Struggling with Employee ID Cards: How to Handle Designation Requests from Management?

Dear CiteHR Friends,

We have newly generated ID cards for all employees of all branches across India. The design of the ID card is as follows:

Front Side: Company Logo, Company Name, Photo of the Employee, Name of the Employee, Employee Code Number.

Back Side: Office Address, Office Phone Number, Office Website, Office Fax Number.

I have not mentioned any employee designation because I thought it may create a barrier to participation in activities. For example, in many cases, corporate clients prefer to interact with managers or top-level personnel rather than executives. Sometimes, peons are sent for collections as collection executives, so we cannot mention "Peon" on the ID card.

Some top management officers are now requesting the inclusion of designations as they claim that an ID card without a designation is of no use. This is not feasible for me as I handle all HR activities for over 100 employees across India, and changing all the cards is not possible. Please suggest what I can do. How can I explain the reasons for not mentioning designations on the ID card? If I provide the above reason, no one will listen to me.

Please help.

Regards,
Priya

I think ID cards should be one-sided only. The format should include the company logo, followed by the company address and phone numbers. Below that, there should be the employee's photo and employee code, with the designation. I believe this information is more than sufficient. Thank you.

Thank you, Sarita, for your immediate reply. However, our Departmental Heads are not considering these reasons. They insist that if we do not mention the designation, it implies that the ID card lacks authority and is ineffective.

Hi,

You should include the employee ID or code number on the ID card, as it itself indicates the designation. However, the designation should not be included on the ID card as it can demoralize an employee.

Hi Bhandhavi,

Thank you for your suggestion. I will use this reason as the basis for why I did not include the designation. Please tell me how it will demoralize an employee if he/she is in top management and how I can explain this to my seniors.

I have heard that few companies like Financial Technologies, TCS, and Wipro do not include designations on their ID cards. What could be the reason behind this? I am quite confused about it.

Hi,

You shouldn't include the designation on the ID card. Generally, companies don't use designations on ID cards. In our company, I don't mention designations on ID cards because we promote staff every 6-12 months. At that time, you can't issue another ID card with a new designation. You can explain this reason to your higher authority. You have already included the Employee ID on the card, which is more than enough.

Hi Priya,

I understood your problem which I faced early in my career. Mentioning designations causes a demoralization of employees' attitudes. It is psychologically depressing for an employee in the workplace.

1) If two employees fully talented are working together in the same project but in the same cadre, how would you assign designations? If one person's designation is of lesser priority than the other, that person may not contribute their best performance.

2) Applying superiority,
3) Inferiority complex, and so on.

It is better to avoid emphasizing designations. Alternatively, consider avoiding ID cards for top-level management.

Kenady

Dear friends,

It is better not to issue the ID card with a designation because the designation will change frequently for the lower-level people, sometimes even for staff levels. If the Manager becomes Sr. Manager later on, then you would have to change the ID card according to the promotions, which may not be feasible.

Another thing, we have received a letter from the Factory Inspectorate to issue ID cards for all the employees. The format is as follows:

IDENTITY CARD
PHOTO
01. Name of the worker:
02. Father's/Husband's name:
03. Date of Birth:
04. Address
Permanent:
Present:
05. Nature of employment: Permanent/Temporary/Contract
06. Blood group:
07. Date of issue:
08. Date of Expiry:
Signature of Holder Issuing Authority

I believe this information is sufficient for you.

Regards,
M. Alphonse
9443625359
Tamil Nadu

I think it will explain the category of employees, and it is easily understandable to anybody. Everybody outside the organization does not understand the codes we use for employees; it differs from company to company. That's why:

Hi Priya,

It is not necessary to mention the designation on the ID card. Many companies practice this, while many others don't. In my organization, the ID doesn't have a designation. It includes the company logo, address, name of the employee, employee code, and blood group. On the reverse side, it has the residential address.

The reason for not mentioning the designation is that designations can change due to promotions and changes in the organizational structure. When such changes take place, the ID also needs to be altered. Therefore, it is more convenient to have the ID without a designation.

Choose what is best for your organization.

Regards,
Shijit.

