hi srilakshmi,
I am also working as Asst Mngr-HR in an architectural product manufacturing company in goa. To share with you my experiences:
1. I was in Pune where I joined a service industry company as Sr. Executive - HR which was not having HR at all. The employee strength was 200+. Even I was quiet inexperienced. Then I tried to cope up with it and created a full fledged HR system their single handedly which took me 7 months for that purpose. also got promoted as asst Mngr- HR within 1year.
2. for some reason I shifted to Goa and joined this co. as Sr. Executive- HR. Within 4 months got a promotion of asst Mngr - HR. Here also the same situation, no previous HR at all and I am the sole person handling HR for 3 units of our company. though experienced in service industry, atmosphere in manufacturing industry is different. Core HR, 5 S, Kaizen, suggestion schemes and employee welfare plus event management is the vast role i am performing now. I joined on 1st Dec 2009 and till date 70% HR Dept. is ready now.
Now with this background just certain tips how to handle this situation v.v. practically:
1. understand that though there was no previous HR, someone must be there who was taking care of employee salaries, recruitment, appraisals, attendance etc. right? contact that person/s and try to get his/her max. help to understand the existing procedures & policies. statutory compliances etc.
2. Simultaneously, start preparing Employee database. For that purpose you can distribute Employee forms striving all the details related with him.
3. at the same time you have to get friendly with all right from peons, kacharawali, watchman, maintenance person, workers, supervisors etc. throw a message that "you are well experienced, you can guide me how system works here?" "who is the controller?" "If i am doing any mistake or facing any problem, I know you people will help me" etc.
4. they all should be convinced that you are one of them and like them only. Generally HR people try to keep a distance between workers, lower level staff and themselves.
5. Understand 1 thing, you will take min. 6-7 months to systematize all the HR functions. And don't expect anyone to help you or have another helping hand. first 7 months take pains and even right from xeroxing, printing, filing, typing, displaying notices etc. you do all the job. Once you do all the groundlevel job at your own, you really become an all rounder and then when your juniors come, you can really manage them well.
6. Accounts person plays a very important role in this. You need to be very close to them. coz they know almost all the statutory requirements and keep a record of the same. So you have to take their assistance undoubtedly.
also in short:
a. you should accept the fact that everyone will treat you as an alien first
b. you have to create your own space in the organization by your own behavior and friendly nature with everyone
c. you can start with your basics. keep your HR notes with you and take up one topic at a time to convert it into practicality.
d. have a habit of noting down everything
e. employee database having their emergency contact no.s and birth dates is very important tool. Don't forget to wish even a very small person on his birthday in the factory.
f. take recruitments seriously.
g. If you don't know anything, don't be afraid of saying so and taking help of your seniors. Coz one fine day you are going to be expert in it.
h. rest from time to time if you really require any particular help, you can mail me at [Login to view]
Remember: Treat this opportunity as a golden opportunity as not everyone gets it. Since no HR there, you are going to be the ultimate boss and within a short span of life, you can really climb the ladder with the high speed.
All the best
Regards
Ashwini Patwardhan