you are facing is nothing new. I have seen two types of bosses: one who is matured and intelligent, who can guide and never irritates subordinates. Secondly, there is the type who is the opposite and generally irritates subordinates.

I feel you should come out boldly. If he is giving you a deadline, go to the boss in the morning and ask for the job to be finished before you leave. Calculate the time required for finishing the job, keep some buffer over it, and reply.

I think this will definitely help you.

Prashant

Hi Riya,

I would duplicate the reply given by member 'joy4all'. I found the reply quite appropriate and encouraging. Additionally, try befriending a colleague who is positive in your organization. Until and unless you're getting clear evidence that your immediate boss wants you to quit, my request would be to HANG ON and fight it out. You might realize that you had a misconception about the entire situation.

Have a nice day!

Regards,
Lionel

It happens with everyone in every organization or institute. Even if you change your job, it's not certain you may not end up in the same situation. Worst of all, it affects only you and your personal life.

Here are my personal suggestions to handle the situation:

1. Firstly, take nothing personally. It's only a job. Try to modify your behavioral aspects - the way you react to things related to your job. (Develop a thick skin or become more diplomatic). Be cautious - never discuss your weaknesses or things in the office that affect you mentally. It may be used against you or as leverage.

2. Try to develop personal relationships with a few colleagues close to your boss or even with your boss. Do nothing wrong, but keep track of their work and schedules, especially their priorities.

3. Try to gather information on how other employees were treated in the office before you joined. Learn about office politics, who's who, who likes what, dislikes what, who is close to top management, etc., so you know what to discuss or avoid in front of certain individuals.

4. Stay informed about office occurrences such as upcoming events, projects, and management priorities, and align your work accordingly.

5. Avoid complaining - consider leaving if necessary. Complaining about your boss or colleagues won't improve your situation in the office. At worst, someone may take it personally and worsen the situation.

Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. When assigned work, assure your boss that you will prioritize it, but also approach them 2-3 times to address any issues with the tasks given (even if you don't need help). This process satisfies your boss's ego. Additionally, when you submit completed work, there are fewer chances of mistakes being found.

2. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team members. Involve at least 1-2 colleagues in your work and inform your boss about the assistance you received from them. This way, if there are any errors in the work, you won't be solely responsible.

3. Occasionally offer help to your boss (not too frequently) on tasks they are working on. This shows initiative and increases their reliance on you. Furthermore, you gain insight into your boss's responsibilities.

There is much more to learn, understand, and practice. Take these steps, and hopefully, they will help you.

With all due respect, Lionel4444...

Firstly, discussing troubles with a manager or management with a colleague is considered unprofessional in many circles and work environments. This is true regardless of how positive the colleague is. Depending on how the conversation goes and how close the colleague and your manager are, it could amount to bad-mouthing your manager. This would produce, if anything, negative results. On the other hand, discussing with someone outside the organization who is in a mentor state is quite healthy. Asking, "Here is my situation. How do you think I should approach this, or what do you suggest I should do in this situation?" is a healthy way to go.

Secondly, if a boss is making your life miserable (if you are feeling harassed by your boss), waiting around until you are absolutely sure that he/she wants to fire you is not a very smart thing to do. The reason being, such confirmation may come in the form of a pink slip.

It is a very delicate situation, Riya. Talk it out with your well-wishers and mentors outside the organization. Find some innovative, but discreet ways to figure out what is actually going on. Further, it would be a good idea to have a candid conversation (not rude/tough, but candid, polite, and respectful) with your boss to understand how you can meet his/her expectations. You can frame such a discussion in a way similar to the following:

"Boss, I have been noticing that you are not too happy with my performance (tread very carefully while framing this sentence though. If not done properly, this could backfire). I want to make sure that I consistently meet your expectations. I would like to know and learn what I could do differently so that I am meeting your expectations."

Based on how such a conversation goes, you will get a fairly decent view into your boss's mind and if he/she really wants to get rid of you.

All the best,
-SG

Hi Riya,

I would duplicate the reply given by member 'joy4all'.

I found the reply quite appropriate and encouraging. Additionally, try befriending a colleague who is positive in your organization.

Until and unless you're getting clear evidence that your immediate boss wants you to quit, my request would be to HANG ON and fight it out.

You might realize that you had a misconception about the entire situation.

Have a nice day!

Regards - Lionel

Dear Riya,

Apart from the suggestions given by other members, you can also try the following:

Whenever a task is assigned to you, speak to the person who is giving you the task or to the person to whom you have to hand over the completed work. Clarify from that person what exactly they are wanting from you - the output required, in other words. Once you understand what they are saying, repeat it by paraphrasing. Use statements like "So I understand that you would like me to do..." or "On this assignment, I will do...". This will help you in these ways:

1. There will be fewer chances of seniors trying to find faults since you will start the work only after understanding their requirements.

2. It will send out a positive signal which says that you are trying to eliminate chances of error and improving your mistakes.

3. You are not going to leave room for error, so if they are actually trying to assess you, they will have to think of new ways.

4. Finally, it gives you a chance to say, "I have done this job only after speaking with you."

I hope this helps. Hang in there!

Hi Riya,

Don't be upset by thinking of a situation repeatedly. Instead, consider it as a challenge presented to you to solve, for which you are being paid.

Hi Riya,

Good afternoon.

I hope you are doing great.

I have read all the above comments, but I would like to add something for you:

Problems come and go in any job, especially in HR. The best solution for any problem is to keep quiet and do your best job. If someone is trying to find bugs or anything, don't feel that it is wrong for them to find issues. Instead, try to see where you are missing and what is lacking in you (try to improve yourself). Comments are for improvement, so it depends on you how you accept them. If you accept them with a positive attitude, it means someone is looking at your work and providing you with regular feedback.