Hi Priya,

Top management people should understand the issue. If not, then they are not able managers. Companies like Wipro do not encourage putting designations on ID cards for the same reason. Additionally, if employees get a promotion, then you need to change the ID card again, which is an unnecessary expense.

ID card is issued only once in an employee's career in their company, and only constants are provided on the ID. Therefore, there is no question of issuing an ID with a designation. However, you may issue visiting cards/business cards to your employees by mentioning their designation, which could solve the problem.

Hi Rajesh,

Your reply was excellent. Thank you so much for this useful suggestion. This issue was mainly raised by our Compliance Officer, who holds a position just below the director, so his designation will not be changed further. Our Vice Presidents are also positioned just below the director. In such a case, what shall I have to answer them?

Thank you.

Thank you so much, all CiteHR friends, for helping out. This site is very useful, and all our HR friends are very, very helpful. Within an hour, I am getting so many responses to solve this issue.

So, mentioning the designation on the ID card will:
1. Hamper the morale of the employees since discrimination might take place.
2. Every year, after promotion, there will be a change in designation, and hence we have to generate cards every year which is considered as useless expenditure.

What about employees who are just below directors?

Hello Priya,

Management concern is quite reasonable. Designation is an important factor. I think the designation should be mentioned on the ID card. If you want to avoid the designation on the card, then the best alternative is that you should prepare a grade list. For example, for Officer rank, the grade can be given as A, for a peon, the grade may be D, and so on. It will solve the management concern as well as your problem.

I hope you will find it best.

Kuldeep Vats

Hi Priya,

Logically, mentioning the designation on the ID card is not really important. Instead, you can indicate grades like A, B, C, and so on. Designations tend to change, sometimes as frequently as every 6 months.

No, Kuldeep, this is not possible because the cards have already been generated. We do have grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, but clients outside will not understand grades. That's why our grade 1 employees require the designation "power," whereby they will find themselves in a superior position unlike others.

Dear Priya,

An ID card is related to photo identity and may also be used for marking attendance. If you use only the front side with details such as the logo, employee ID, name, blood group, address, and emergency contact number, it will be more cost-effective. Printing on both sides will be more expensive. You can convince your boss by explaining that business/visiting cards and ID cards serve different purposes based on their uses and the information they display. For reflecting designation/position, we use business cards, not ID cards.

Thanks,
Pankaj Shukla

For me, you may use a new technology like an ID scanning device where, when you swipe it, you can see the employees' information. However, this might increase your costs significantly, I think.

Priya,

The same rule will be applicable for your top management team, i.e., (VP & Directors). Tell them that there shouldn't be different kinds of ID cards in one organization. I am sure they have the visiting cards with their designations. So, there is no need for the designation to be on the ID card.

Hi Priya,
Enough details you have for a perfect ID card for your employees and you don't need to do any further change in this format. But I also agree with Sarita that Company and Employee details with Employee's Emergency Number on single side of the CARD would be better.

Hi Friend,

This discussion thread really provoked my mind in different ways. First instance, I thought - Why not we put the designation on the ID cards? Secondly, why should we put the designations on the ID cards? And finally, we should not put the designation on the ID cards.

Now I understand the generous nature of my MD who wears an ID card in the office without fail, even if not necessary as she is the owner of a 400-seater company. Needless to say, there is no designation imprinted on her ID card. Tell your superiors that only their excellence in work should speak about their name and not the tag; after all, a piece of plastic hanging at the end of the rope.

No way should we accept this as this is not morale, even if you can change the ID cards as and then.

Regards,
G

Hi Priya,

I feel there is no need to mention the designation. Employee ID number is sufficient. I have seen many ID cards on which only the ID number is mentioned.

Aman

Hi,

It is not necessary to provide the designation on the ID card. If an employee is promoted to the next level, it must be changed accordingly. You can issue a visiting card with the designation wherever necessary for employees.

Regards,
Vijay

Hi Priya,

I also agree that there is no need to mention the designation on the ID card in our company. I also don't mention the designation on the ID card because ID cards can be issued to all employees, regardless of their band, which helps avoid unnecessary expenditures.

