Struggling to Manage Older Employees? Seeking Advice on Handling Workplace Challenges

Hi friends, this is Madhuri. I'm working as an HR executive, and I'm a fresher. I want to get a grip on all the employees in my office. All are older than me, and they are neglecting my words. I'm handling everything in a professional way, but the employees in our office are not working properly. They come late daily and do not wear ID cards properly. In fact, even after giving warnings many times, they have not changed. Among all the employees, there is one person who is influencing others in this behavior. Even my boss knows he is at fault, but he cannot fire him because he was referred by one of our important clients. This individual is playing games and spoiling the office environment, and he is against me.

Please provide me with suggestions on how to deal with these employees and what actions I should take. Your help is appreciated.

Thank you.
Looking forward to your replies.

Dear Madhuri,

Do nothing other than understanding all of them and creating a good interpersonal relationship with them. You cannot establish discipline with harsh words at the very first instance. Build rapport with everyone first, especially with the person who is causing issues. The age difference can lead to unnecessary ego clashes, so you must not show it from your side. Demonstrate that you know less and acknowledge that the older employees may know more. Be patient for at least a few months to develop a cordial relationship; after that, they will follow your instructions.

Love is the only approach that can be effective in adult learning.

Regards,
Mitali

Thank you. But the thing here is that I have already followed the method you suggested. They take it as an advantage, that's why I changed the way of treatment. Previously, I used to deal softly with all of them, but they took this as an advantage. Finally, my boss scolded me, telling me to communicate with them in a commanding way. Being an HR executive, commanding power is very important.

Regards,
Madhuri

Dear Madhuri,

Mitali is right. You have to deal with the employees in a loving manner. First, you have to join their group using your friendly nature. After winning their confidence, they will come under your control. It's a long-term process (maybe of 1 year). Keep patience. When they feel that Madhuri is of our kind, she is not an extraordinary person, then they will follow your instructions to save you from the fiery words of your boss. Always remember, "A good HR never shows his/her frustration on employees."

I hope this will better help you.

Regards,
Ameeta

Dear Madhuri,

As this is your first job, you are new to this kind of environment. It happens in each and every organization in India. You can only do one thing: keep a watch on their performance and their office timings, i.e., they should complete 8-9 hours of stipulated time. This kind of environment is generally present in IT companies.

Regards,

Pankaj Adhikari
5ive Consultancy
Email: pankajadhikari@yahoo.co.in

Dear Madhuri,

Please consider my suggestions:

- You are younger than them in age; let this be your advantage and not a roadblock. It opens up avenues for you to learn from all of them and grow.

- Having said that, you have a duty to deliver. Please spend time to understand your role completely. You are an enabler and not a class monitor. Set your limits on what you would communicate and then escalate it to your superiors.

- Invest time and energy to understand them. Observe what triggers their actions? How do they think? What catchphrases do they use? Read all their files. Know every detail about them. Don't use it against them but wisely acknowledge their achievements so far.

- Understand what they think about the company. Allow them to share their experiences with you. Since you are younger than them, they would share their learning points. Appreciate them.

- Once you are in a stronger position armed with both job skills and employee management skills, then start explaining why the rules need to be respected. It brings them more credibility if they follow the norms. Ask for collaboration from them to maintain the rules better. The regulations are for the employees and not against them.

- Be firm but respectful. Eventually, they would value you.

- Finally, relax. This is a phase you will face in all your new jobs. You will always have employees senior to you whom you would be handling. So start building this skill right from this role.

- Keep blogging your experience; you would learn more each time you share your bittersweet experiences.

Wish you all the best!

Regards,
(Cite Contribution)

Madhuri Pakalapati, in your message, you mentioned that you are working as an HR executive and are a fresher. You are facing challenges with employees in your office who are older than you and not following instructions. One employee, in particular, is causing issues, and your boss can't take action against him due to his reference from an important client. You seek advice on how to handle such employees and what actions to take.

I recommend approaching the situation with patience and diplomacy. Try to build rapport with the employees, understand their perspectives, and communicate clearly the expectations and consequences of not following rules. It may also be helpful to involve your superiors for support. Handling difficult employees requires a blend of empathy and assertiveness. Stay professional and focused on finding solutions that benefit both the employees and the company. Good luck in navigating this challenging situation!

Best regards

Hi Madhuri,

Even if you ask them for their suggestions before implementing a rule, appreciate them. Wish them personally and professionally on their birthdays and anniversaries. Ask them for a two-way process that is beneficial for both them and the organization. Arrange some fun activities once a month.

Try to understand their interests first, keeping in mind the organization's goals. There are many other activities that can help; go for some benchmarking for employee engagement.

People seek appreciation for their deeds.

Regards, Trapti

Hi Madhuri,

I strongly agree with the points that were suggested by (Cite Contribution) & Trapti. Simultaneously, to have an active interaction with all your employees, try to organize some games like carrom, chess, singing competitions, running races (mostly with less expenditure after speaking with your reporting officer & getting approval for the expenditure). As you said they are senior employees, you have an opportunity to conduct a drawing competition for their kids. All these are done to make them feel free & interact with you openly. At the end of the day, you can take feedback not only on how they felt but also on what they need in order to contribute to the organization.

Dear Madhuri,

I am also facing the same problem in my job. This is my first job, and I am the only woman at my workplace. People here seem more interested in my personal life rather than my professional front. I hope you or somebody else can suggest how to tackle this kind of situation.

Regards,
Tanu

Managing Policies and Procedures Effectively

This is a crucial time to manage policy and procedure handling and ensure they are implemented correctly. As an HR professional, it is your responsibility to make sure every employee adheres to the organization's rules. Create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that will be beneficial for both you and the organization, and discuss it with your boss.

I am confident it will definitely help you. All the best.

Best regards,
Muralidhar