New to HR in a Small Company: How Can I Make a Positive Impact on Office Morale?

I am working as an HR and completely new in this field. Our company has only 30 employees. What can be done so that employees can notice me, that someone is looking after them? My manager told me to do something that will completely change the office environment because it is very boring.

I am working as an HR and completely new in this field. Our company has only 30 employees. What can be done so that employees can notice me, and someone is looking after them? My manager told me to do something that will completely change the office environment because it is very boring.

Hi,

Start celebrating the birthday of employees in the office. If there is any occasion, call all of them together. After a five-minute general discussion meeting, give relaxation to the employees. Try to satisfy the employees more and more.

Madhuri

You are correct. New to HR.

Anjana arranged the field trip for employees so that they can refresh and get to know each other better. This may motivate the employees in the development of the organization.

Just motivate the employees, arrange some entertainment programs, suggest schemes to make work more enjoyable, and reward with small awards. See if the employees are overburdened with work; if so, try to reduce that and have monthly get-togethers. If possible, get in touch with each one personally and understand their problems.

Prasanth V-Guard Industries Limited Ahmedabad

Dear Anjana,

First of all, I don't understand the term "Notice" in your question. If you want the presence of an HR department to be felt by the employees, there are many ways to achieve this. I understand that your team size would not be more than 2, with limited experience.

Firstly, you need to prepare an "AS-IS" and "TO-BE" report. You can also search this site as you will find a lot of information on how to set up an HR department in an organization.

I hope I have clarified your question.

Best regards,
Mahesh

Dear Anjana,

First of all, you must make your team realize that HR is a bridge between the employer and employee. You need to interact with the team very frequently to find out whether they are happy with the work atmosphere and if they are facing any issues with their bosses. You also need to motivate them by recognizing their efforts. You may also monitor their punctuality at work by giving them some rewards. For example, the Best Employee of the month for outstanding performance or even for 100% attendance.

Regards,
Mary

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for suggesting so many things to me. I am alone in my department, and my manager wants me to do something that can help me prove myself. I have already started celebrating days, then birthdays, and please can you let me know what the rights of HR are.

Please suggest something that can benefit both the employees and the company.

Thank you.

Hi Anjana,

You can play some quizzes in which you can ask questions about your organization and people. Consider hosting an open house where everyone can discuss and share their views. Additionally, organize a dress-up day, and give a small gift to the person with the best dress.

Thank you.

Dear Anjana,

I have also started the HR department in my company. Interact with each employee individually to try to know them and their issues. Discuss with them about their job profile, what exactly they do. Then, in total, discuss with management about employees facing these problems. You will then come to know what to do next. But go step by step. Don't start framing policies. Try to know more about the business and its processes, which will give you direction. If you have any doubts, ask me.

Regards,
Nidhi
HR Incharge

@nidhishah: Perfectly answered.

I too moved into an HR role from being an ES to a VPHR and didn't know what to do with the 35 employees that I had to fit in. In fact, you can start by speaking to employees, and you will surely find your way. There are various aspects to consider such as attendance, leaves, payroll, holidays, late comings, company profile, understanding employee psyche and their expectations, group dynamics, favoritism, office politics, and individuals' positions within the organization before diving into policy and procedure implementation. Listen to employees and understand them; then analyze your way through. Give yourself some time, and you will find yourself amidst controversies, resentment, opposition, and then gradually gain acceptance and agreement. Eventually, you can progress to leadership and exert authority in HR.

Regards, SS

Hi Mahesh,

I have not understood "AS-IS" and "TO-BE." What is that and please tell me the site name which you say provides information on how to set up an HR department, as I am searching for different systems of HRD for different sectors.

Thank you,
Samsheen

Dear Anjana Ji,

Do you want a good relationship with all because your boss has ordered it, or do you want it? Firstly, own it, then think about what things you do to make someone happy at your house, to be friends with someone, and to cheer up your friend who is upset with your behavior.