On the front side of the ID card, I include the following details:
1. Company Logo
2. Employee Photo
3. Employee Number
4. Blood Group (in case of any emergency, this is kept as mandatory)
5. Emergency Contact Number other than the employee's mobile number

On the back side of the ID card, I include:
1. Company Logo
2. Printing some necessary precautions about the ID card
3. Office Address

You can minimize the details on the back side to only include the office address if you prefer.

S.P.R

Hi Priya,

The ID card should have the following information:
- Company Logo
- Full Name of the employee and Employee Number
- Full Address and phone number of the company (website)
You may include the blood group of the employee instead of designations if you are not comfortable.

Regards,
Sushma

Priya,

Gone are those days when people were known by designation. We are now recognized as strategic partners, and our journey from P&A to HRD/People officers does not need explanation. Putting designation is the barrier and not an identity. Do not encourage it, stick to your decision. You can justify by saying all the big conglomerates follow this. Furthermore, an ID card is the identity of an employee. It might sound good for top management, but for the employees down the line, it's not encouraging. When employees deal with outsiders or clients, or travel outside, the outsiders or society become judgmental. Please avoid it. Let me know if you succeed in this and also tell us the story; I will follow it up.

Thanks

Dear Priya,

What you are talking about is a photo ID card, not a designation ID card. For the purpose of designation, they should use their business cards. You can justify the cost and difficulty in changing ID cards every time once an employee is promoted, and that too at the country level. It is going to be quite challenging.

But do not hesitate to quote the practices of the GPW organizations. However, it's a tricky issue. Most professional organizations would accept this theory, but not all are professional organizations. Hence, you must really think about whether you can convince the top management, or if not obliging them will backfire.

Not everyone is Nandan Nilekani, Azim Premji, or Ratan Tata. If you feel that there will not be any designation changes for the top management, you can have that for their satisfaction. Hence, better sense prevails.

Prabhakar

Hi Pramod Singh,

I agree that designation is a barrier on an ID card in a professional organization. That's not the same in some business houses which still run with an old school of thought. This may be one. It all depends on how you convince your management and how they get convinced?

Prabhakar

You must mention the designation. It shows the identity of a person working in an organization. You can decide not to mention the designation below a certain cadre, i.e., designation up to the officer level only.

Regards,
nkkundrai

Dear Priya,

I feel designation should not be a part of the ID card, and the reasons for it are as below:

1) If a promotion happens within a year, then keeping track and issuing a new one as and when required is a very difficult job for the admin or HR person.

2) Having an ID card around the neck promotes the feeling of loyalty and commitment towards the company.

3) It gives a sense of belonging and a feeling of working in a team, not categorizing people by their designation or hierarchy.

4) Last but not least, an ID card holder is for access control entry and recording your presence, which directly inputs into payroll calculations. It is not for discriminating against any employee by notifying them by their designation.

Hope this helps you.

Regards,
Mona

I believe your top management must have visiting cards with their designation. If they do not have it currently, think about it... they will be more happy to carry them in their wallets and to proudly hand it over to their clients than hanging an ID around their neck. It will satisfy their ego better.

The best way to handle this typical situation is to explain that it is against company policy. Specifically, emphasize that an employee ID card is different from employees' business cards, where the designation is a requirement. Generally, the ID card is intended for use within the location and the office. Within the workplace, most employees are familiar with each other's designations, so it is not necessary to include this information on the ID card. If employees wish to share their designation with others, they should use office business cards. Hope this explanation helps.

Yesterday evening, I had spoken to our director regarding the matter that all VPs and senior-level officers are not accepting this ID card because it does not have their designation mentioned. I had summarized all the views and suggestions in this thread and told him that mentioning the designation would lower the morale of employees in the lower cadre, cause mental effects directly or indirectly, hamper teamwork, and be costly to change ID cards every year after promotion. He understood the situation and instructed me to proceed with what I have done. I communicated this to our senior officers, who clearly expressed their dissatisfaction with the card and stated that they would keep it on their desks.

This is not the only battle I have faced; I have encountered many such challenges in this company because I don't have a team. I am the sole member, and due to my team size being zero, people speak and act as they wish. Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I fail. I wholeheartedly work for the organization's benefit and the employees' welfare, but ultimately, my efforts are either criticized or completely halted.