I shared these thoughts with you because I work in a small software company, and this is common for HR professionals. HR professionals need to be creative and positive.

So, don't worry; there is nothing related to recession.

I hope my suggestions will help you.

Regards,
Smoronika

Each one of us working in organizations needs to set the right expectations for ourselves and for our reporting staff. It will be good for you to self-evaluate the added value that you are bringing to the function and thereby to the organization. Can you write down the value additions of each day? If you can, you can never be mocked.

Hi Riya,

Well, this is a challenge that you have to overcome. I am sharing my experience when I started my professional career. I am totally blind and working in an oil firm. Initially, people had a lot of preconceived notions about my capabilities. However, I converted all problems into challenges. I was also honored by the Indian government for outstanding contributions in my organization. For further conversation, you may contact me at morenr@bharatpetroleum.in.

Regards,
Nagraj

Dear Friends,

I am working with a small software company in Delhi as an HR Manager. I am facing a few problems as they don't have much workload for me. They assign new tasks to me daily with very short deadlines. Additionally, they always try to find faults and bugs in my work. Their behavior is not good, and I don't know how to talk to a manager. It feels like mental harassment because of this; my daily routine, personal life, and studies are suffering.

Please advise on what I should do.

Thanks in advance.
Riya Mehta

Dear Riya,

I agree with Ms. Asha Mathew's view. Let's find out the person allotting the work to you. Is there more than one HOD using your office time? Then please ask gently to give a reasonable target period with full guidance and support.

Regards,

Sriman Bharatiyudu

Hi Riya,

Take some extra time to do the assignment, and also ask for the senior's help.

"Karat karat abhyas, jadimat hote sujan."

"Keep trying until you get success."

Regards

Hello Riya :icon1:

Several questions to ask yourself:

* Is upper management truly reactive to your position, or are you overreacting to their actions?

First of all, any organization that has an HR department should be a progressive-thinking organization. The position should be part of the executive committee and strategic planning committee team. Are you part of these?

If they are coming to you on a daily basis with last-minute assignments, it might be an indication that they do not understand the role of HR.

Consider putting together a proposal regarding the responsibilities and projects that you deem necessary for the organization to implement and progress forward.

* What type of staff training and development needs to be designed and implemented?

* Is there a succession planning program in place?

* When was the last time the new employee handbook was revised?

* Do you have a new employee orientation program in place?

These are just food for thought.

Remember, your position is one that should be shown respect. It is a leadership position.

Be well,

Dr. Marc :-D

PS 63:7

Hi Riya,

Are you sure you are not making any mistakes in you work?
If you haven't doing any mistake, why can't you defend yourself instead of feeling guilty? Ask your boss to correct you if you are mistaken, remind them that we all are humans and we do make mistakes, no one is born perfect in this world. Speak out about your problem tell them you are an efficient worker for that position and giving your best all times.

Are deadlines given at the work are too short for you?
Go ahead and talk to your boss about it, let them know that you are doing your best for completing your tasks by end of the day, explain them the time given to you is too meager for doing that work.

Mental Harassment
Do you think you don't find any other job in this big world? Is that job that important for you than your happiness? Who the hell is you're your Boss / Manager to disturb you, go ahead and talk to concern person without any fear inside.
“You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind”

This world looks too small for the people who try to see it through a window and hope you are not one of them….come out and walk the streets to find how big your life in this world.

Thanks…Keep smiling:)

Rajashekar Reddy

Hi Riya,

Hey, I understand the agony that you must be going through. May God give you the strength to sail through. I think you should wait for some days, try to discuss things with an empathetic colleague. Better you give a hint to your senior during an informal discussion to clarify your KRAs better. If you still are not able to cope, try looking out for a better job. You need to enjoy your job. If you don't have mental peace, your other areas of life will suffer. All the best, dear.

Hi Riya,

This is Deepak. I'm also working in the same condition, but you should try to come over from that through your work and quality. I hope you understand what I'm saying. This is the nature of seniors; they always find bugs in work. Don't think about this and continue your work with enthusiasm. After that, one time will come when they appreciate your work and are thankful for you. "Think Positive." Results always come out "Positive." So, good luck.

Hi,

I too have experienced such a situation during a recession. I am sure your patience will help you a lot.

Regards,
Lavanya.

Dear [Recipient],

You should take on all new tasks as new experiences or new exposures. You must see the brighter side of the picture in a positive manner. I understand you are facing and dealing with a difficult boss, but in the future, wherever you go, you won't face any difficulty in handling pressure and stressful situations because these days will make you the perfect person to handle any kind of boss or working culture. There is a saying that "usually employees leave their bosses, not organizations." You are doing well; you must have been performing as you have in the past. You must take their criticism in a positive manner, understanding that they are providing you with short timelines, which means you are receiving on-the-job (OJ) training in time management and stress management.

On the other hand, you must search for a new job. Once you get a better opportunity, leave your current job gracefully.

Regards,
Shahzad

I am working in a public sector company under the Government of India as an Assistant General Manager at the senior management level for the last 5 years. Currently, the management is not sanctioning my leave, cutting off all facilities/authority, and keeping the department idle with limited job responsibilities for the past year due to some senior officers' vested interests. I am unable to change jobs because any commitments made on behalf of the company can be investigated by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for 6 years. I am 50 years old, with another 10 years until retirement, receiving my salary while essentially doing nothing. Furthermore, as part of the senior management cadre, I am legally bound to stay with the company.

The management is even attempting to harass me through the local workers' union of the company. This entire situation is causing me significant mental harassment. Is there any solution from anybody or any legal remedy to address this issue?