Let me put it this way... WHO WANTS THE RELATION... 'you' right! So, do it! Things that we suggest will not help you much if you don't stand for it and do it half-heartedly. Therefore, do what your heart says! Best of luck!

Hi Anjana,

You can have employee engagement activities for the employees, say, on the weekend, maybe Friday if Saturday/Sunday is not working, or on Saturday. Conduct some games, etc., to refresh them.

Regards,
Manisha

Hi Anjana,

Entertainment programs and field trips are all common, but definitely a very important factor. Anjana, I would suggest you to understand concurrently what HR practices are being followed at companies in the same business line as yours. Your activities must be in line with your business, and that's a fact.

Set up forums on ongoing work plans, strategies, employee issues, etc., during which you can combine birthday celebrations, etc. Since the employee strength is 30, it should be easier to get to know them personally. Therefore, make an effort to personally get to know each individual and try to remember the uniqueness of each person. It doesn't necessarily have to be related to their talents; it could be something like one person having a naughty kid, another person sporting a stunning beard, or someone else owning a good bike/car. By engaging in conversations about these aspects once in a while, you can create a sense of personal recognition.

All the best.

Best Regards,
Steve

Hi,

Start celebrating birthdays of employees by exhibiting birthday greetings on the notice board and offering some sweets to employees.

Arrange some games like carom board, chess, etc., and also conduct competitions in storytelling, poems, painting, etc.

Organize a one-day trip without much cost but with active participation. Food can be brought by employees on a sharing basis, and everyone can dine together outside.

Organize motivational classes on a monthly/quarterly basis.

Conduct quiz/music evenings on a weekly/biweekly basis. Think of new activities that people will appreciate and would like to be involved in.

You can succeed.

Regards and best wishes,
Suresh Babu

Dear Anjana,

You may first collect all the employees' personal information, e.g., birthdays, DOJ (Date of Joining), and send greeting emails to them. On any weekend, if possible, try to arrange movie tickets for the staff. If not possible, show them an entertaining movie at the office itself so that they can relax. Arrange office internal meetings, discuss their routine official problems, and assure them of a quick resolution. For marketing/sales staff, implement an award system with gifts/mementos to encourage them.

Regards,

Pravin's

Hi Anjana,

I am working as an HR and completely new in this field. Our company has only 30 employees. What can be done so that employees can notice me, that someone is looking after them? My manager told me to do something that will completely change the office environment because it is very boring.

It is difficult to get attention from everyone in your company. But by talking to each and everyone personally might help you a lot. That, according to me, will be on occasions like a team meeting or a get-together on some occasion.

All the best for your future.

Regards,
Viraj.

Where wear a very bright floral shirt with a cardboard sign around your neck which reads "I am from HR and will attend to your every whim."

Or you could learn to play the trumpet at work. They wouldn't say it was boring then.

Hi Anjana,

You have to make your presence felt. You can do so by introducing new things which facilitate employees. Introduce a notice board on which different activities and information can be shared. This can be used for a number of purposes, e.g., to post birthday cards, changes in some general policies, appreciation, etc. Another good idea is to keep them up to date. Send out emails explaining the policies that are not clear to employees. Also, consider them as internal customers and start branding HR accordingly.

The office environment can be less boring when people start interacting with each other more and more. To do so, initiate socializing activities in which sports can be the best thing.

Hello Anjana,

I hope you have already received many suggestions. If not, you can encourage employees to come in traditional dress to create a festive environment for a festival. You can also review the happy moments of your organization, such as the date of establishment and its milestone achievements, and send a happy note to all the employees on that particular day. This gesture would motivate the team as well.

Depending on the size of each department, you can organize a team meeting for them each week. It's a good way to get familiar with each team and each team member. Just put your heart into your work, and you can achieve much more.

Lastly, small things go a long way. Enjoy your work, and address your employees' problems or improve the work environment, no matter how minor they may seem.

All the best. -Amar.

