Feeling Stuck in an Admin-Focused Role with Minimal HR Tasks – Should I Stay or Move On?

I have done MBA in HR in 2007 and have been working in a company where there is no HR department for the last 8 days. The job involves HR and admin responsibilities. I have to handle all admin activities, while the HR tasks are minimal or nonexistent.

Initially, I was informed that the job would be a combination of 60% HR and 40% Admin. However, it seems more focused on Admin duties. Now, I am feeling confused. Should I continue with this role or should I consider leaving? Will this experience be beneficial for my career? Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

It's urgent.

Hi,

I would say the first and foremost quality for a human resource professional is patience. From your words, it is learned that you graduated in 2007 only, and you might be an ambitious HR professional. But don't give up in 8 days and come out of the shell as an 'HR Manager'.

Yours is not the only company where an HR professional is handling both HR and Admin. I think yours is a mid-sized organization, and obviously, the investors can't maintain two separate professionals for HR and Administration.

So try to learn both Admin and HR functionalities, learn more about employees, productivity-related issues, suggest people and productivity optimization strategies, HRD interventions (please keep in mind that your plans should generate sufficient ROI), and try to be part of all possible activities in your organization.

Also, learn existing systems, streamline existing systems, or implement new systems. If the HR systems are outdated and still using manual processes, you can even suggest automating HR processes.

All these things won't happen all of a sudden, so learn, experiment, and enjoy work.

Feel free to share your experience here.

Best of luck in all your endeavors.

Kunal,

I somehow disagree with my fellow mates who have responded... learning is one aspect that one continues through the course of life. If you really wish to take up HR as your career, then please take a step forward and look for a change, or else this company shall never give you an opportunity. The day they grow, they will hire another HR person, and you will be forced to continue with Admin work. The reason for this is that as an admin person, you would by then know the vendors so well and will get the work done quickly compared to a new person coming in your place. So, the Senior Management becomes complacent with YOU being in admin. Just my thoughts.

Cordially, Preet

I am coming with a live example that took place in our organization. When my senior joined this organization, there was no HRD department here. With all her efforts and achievements, she convinced the top management and established an HR team by separating it from the Administration. Go ahead, my friend. Don't leave the organization. Implement policies that are similar to HR functions in your regular activities. All the best!

From,
Venkatesh

Friend,

I too have come across such a situation where the HR himself maintains both departments. But in the end, it depends on you how you approach things to impress your management and persuade them to establish an admin department. It is always beneficial for an HR person to have knowledge of admin activities from the beginning. I would suggest that if you are a fresher, it is time for you to learn. Have patience because managing these activities will instill confidence and discipline within you. Do not get frustrated. As an HR person, you should also learn to put yourself in others' shoes to become a better professional.

Once you are confident enough to handle these responsibilities, talk to your management and take on the task of overseeing the admin department by hiring new people and gradually delegating responsibilities. This will allow you to focus entirely on HR aspects and monitor admin activities from time to time.

If you feel that the management has other reasons for hindering your growth, consider looking for a better opportunity.

I always say, patience pays!

Regards,

Shilpa

Dear Kunal,

I also somehow disagree with my friends who have replied. At the initial stage of your career, the most important thing one needs is guidance and a platform on which to build your career. In a mid-size organization like yours, where you will be the whole and sole of the HR and Admin department, you won't get either guidance or a platform. It will be all give-give and no take-take, and in an ideal career setup, there should be a give-and-take relationship. So, it's better to understand your long-term needs and not waste your most productive years in an organization that won't provide you with knowledge and relevant exposure.

Regards,
Ajay

Thank you all for your replies.

I am still confused. Things are getting more confusing. I take care of all administrative tasks like payment of bills, answering phone calls, creating vouchers, bookkeeping, and so on - all administrative work. I don't see any HR activities (except for payroll, but again, it's also part of admin). I don't know where this experience will take me. My friends are working on some good assignments in their companies related to HR. So when they tell me all this, I feel frustrated. I am even called the office administrator. Personally, I feel that if I want to be an HR professional, I should change my job.

Should I?