Should I Accept a Personnel and Admin Role Despite Concerns About Growth and Gender Bias?

Hi, I have around 5 years of experience in HR as well as Compliance (personnel). Now I have received an offer to work in the personnel and admin department with one of the most reputed groups in India. The problem is many people suggest that I should not go for this option because, in personnel, I would interact with the labor class and government officials. (*Being a girl is the biggest problem for me, as many people have said.) Another reason is that I might restrict myself in terms of growth due to the hierarchy in management, as personnel individuals do not have many opportunities to advance in the management ladder. The third reason is that all the admin and personnel staff report to HR professionals. So, I might restrict myself in many ways. Please suggest whether I should go for that or not?

Regards

Pooja, it's not like that. You can join the Personnel and Administration department to learn more things from there. Go ahead and best of luck.

Regards,
Ashish
Delhi

In your thread itself, you have written that admin and personnel people have to report to HR. So, definitely, HR does have a big scope in your future. Anyway, the final choice is yours. Best of luck.

Regards,
Siji

I don't think that in all organizations, admin or personnel people report to HR. They have their own departments, and there is growth too. There are many women in higher positions in admin or personnel roles who are doing well. It depends on your own interest.

Hi Pooja, in my opinion, the personnel department is not like that. In many organizations, the HR department is known only because of the personnel department. Instead of soft skills, nothing more is required in the HR department. If you really want to learn something, then personnel/IR is the best platform. In IR, you can learn how to deal with government officials, how to deal with uneducated people, villagers, how to address mobs, and the rules and regulations of factories, labor, PF, ESI, payment of wages, migrant workers, overtime, etc. It is required to be a good HR professional. Now you can see in India, the top HR professionals are from PM/IR backgrounds. Yes, maybe the personnel department does report to HR, but that doesn't mean HR is better than IR. In many big organizations, the IR/personnel department is different from the HR department, and their reporting structures are also different. I think IR/personnel people are more knowledgeable, mature, and visionary. And one thing, always keep in your mind that every work has equal ethics, values, and always respect what you are doing and what you are going to do.

So take it easy... Don't dwell in the past, neither look too far ahead, always focus on the present.

Best of luck for the future.

Bye, take care.

As you have mentioned that you have a total of 5 years of experience in the field of HR, I believe you should continue to grow in the HR field. You already have good experience and can further develop within this field.

Please do not solely focus on pursuing opportunities with "The Big Companies"; instead, prioritize "Job Satisfaction." Switching fields can often negatively impact one's career. It's better to enhance your skills in a field where you already have a strong foundation.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, in my opinion, I recommend that you continue to progress in the field of HR.

The Importance of People Skills in HR

We HR professionals are not known for any technical skills (if anybody has them), but we are known for our people skills. These skills can only be developed through interacting with people, regardless of their class, whether they are laborers or managers.

So, let's set aside the HR or personnel concept and focus on improving our people skills.

Hi Pooja, As you mentioned, you have more than five years of experience in HR and legal compliance in personnel. By the way, this is the right direction in which you are working now. Most Indian and multinational companies are paying significant attention to HR and compliance. The only issue with HR and compliance is that you may not experience immediate leaps in your career, but it offers a lot of exposure. Based on that, my opinion would be to continue in HR and compliance.

Regards,
UKS
[Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]

As you said, since you have more than five years of experience in HR as well as legal compliance in personnel, this is the right direction in which you are working now. Most Indian and multinational companies are paying a lot of attention to HR and compliance. The only problem in HR and compliance is that you can't get an immediate leap, but it offers a lot of exposure. Based on that, my opinion would be to continue the same path in HR and compliance. I also agree with Bopsi's thoughts.

Regards,
Prij
H.R. & Admin Ex.

Dear Pooja, I very much agree with TC. Please note, today IR/Personnel is not considered as supporting staff, whereas HR is considered as supporting staff. Today, Personnel/IR is considered a direct employee, i.e., directly related to production. If you see in a staff or board meeting, higher management gives utmost importance to the ideas or comments of the Personnel IR in charge. Please note, as long as you are not good in Personnel/IR, you will not be a good HR manager. All brilliant HR managers have to be good in Personnel/IR. So, move ahead with your new venture. Best of luck.

Regards, Anindyo

The suggestion you received from your friend is quite true. The same has happened to me as well. There are no more opportunities to move up the management ladder, even after spending so many years. Although you learn a lot in personnel and admin, you cannot learn all the time.

Everybody wants to progress, but the chances to move up in this field are very rare. No matter how big and reputable the group is, people in the same field often work in the same position for a number of years. Do not be emotional; be practical. If I had the option to turn back time, I would not choose personnel and admin but would definitely opt for the HR field, which is far superior and offers more growth opportunities. I believe you may have found your answer.

Regards,
Avinash K.