For example, I organized a free eye testing camp from a renowned brand at our office premises. All employees, regardless of seniority, insinuated that I received some benefit from the optical house for arranging this. Seniors even confronted me directly. Despite my efforts for them, I only face criticism in the end.

This is a small company located in West Bengal with several branches across India. I am the first person to establish the HR Department here, marking the initial stage of my career. I receive substantial support from our director, but senior employees do not comply with the rules. These seniors, aged between 50-60 years, exhibit inflexibility. I fail to comprehend why they resist management changes and fail to see that organizational benefits are aligned with their own. Similar resistance has been encountered regarding the Employee ID card issue.

Thank you, CiteHR friends, for your tremendous support in helping me navigate through these challenges.

Thank you once again.

Just a thought. Have the blood group on the ID card. It saves lives in times of emergency. Change the color of the tag (rope/whatever is used for hanging the card) for Seniors/Salary Bands. For example, if 5 years - Blue, 10 years - Green, Band A - Blue, Band B - Green.

Cheers, Sujay

It's always favorable to put the designation on an ID card, but most IT companies do not follow this practice, as they are supposed to work in teams. One simple solution is to combine the designation with the employee number, which the parent organization can understand, but it may be challenging for other companies to distinguish. Perhaps this is the only way to achieve a win-win situation.

Manish

Hi,

No IT companies use designations on ID cards. Company logo, name, employee name, code, company address (optional), blood group, and sometimes emergency contact numbers are important. Blood group and emergency contact numbers are helpful in case an employee is involved in an accident. This is a standard practice.

To address this issue, you can gather samples from at least 10 well-known companies such as Tata, Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, and Reliance to present to your management. It's important to note that ID cards should not be changed for promotions or role expansions; visiting cards serve that purpose. Designations should only be included on visiting cards, which are used for business interactions.

ID cards are primarily used for identification and access to business premises. Visit cards should include designations and are meant for business-related communication purposes.

Kind regards, [Your Name]

What you have done is right. It is not so elegant to put designations on their ID cards. If they insist, you may:

1. Add a tag just before their employee ID number. For example, HR-0042, IP-0038, SA-0021, SA-0022, etc.
2. Another best alternative is to put a thin vertical/horizontal band over the card. For example, a saffron band for top management, a blue band for executives, green, etc.

Pavi Praveen
pavi_ldj at yahoo dot co dot in

Hi Priya,

Designations on ID cards will create a problem in the future during times of promotions. When promotions occur, their designations will change, leading to unnecessary expenses for the company.

Regards,
Neha

I also feel that designation should not be a part of the ID card. If a promotion happens within a year, then keeping track and issuing a new one as and when it's required is a very difficult job for the admin or HR person. You can only mention the name, employee number, blood group, and the address of the company, factory, or corporate office. That's it.

Ms. Priya,

The design of the ID card is perfect because these are the sufficient and necessary things to be displayed. Furthermore, if you can also include the ICE number (In Case of Emergency number) of the employee as it is very useful everywhere.

Regarding the designation, it is really not necessary. The reason which you have decided to tell is genuine and acceptable. Therefore, just make your superiors understand that there must not be any discrimination within the employees and add, saying that the more you keep your designation confidential, the more you benefit. Most companies follow this.

With regards,
Mohib Patel

Hi,

Here are my reasons:

If there are designation changes for an employee, the ID card where the designation is mentioned demands a change of ID card. This, again, is a cost to the company. There may be cases where a new joiner is promoted to the next level within 5-6 months of joining due to his performance. Again, when the ID card changes with a new designation, it demoralizes the other employees who have been in the organization for a long time and have not been promoted. For exhibiting their designation, business cards would suffice.

Regards,
Varsha

Hi,

An ID card is meant for the individual's use only. In the event of an accident, the public will not see the designation on the card; instead, they will only have access to the emergency contact number and blood group information. These details are crucial during emergencies. Designation information is not included in ID forms.

Hi Priya,

Your decision to not specify the designation on the ID card is right. The purpose of the ID card is to identify the employee as a part of the organization. The rationale that can be given to your senior members is that in case they need to identify their role or designation at a meeting, they can use their business/visiting cards. Just as an official email ID does not specify the designation of an employee to the outside world but clarifies that she/he is associated with the organization, similarly, an ID card is also for the purpose of ensuring that the entry into your office premises is safe and restricted.

