Feeling Stuck in an Unwanted HR Role: Should I Stay or Look for a New Job?

Dear seniors,

I need your valuable suggestions. Currently, I am working with an MNC company as an HR executive - Operations. I have been in this role for over 2 years. Initially, I was in recruitment, but 4 months ago, I was shifted to the Operations team (Employee Relations), a role in which I am not interested. Unfortunately, there are no opportunities to return to my previous recruitment role. I fear that staying in my current position may damage my profile. Now, I am in a dilemma about whether to remain in the same role or seek a new job. Please advise me on this matter.

Waiting for your responses.

Thanks,
Reena

Why do you think it will spoil your profile at all? In fact, the ER department would give you a lot of exposure and challenges to deal with. If your company is growth-oriented, you are at the right place. Initially, I was also only involved in recruitment, and now I am the head HR handling all generalist activities. I have learned a lot in due course and in handling all the issues of my colleagues well.

All the best,
Mahalakshmi
HR

Hi Mahalakshmi,

I agree with you, but for the past 4 months, I have been sitting idle without any work. When I ask my boss about work, he simply says that slowly we will give work and advises me to sit and learn with my subordinates. My colleague is so busy that he doesn't even have time to talk. He always wants me to sit with him while he works. However, I am unable to understand what he is doing and the procedure involved. In this case, what should I do? Please suggest.

Thanks,
Reena

Hi Reena,

I think you have a good opportunity to learn key elements in the HR field. Nowadays, employee relations play a vital role in HR operations. It is the right time to take this opportunity as a challenge in your career. Since you have not been delegated any job, I feel your boss is giving you an opportunity to take initiative yourself. As an executive, you are getting things done through your subordinates rather than simply sitting along with them.

In this moment, I suggest that you have a meeting with all your subordinates along with your boss and route things through the proper channels. A clear delegation should be framed in your ER department, and then things will automatically be set right. I will help you establish proper authority, responsibility, and accountability in your department, and you may find relief from fatigue.

Regards,
N. Ramakrishna Rao

Hi Ramakrishna,

Thank you for your suggestion. How do I approach my boss because even he knows what exactly I am doing, why doesn't he delegate me work? Please suggest to me.

Thanks,
Reena

Hi Reena,

Change is inevitable and change is required. You sit with your boss and express your feelings on your present job role. Also, share your views on how to build an effective ER Department with your team members. Invite suggestions from your boss on how to efficiently build your team.

Sharing our views will definitely help solve your problem.

Regards, N. Ramakrishna Rao

Hi Reena,

As rightly said by Mr. Ramakrishnan, take initiatives on your own in learning the current system and spend a good amount of time getting to know your colleagues as this will help you once you start your work full-fledged. Also, sit with your boss and discuss the steps you have taken in understanding ER so far. This will help them understand the initiatives and interest you have shown. Discuss with them what you would need to start working more professionally.

All the best.

Mahalakshmi

Hello Reena,

Actually, you are not prepared for the change. Until and unless your mind accepts this change, you won't find yourself comfortable with the new role. It is a fact that Employee Relations is a good area to work in. You should see this as a bright opportunity because it is considered that women are excellent in terms of emotional intelligence. Now you have to prove this. You have more chances to test your EQ in employee relations than in recruitment.

Now, I must say, get up with confidence and start working towards your goal. I wish you will achieve your targets.

Sunil Jaglan

Hi Reena,

You have received excellent guidance from Ms. Mahalakshmi and Mr. Ramakrishna. Kindly talk to your boss in a persuasive way. Good luck to you.

R. Sundararajan
Chennai