Dear Pooja,

Advice on Career Decision

Competence is attained by the acceptance of challenges. Valuable gems are only a few, while stones are in plenty in this world. Don't forget Indira Nooyi, the CEO of the world giant "Pepsico," is also a woman. Chanda Kochhar, MD & CEO of ICICI Bank Ltd., is also a woman. Both are Indians.

Hi, I have around 5 years of experience in HR as well as Compliance (personnel). Now, I have received an offer to work in the personnel and admin department with one of the most reputed groups in India. The problem is many people suggest I should not go for this option because in personnel, I would interact with the labor class and government officials (being a girl is a big concern as many people have said). Another reason is that I would restrict myself in terms of growth due to the hierarchy in management, as personnel individuals do not have many opportunities to advance in the management ladder. The third reason is that all admin and personnel staff report to HR individuals, so I would limit myself in many ways. Please suggest whether I should go for it or not?

Regards

Dear Pooja,

I fully agree with the reply mentioned below. In terms of a girl's identity, I want to share with you that I myself work as a GM (HR, Admin & Personnel), and I enjoy my job. Nowadays, girls are not restricted to working in delicate jobs only; they are also working in production lines, maintenance, and even marketing (field jobs).

My advice to you is to go ahead as a good future is waiting for you. Best of luck.

Mrs. Veena Deshpande

Subject: Re: Compliance vs. HR

Hi Pooja, In my opinion, the personnel department is not as you described. In many organizations, the HR department is known because of the personnel department. Soft skills are not the only requirement in the HR department. If you truly want to learn something, then personnel/IR is the best platform. In IR, you can learn how to deal with government officials, how to handle uneducated people, villagers, how to address mobs, and the rules and regulations of factories, labor, PF, ESI, payment of wages, migrant workers, overtime, etc. It is necessary to be a good HR professional. In India, you can see that many top HR professionals come from a PM/IR background.

Yes, the personnel department may report to HR, but that doesn't mean HR is better than IR. In many large organizations, the IR/personnel department is distinct from the HR department, and their reporting structures are also different. I believe IR/personnel people are more knowledgeable, mature, and visionary. Always remember that every job has equal ethics and values. Respect what you are doing and what you are going to do.

So, take it easy. Don't dwell in the past, nor look too far ahead; always focus on the present.

Best of luck for the future. Bye, take care.

Dear Pooja, The use of the word HR has become a trend these days and is used in a limited sense. You cannot separate HR, IR, Personnel, and even Admin. They are all one entity (except Admin in some aspects), and each industry will have its own way of titling the departments. Personnel & IR is an old way of referring to them, and now everyone uses HR & IR, HR & Admin, HR, or only IR. These are specializations as lots of improvements and new concepts have developed over the years in each area, treating them as separate entities.

Putting all these aside, what is essential is facing new challenges, enhancing profiles, and understanding new areas. We are not pursuing a Ph.D. by staying in one place and learning one subject. My strong suggestion would be to embrace the new assignment, learn the new concepts and areas, as that is how you actually climb the ladder, not by staying in one industry. Five years of experience is sufficient, and if you are confident, you can change jobs. Imagine a scenario where your boss never recognizes your talents in your organization; in that case, climbing the ladder seems impossible.

Observe yourself and climb the ladder; it might be within the current organization or elsewhere. The crucial point is that it is your profession with new challenges.

All the best,

Regards, K. Ramachandra Bangalore

Hi Pooja, You have been in HR, and you are still confused while differentiating HR and Personnel. To some extent, both are interdependent and precedential to each other. Let the Administration aside because this is the only section that is different from HR. Sometimes, people perceive they are all the same. I would suggest you upgrade your expertise to become a complete professional. You must be aware of all the pros and cons of overall HR and personnel works. It will do wonders for you as you have 5 years of exposure in HR. Please let me know what your core practices are in your current role as an HR person to give you a proper dimension whether you may opt for this opportunity or not.

Regards, Akhil

I do agree with Bopsi. I have done my MBA in marketing specialization, and being a girl, I go to the field and do some surveys. So, you can do anything. Have self-confidence and move on. All the very best. I want to say one thing: IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN? IF NOT YOU, THEN WHO?! Also, let me know your final decision. I am curious.

Regards,
Lakshmi

Hey Pooja, let me tell you, there is a lot of growth in the department. As a woman, I handle HR/Admin and IR in the company. It's amazing to be at the forefront and handle things. It's not necessary to report to HR; you can go a long way beyond just HR. I would say, go for it, and all the best.

Take care.

As far as HR/Admin is concerned, I give a green signal for you. But when it comes to core IR, only proceed if you are comfortable dealing with all that; otherwise, don't proceed. You can reach me at [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]. I work in HR/IR.

Regards,
Basavraj

Dear Pooja, Sorry for the late advice, but I think you can join the Compliance department because here you can learn more things compared to HR. Yes! I can understand your problem regarding workers, but Pooja, you know that it depends on you. Labor class employees are very simple, and most employees give you more respect, so you can join the same. Don't think that you can't do it; you can do it.