Hope this will help you.

Hi Priya,

I agree that using designations can demoralize the employees, but you can follow this if it suits you. Just mention the department after the person's name. For example, Priya Sharma
Admin.

Also, you could categorize the employees into three levels: Level 1 - top level, Level 2 - middle level, and Level 3 - executive level. So, the card can mention Priya Sharma
Admin - 2.

Just my way of thinking.

Simran.

Instead of changing the ID cards for all employees, you can arrange visiting/business cards only for those employees who need to clarify their designation at visits/meetings. You can convince them by saying that the designation may change from time to time depending upon promotions/assessments, and it is practically not possible to issue new ID cards each time. Today, when most organizations are finding ways to cut costs, the use of existing ID cards will help reduce the financial burden on the company.

Dear Priya,

I don't see any harm in mentioning the designation as the person knows at what level he is working, so I don't think that putting his designation will pull down his morale. But I guess it varies from industry to industry.

Regards,
Rituparna

Hi Priya,

Designation must be on the ID card; otherwise, there is no meaning to it. Sometimes, we have to make practical decisions. In the case of your advice, you need to convince your management and then make a decision.

Best regards,
Mahesh

Hi, Priya,

An identity card is only for proof of an employee working in an organization. The ID card should include only the employee code, name, blood group, and emergency contact number for employee safety, as per my knowledge.

Thank you,
shbawadiya

Hi! I am using this reply post to ask a question because I believe it could elicit the much-needed response. I am working on an assignment on Coke's corporate strategies and can't find any material on it. Could someone please help?
Thank you,
Takhva

Hi,

I think designation is not mandatory on ID cards. You should try to convince management in a way that all employees have a certain unique number, which is their employee ID. Besides, if we don't include the designation on ID cards, it will instill a sense of pride in junior employees that they hold equal importance to senior employees in the organization.

Abhijeet

Dear Friend,

In my opinion, you can provide a brief explanation to the concerned person(s) that the Employee Card is intended for internal use and is not a visiting card or business card where one is expected to display their designation. I hope this clarification meets with your approval.

Regards,
Ratti Wahal
Contact No.: 9310270885

Hi Priya,
Its good and also not preferred to add Designations as and when there may be promotions of a person so, there will be a re-work of adding designations again and again. It's better to avoid it.
Regards
Rizwan
HR Executive
ANTS

Hi, I can give you an idea that will demonstrate the hierarchy within the company. What you can do is, for top management, change the color of the tag they are wearing. Each level will have a different color. You can distribute a circular indicating that each level will have a specific color tag for identification, etc. Even newcomers will be able to identify who is in management, who is at the executive level, etc. Both management and cost are saved. Think about it.

Dear Priya,

I am working as Manager - Security with Air India, Delhi, and a certified instructor from BCAS, Govt. of India. A small organization like yours with 100 staff/officers, designation/rank is desirable but not essential. I would suggest some additional features to be incorporated into your ID cards, i.e.

1. Please add either a hologram of the Company's Logo or some kind of ultraviolet features onto the ID Card after final printing to eradicate the chances of duplication or misuse.
2. Please add the blood group of the employee. The same would be quite helpful in case of any emergency.
3. Please add on the reverse of the ID Card, "If found please return to the following address," the rest remains the same. Fine the employee who loses the ID Card.

I am sure you would consider it.

Thanks and Regards,
Anoop Bhatnagar
delsec64@gmail.com

Dear CiteHR Friends,

We have newly generated ID Cards for all employees of all branches across India. The design of the ID card is as follows:

Front Side: Company Logo, Company Name, Photo of the Employee, Name of the Employee, Employee Code Number.

Back Side: Office Address, Office Phone Number, Office Website, Office Fax Number.

I have not mentioned any Employee Designation because I thought it may create a barrier to participating in any activity. For example, in many cases, corporate clients do not welcome executives to interact with them; instead, they ask for a Manager or top-level person to interact with them.

Sometimes, peons are sent for collections as collection executives, and hence we cannot mention "Peon" on the ID card.