Hello Anjana,

I hope you have already received many suggestions. If not, you can encourage employees to come in traditional dress to create a festive environment for a festival. You can also review the happy moments of your organization, such as the date of establishment and its milestone achievements. Sending a happy note to all employees on that particular day would motivate the team as well.

Depending on the size of each department, you can organize a team meeting for them each week. This is a good way to become familiar with each team and its members. Just put your heart into your work, and you can achieve much more.

Lastly, small things can go a long way. Enjoy your work and address your employees' problems or improve the work environment, no matter how minor they may seem.

All the best.

- Amar.

Dear Anjana,

You could organize a Public Speaking event whereby a person could talk about anything they wish - a free topic. On the other hand, this kind of event can actually boost up their confidence and make the environment friendlier, rather than having a tight and close atmosphere. You could schedule it as a 15-minute session every Wednesday morning, for at least 3 colleagues a week, and rotate the participants on a weekly basis.

Putri Aleeya
UEM Builders Berhad
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Paste the useful health tips and importance of fruits & vegetables weekly on the canteen notice board or where all employees can easily notice.

Regards,
B Raj

Hi Anjana,

Celebrate birthdays, plan for some games and fun once a week where everybody can participate. Have a potluck lunch program. Plan for outings together, movies once in a while. Do something where everybody gets a chance to relax and enjoy from their busy schedule. In one word, add some fun and laughter to the environment.

Regards,
Nimita Shah

You have a fantastic opportunity to grow in HR because you have a virgin territory.

First, collect all the data about your employees - their birthdate, marriage anniversary, and other details. Then, arrange a get-together and discuss with them what can be done to make working more enjoyable. Gain their confidence. Show them that you care for them. Tell them that any problem they have, you are there to help them out. You have been appointed to solve their problems.

Happy working!

Regards,
Sunil

Dear Mahesh,

Can you please help me with the "As-Is" and "To Be" concept? It seems to be interesting.

Jitendra

Hi,

I am doing an internship at a company. I have been assigned a project that focuses on employee benefits. My task is to prepare a survey to identify the benefits provided to employees by the HR departments of various companies. Could anyone assist me by providing the contact numbers of HR professionals from a few companies in Kolkata? If there are any HR representatives on this site, please let me know. I can forward the questionnaire to their personal email addresses to gather feedback.

Thanks & Regards,
Sam

To break the ice, you can start by introducing yourself through email or in person as the HR person in charge. Trust me, you don't really have to do anything to get "noticed" - HR itself is a prominent department. They will come to you for queries and, as Mahr suggested, you could search the site, and you will find lots of information.

Good luck and keep posting!

Hi everyone,

I have an MBA in HR from IPEC affiliated with Uttar Pradesh Technical University. I scored 68% and am currently seeking a good opportunity in the corporate sector. However, I am finding it very difficult. Please help me in shaping my career in HR. I have also attached my resume with this post; please go through it as well.

Thank you,
Vishakha Tyagi

Hi Anjana,

Please arrange some activities like get-togethers, events, End of Month (EOM), End of Year (EOY) celebrations, Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year recognitions, games, etc.

Regards

Hi, As the team size is small, you can plan many things to engage people and make them feel the HR presence. I have a few points below, please check:

1. Try to send a good morning email with a positive message every day.
2. Send emails to employees on their birthdays, wedding days, or any special recognition events.
3. Celebrate employee birthdays with a cake cutting and present a greeting card signed by the whole team.
4. Plan monthly team lunch programs.
5. On Saturdays, organize games and quizzes for one hour to help them relax and build team spirit.

Thanks, Satya

Dear Anjana,

Once a year, arrange a get-together party, a picnic, and an annual day function for your company so that every member of your employees and their family members can participate in this function. Also, arrange some performance awards for employees.

With regards,
Anjana JHA

"I am working as an HR and am completely new to this field. Our company has only 30 employees. What can be done so that employees can notice that someone is looking after them? My manager told me to do something that will completely change the office environment because it is very boring."