Future in the Compliance Department

In the Compliance department, the future is very bright because after 3 to 4 years of experience, you can get the job of a Social Compliance Auditor in a buying agency where you can give instructions to the company, HR Manager, and even factory owners regarding factory working conditions. All of these are working in your direction, so think about which field is best. After that, there is no need to move to another site.

Thanks & Best Regards.

First of all, nothing is impossible in the world. If you have the opportunity to work with a good company, you should not miss it. If you intend to increase your experience in different facets of HR, it is necessary to have exposure. If you are getting it, grab the opportunity. Dealing with government officials is a knack, and you can learn it from your seniors and colleagues. If you are street smart, you will. Finally, what is HR? It is nothing but creating and nurturing HAPPY RELATIONS.

Confirm the reputation of the organization once again and then go ahead and join without any hesitation.

Best of luck in your new endeavor.

Regards,
RAVINDRA

I am the head of personnel, and the HR manager reports to me. HR is a section of personnel. HR skills are limited to desk work, recruitment, and training, whereas personnel encompasses everything and is composite. Please opt for a personnel job.

The Importance of IR and HR

IR and HR both are equally important, but to be an IR expert, one needs to have a lot of guts and knowledge to face issues and resolve them timely. Very few people have the opportunity to become an IR expert. An IR expert commands activities that play a crucial role in building the company/business for smooth and peaceful operations. Non-adherence to compliance is more dangerous, which might lead to the closure of the company, lockouts, or other problems that could be disastrous if not handled properly.

HR specialists are more readily available compared to IR experts. There is no hard and fast rule that IR reports to HR. It depends on your capability and smartness.

Lastly, "DO WHAT YOU ENJOY THE MOST" and follow your dreams.

Regards,
Raj

Dear Pooja,

Who told you that all Personnel & ADM. people report to HR Guys? You must be aware that there was no existence of HR in the early 90s, and we can say that HR is a newborn baby of Personnel & IR. The only difference is the use of the new terminology of HR.

I know many VPs & Presidents who work as the head of HR & ADM, responsible for both HR & Personnel. If you have the opportunity to gain experience in IR & Personnel, you should not pass it up. This experience will be valuable when aiming for senior management positions where knowledge of Personnel, IR, and HR is essential.

Enhancing Your Job Profile

My suggestion to you is to first analyze your job profile offered by the company. Look for the following aspects to enhance your knowledge and enrich your resume for future job opportunities with a mixed profile:

1. Legal Compliances
2. Liaison with Govt. Officials
3. Handling Day-to-Day IR issues
4. Handling Disciplinary Matters
5. Handling Court Cases
6. Union Handling
7. Welfare

These are the core areas of Personnel & IR functions. IR & Legal work is challenging, but exposure to senior management can lead to significant growth.

I would not recommend a profile focused on Salary & Wage Administration, Joining Formalities, or Time Keeping-related tasks.

Women in IR & Personnel

Regarding females in IR & Personnel, many women hold responsible positions in IR & Personnel, so there is no need to worry. We also recruit women with experience in Personnel & IR.

If you encounter any problems or need further clarification, feel free to contact me.

Regards,
Bhaskar Dharival
Asst. Manager (HR & IR)
GUJARAT
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Hi Pooja, I am VEZHAVAN, advising as a faculty in Business Administration at ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY. You already have experience in HR. HR is not only the most powerful but also the most interesting area of any organization. It is a challenging department where we can prove our knowledge. Both men and women need to take on challenges in their field of work. When you take on a new opportunity, you will learn a lot in the field, and you will have the chance to interact with people at all levels - staff, authorities, and officials. These interactions will shape you as a leader and advance your career. So, I encourage you to take on challenges and strengthen the organization where you belong, and emerge victorious in the world.

With warm regards,

Thillai VEZHAVAN ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY TAMILNADU [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Handling Personnel and Compliance Issues in an Organization

Regarding your concern about handling personnel and compliance issues in an organization, I can share from my many years of experience in this field that you first need to have the capacity to bear tension, as compliance matters are time-bound. They can invite adverse actions or reports from government offices if not complied with timely and accurately.

The labor laws are very old and numerous; they are outdated and at variance with modern practices and procedures. Compliance can never be up to the mark, and almost all the labor authorities take advantage of such a scenario. However, one still has to take the responsibility to handle these complex matters, which makes them important in the organization as they act as a bridge between the organization and the government authorities.

Therefore, assess your ability and capability to handle the task and the responsiveness of your superiors in cooperating with you in your decision-making, especially concerning dealing with government authorities.

Regards,
S.C. Verma

Hi Pooja, surely, HR is better than Personnel as the trend is not industrial growth but the days of BPO, IT, etc. Personnel may follow outdated processes and procedures which may be obsolete, more applicable for labor certainly. It depends on whether you want to follow a traditional pattern of work or follow the current trends.

Thank you,
Subha