Some top management officers are now asking to mention the designation as they claim that an ID card without a designation is of no use. This is really not possible because if I change the designation for one person, immediately the other person will be asking for such a change, and then all the employees will demand it, creating a big issue. I am the only person handling all HR activities for 100+ employees across India branches, and changing all the cards is not feasible. Please suggest what to do? What reasons can I give for not mentioning the designation on the ID card? If I explain the above reasons, no one will listen to me.

Please help.

Regards,
Priya

Hi,

My name is Dawnie from the Philippines. I am also in the process of producing IDs for our employees. Firstly, one of the best HR practices here in the Philippines is not to include the position due to transfers/promotions of employees within the year as it would be costly to make another one.

However, my only concern is whether it is necessary to include an authorized signature on the back of the ID. If so, is it mandatory to put "President" or "HR Manager" as the authorized signature? What is the common practice for this?

I hope to hear from you soon.

Dear Priya,

There is a difference between an ID card and a business card. An ID card is primarily used for security, attendance, etc. It need not have a designation. When you tell your top management that while putting a designation may boost your ego, it may also demotivate those who are at a lower designation.

Thank you,
Sarfaraz

Hi Priya,

An ID card is issued by the company for the purpose of identifying the person who is working in that company. This is purely management discretion. Here, we do not need to mention the designation on the ID card, and it is also not mandatory. The card is only issued after receiving approval from management. Even during promotions, we need to change the ID cards, which is also part of the job.

Solutions:

1. If they really want to show their designation, ask them to use their business card.
2. Explain that changing the existing approved ID card format would go against management's orders.
3. Request an action plan for changing all India staff's ID cards, including budget considerations and majority opinions on the matter.

Regards.

Hi Priya,

Certainly, this kind of problem creates barriers within the organization. An ID card is something that identifies the employee within the organization, not by someone outside the environment.

I hope that your management has provided the business card to the Manager. If it has been provided, then explain the situation simply.

Designations may change at different periods of time. It is not a constraint that the designation remains the same after six months or a year. If management decides to promote a person from a Manager to a Senior Manager, then you have to create a new ID card. Explain the format and conditions.

Regards, Vinoth.R

Hi,

My solutions would be: Every year, there are promotions taking place and with every promotion, their designation changes. Making an ID card every year for all the promotions will lead to the disposal of old ID cards, which I feel is a global waste. You can also project the cost part of it (i.e., the cost of making one ID card and the cost of making ID cards for all the employees).

I am not sure about this idea, but certainly, you can try.

Thiyag

Your senior managers must have visiting cards with them to introduce themselves to visitors, customers, and clients. Nobody introduces themselves by showing their ID card. Moreover, it is very difficult to read anything mentioned on an ID card if an employee is wearing one.

Did you consult your superiors before finalizing the ID card design and its contents? In that case, you can simply say it is a management decision. You can also argue that you are following the practices of professional and big corporates. One needs to understand the purpose of introducing an ID card, and you will have to emphasize that to all.

Thanks & Regards

Dear Priya,

It is really unprofessional to mention one's designation on an ID card to portray themselves. They should use their business card for that purpose. It is impractical to keep changing the designation on the ID card every time there is a change. An ID card should only include the individual's name, photo, employee code, blood group, and the company address. These are the essential details that need to be mentioned.

I understand your situation as I am the only HR personnel in our 100+ company. It can be challenging to convince others in such organizations. Please convey to them that these are the fundamental details that must be included.

Regards,
Prema

No,

As per my suggestion, it is advisable to avoid mentioning designations. You can explain to your superior that if we include designations, it will result in changing ID cards every year, leading to additional yearly costs that may not be suitable. Instead, it would be more efficient to include the employee's blood group and birthdate on their ID.

Jyoti

Dear Priya,

Please avoid putting the designation on the ID cards. One of the reasons you can mention is that whenever an employee receives a promotion or demotion, the ID card has to be changed, incurring additional expenses for the company.

At Biocon Group, we never include designations on the ID cards. I hope this point will be helpful.

Regards,
Kalpa Poonacha

Dear Flower-Floss,

I can understand your position and can imagine what you are going through. Though I am not fully aware of the environment and circumstances in your company, from your postings I got a hint.