Dear all,

I greatly appreciate all your comments. I relate with Anjana's situation; I am also working on creating an HR presence in an organization of 20 employees where there has not been an HR department. All your ideas are great; it's a valuable learning experience for me.

Regards,
Patience A

Dear Anjana,

I would suggest you to be careful while you are setting your employees at ease because it acts as a two-sided sword. You are well aware of the situation in your office; hence, I would advise you to design some employee engagement activities, getting involved with employees is very important. You should know what and how they think and behave, understand them, ask for suggestions, and then plan something. Take the suggestions in writing and conduct a final vote. This way, you will motivate and engage them.

Regards,
Amrender

Hi,

I have also worked in an office which had fewer employees. What you can do is try to make the environment amicable so that people feel free to approach you in case of any problem. But try to be professional; don't try to be friends with everyone because it is not possible and, most importantly, they may take you for granted when you implement some policies and rules.

You have to act as a bridge between employees and the employer. Since your company is small, often take a round of your surroundings to check discipline. This way, you will come to know about the working environment of the company. Other HR tasks you can do include keeping an eye on latecomers, checking attendance daily, trying to create policies that make your office environment more disciplined, keeping an eye on the performance of people, and creating a performance assessment format. You can also arrange birthdays for your employees and on other special days like Diwali, you can either arrange a gift pack or lunch for everyone from your company's side, or you can arrange for a picnic.

If possible, also try to arrange some training programs for employees to enhance their skills.

You asked about your rights; your duties are your rights.

Pooja

Dear Anjana,

You are a lucky professional in the HR field who has got a chance to set up a new department at the very beginning of your career. Treat this as an opportunity, dear. My suggestion is, at the outset, try to be familiar with all the employees of your organization and let them know that you are there to take care of their office-related problems. Gradually start small events like arranging birthday parties for employees (with a small budget), sending flower bouquets, sending e-cards, etc. The more you mix with the employees, the more you will come to know their problems, motivation parameters, etc.

Don't worry, your staff members will automatically come to know about your existence. Just be receptive, be a good listener, and be accommodative.

Dear Anjana,

I think you should organize a one-day picnic with your employees, if possible with family. It can be either company-sponsored or shared by employees. It will be good to get to know each other outside of the routine office premises. You can organize some games, etc.

I am sure this will be a memorable experience.

Best of luck,

Ravindra
Paradise Management Services
9822074948

Hi,

As per my suggestion, you should involve with the employees in each and every aspect of their lives, like their internal and external problems. Try to solve or guide them on how to do so. Through this, you will gain the employees' trust and always motivate them with other things like awards, picnics, internal communication, parties, etc.

Dear Anjana,

Every one of the staff should see you as their friend. They must feel that you are there to take care of their problems and grievances related to work. This will be developed gradually when you interact with them. Greet them, pay attention to their discussions with you, seek their suggestions, and make them feel that they are all part of a team.

Believe me, this always works.

Best regards,
Animesh

As you may know, a working environment can be strenuous if there are no new initiatives implemented. Thus, employees may become less productive as nothing excites them. While organizations are places to work, considering we spend much of our lives there, some changes should be made.

My suggestion is that once or twice a year, employees should be engaged in team-building exercises. They can be taken out of the office environment for a couple of days to get to know each other better. This will improve communication among employees. Another approach would be to introduce a system of recognizing employees through commendations for good work. This could involve issuing letters of appreciation or rewarding high performance, fostering healthy competition. It's also important to recognize employees' birthdays by preparing gifts to acknowledge and celebrate those occasions.

Additionally, holding meetings with employees to address and recognize individual problems will encourage them to open up. This will show that the organization cares about its employees beyond their productivity. Remember, employees are like children; the more you acknowledge their contributions, even a simple pat on the back, the more warmth and excitement will be evident in the office.

Lastly, let employees know how much the organization values them. This ties back to the recognition and rewards mentioned earlier. These efforts will go a long way in creating a positive work environment.

I hope this information is helpful.

Regards,

Tommy Masango

Empilweni Payout Services (Pty) LTD