New HR Executive in Pharma: How Do I Establish Effective HR Practices Alone?

Dear Friends,

I'm a newly appointed HR Executive in a leading Pharma Company. Before me, there was no HR practice, and I'm the only HR person here. So, kindly shower your help on me in this regard.

Regards,
Nirmal.

Dear Nirmal,

I have been working in the pharma industry for the last 10 years. In many organizations, there was no HR department earlier, and recruitment was done by the bosses in the lineup. I know this because I have faced many interviews in the industry with managers. Only MNCs used to have HR departments, but as time changed, the pharma industry realized the importance of HR and also faced attrition problems. Now, if you are the HR executive for the first time in the organization, you will definitely have an advantage, and you can set your landmark in the organization.

Dear Nirmal,

You will have a great experience and learn many things. Maintain the data bank of all the employees, including salary statements, induction programs, attrition, employee relations, leave management, attendance management, and performance management.

Dear Nirmal,

1) To increase your knowledge & information on each employee, please go through each personal file & read information pertaining to the employee. So when a particular employee approaches you for help, request the employee's name before you can provide help. You will be in a better position to assist this employee as you know well about him after reading the personal file.

2) Check the policy of the organization - If they have - please review the same & check if it is in line with HR practices. If not, then suggest changes. If they don't have policies, then make (Attendance, Leave, Travel).

3) Create a database of employees - Quantitative & qualitative. Quantitative should be on salary figures - This information would be retrieved from personal files. Qualitative data - more on qualifications & family.

4) Database of Leave entitlement - availed - Balance, an employee will come to you with such requests more often.

Hi,

As you mentioned that there was no HR previously in your company, consider it a golden opportunity. There are certain things you can start with:
- Company norms & Policies
- Budgeting
- Training need identification, etc.

However, I suggest you wait for some time to understand the company's working culture and then take the initiative. Let me know if you require any help.

Thanks,
PS
Sr. Manager - HR & Admin
MRH India

Mr. Nirmal,

Welcome to the Pharma field. Whenever you want suggestions, you are welcome.

Regards,
V. Rama Mohan Reddy
093955-46300

Hi Nirmal,

At the outset, congratulations on being appointed as a new HR. We would love to help you. Could you please provide information about the company and its location so that we can discuss it further?

Regards,
Jekin Thakkar
Endeavor HR Pvt. Ltd
09724500513

Hi, I am an HR professional. I have a question - I just want to know what is the profile of an HR person in a pharmaceutical company.

Check for the basic expectations for which you are hired. Some of the HR activities might already be in place but not in an organized way. Have a plan and get the activities organized. Mention the industry type and current strength. You may not need to mention the company name. With this information, I and our members would be able to provide more information.

Hi Nirmal,

I am a first-year student in one of the leading B-schools, and I am specializing in HR. At times, I hear from my colleagues that HR is a waste of the company's resources. Most of these people already have had corporate exposure. So, keeping this in mind, I think you have an opportunity to change people's perception. You should focus more on strategic HR policies rather than stereotypical ones. Considering yours is a leading pharmaceutical company, you can easily outsource policies like payroll, etc.

I know this advice is free. If it proves valuable, feel free to use it; otherwise, please ignore.

Regards,
Sweta.