You are alone in the HR Dept., maybe you have grown within the organization very fast, though you are young. Your views and policies are welcomed by top management. Maybe you have a good rapport with top management and maybe you are taking decisions on your own without consulting other seniors, who feel small. Maybe all this is making seniors in your company sulk. They are feeling you are growing out of your size and may overtake them. Hence they will try to find faults with you and will try to corner you at any given opportunity. In short, you are in an enviable position and also in a hot seat.

It is a difficult balancing act to work with seniors who are sulking and what you should do in such a difficult situation. A few tips:

- Your behavior will have to be mature and not like your seniors, and then only you will earn respect.
- Do not offer opportunities to others to criticize you by taking hasty or reactive decisions.
- Win as many friends and admirers in the organization. Approach and communicate with people at all levels. Do not think of yourself as a person in a unique position.
- Planning, homework, and deep thinking will make your actions and decisions more acceptable, both by management and employees.
- Involve more people in policy-making decisions, or at least give that impression.
- In case you have to change any of your decisions, do not take it as your defeat.

I feel one should have a very clear understanding of the purpose of introducing any new policy or process. Any new policy needs to be discussed and vetted by management before introduction. But there will always be resistance to it from someone or another.

I am attaching an ID Card Policy drafted by me some time back. Maybe it will be useful to you and other CiteHR members.

Enough of advice!!!

Thanks & Regards

Yesterday evening, I had spoken to our director regarding this matter that all VPs and senior-level officers are not accepting this ID card because it does not have their designation mentioned. I had summed up all the views and suggestions in this thread and told him that mentioning the designation will lower the morale of employees who are in the lower cadre. It would mentally cause some effects directly or indirectly and hamper teamwork. Also, it would be costly to change ID cards every year after promotion. He understood this situation and told me to go ahead with what I have done. I communicated this to our Senior Officers. They have clearly told me that they are not satisfied with this card and would keep it on their desk.

This is not just one war I have suffered; I have suffered many such wars in this company because I don't have a team, I am the single member, and just because my team size is 0, people speak and do whatever they feel like. Sometimes I win, and sometimes I lose. I heartily do it for the organization's benefit, employee benefit, but in the end, my work is either criticized or totally stopped.

For example, I had arranged for a free eye testing camp from a reputed brand at our office premises. All employees, be it senior or junior, were claiming that I had some kind of benefit from this optical house and so I had arranged for all this. Seniors had told me to my face. I do so much for them, but in the end, I only receive criticism.

This is a small company located in West Bengal but has many branches across India. I am the first person to set up this HR Department, and this is my first stage of my career. I get lots of support from our director, but the employees in senior positions do not abide by the rules. These seniors are 50-60 years old and are not flexible at all. I don't understand why they are not inclined to change management. Why don't they understand that we are doing it for our organizational benefit, which is equally connected to their own benefit? The same resistance has been in the case of Employee ID cards as well.

Thank you, CiteHR friends, you all have supported me a lot to face this issue.

Once again, thanks a ton.

Adding a designation is always avoided internationally. The sole purpose of an ID card is to:

1. Timings
2. Security
3. Branding of the company

None of the above parameters are affected by the designation. Even in my company, we have not included designations on ID cards. It goes against the principle of equal status for all employees.

Perhaps you could consider changing the background color of the ID card as follows:
- Junior staff - Yellow
- Middle staff - Green
- Senior staff - Blue

Hi Priya,

As mentioned by the top management officers, the designation is a must on the ID card. If it needs to be implemented, it has to be done for all employees, as policies are for all...

Thanks and Regards,
Somnath

I told them everything, all the suggestions and views you all had given. I tried to convince them a lot. At last, I lost. I was not able to change their mindset. I have to regenerate Employee ID cards again with Designation. This is not the first time; this happened to me a lot many times whenever I tried to implement some policies. All Seniors (age-wise, level-wise) vs. HR. Standalone HR always loses. The same thing repeated again. I am totally vexed!!!!!! Moral of the Real-time Story: Always join a Company where there is a full-fledged powerful HR Team. Thanks Friends ... Thanks a lot.