Feeling Stuck in a New HR Role: Should I Start Job Hunting After Just 2 Months?

Dear All,

I joined a construction company 2 months ago as Manager - HR. There was no HR person in this company before I joined. There is one administration manager who used to handle everything. She wanted to leave the company and even submitted her resignation. However, after I joined, she changed her mind and now does not want to leave. Since she is a long-standing employee, management does not want to lose her. As a result, I find myself sitting idle without any tasks. The accounts department manages payroll, and the admin department takes care of attendance and other responsibilities. She does not share any information with me and does not allow me to participate in any work.

I am unable to raise any complaints against her because management holds her in high regard. I am considering changing jobs since this is a proprietary company, and I cannot make decisions independently. Moreover, I am not gaining any new skills and feel like I am simply wasting my time.

Is it advisable to look for a new job now? Please provide me with your guidance.

Hi Manju,

This is Chiranjeevi. I am also working in the infrastructure company as a Corporate HR, handling all the corporate activities. Manju, this is a very good opportunity to prove yourself and enhance your skills. Every coin has two faces; here, you should feel happy that half of the admin things are handled by some administrator. Many people will say HR job is a routine job, doing payrolls, attendance, recruitment, and managing people and activities.

But as an HR manager, try to concentrate on the core activities of HR and don't get into the admin tasks. It is easy to do all such things like managing attendance and doing payroll. The process of doing payroll also differs from company to company. Make a note that the payroll has to be prepared by the HR department and then verified and approved by accounts. Inform your management that you will handle the payroll. Concentrate on recruitments, training, performance appraisals, human resource development, and organizational development activities. This will pave the way for your growth, so don't demotivate yourself. Be glad that the admin works are not assigned to you. Guide, educate, and motivate your subordinates and involve them in these activities as well. They will obviously listen to you. Explain the difference between admin and HR work and involve them in HR activities. They will surely listen to you and appreciate your guidance.

Focus on employee welfare and other activities to shine. The infrastructure industry is a booming sector, and only a few industries will support us to perform and innovate in the field of HR. In such industries, infrastructure is one of the best.

This is a great opportunity for you to learn and perform, especially since there was no HR person before you. Gather all the information about the company, read the HR policies and HR manual, and check whether the company is following the policies. Maintain MIS reports. There is a lot of work to do, Manju. Attendance, payroll, and admin works are not everything, and if we only focus on them, there won't be any growth for us.

It has been two months since you joined this company, and it is not advisable to change jobs as it may give the impression of inconsistency. So, please reconsider changing your job. I am here to help you if you need any assistance and guidance on what to do and how to do it.

This is an excellent opportunity for you; don't miss it.

Feel free to contact me for any help or guidance. Reach me at my email id chirudcreator@gmail.com and my contact number is 7206985077.

All the best.

Dear Manju,

Very good reply from Chiranjivi. Please note that HR is not part of Admin or IR. IR & Admin are part of HR. Please start doing things other than Admin, such as HR policy updation, reviewing the present systems, suggesting improvements, strengthening the HRIS, and starting an assessment system. They will realize your importance.

With best wishes

Dear Chiranjeevi and Milap,

Thank you for the valuable suggestion. I know that infrastructure is a blooming industry. However, this company does not have any policies or manuals. I am aware that I will have to implement everything myself.

I don't have much experience in these areas. Now, I am feeling that I should have joined a company where there is an HR head so that I could learn under their guidance.

Regards,
Manjula

Dear Manju,

This is Ruth. I completely agree with Mr. Chiranjeevi and Milap.

My suggestion is, don't try to peep into the matter but delve deep. Then, you will come to understand what exactly the HR department is.

Actually, you have a good platform where you can prove yourself, showcasing what you are capable of and what you can contribute to the company, regardless of how big or small your position is. Prove yourself and show that Administration is not separate from HR but an integral part of it.

Try to introduce new ideas every day and plan your day accordingly. Explore this website; you will find almost all the answers you need. There are experts on this website who can assist you in all aspects.

Don't worry; you will succeed, and we are here to support you. Move forward confidently; as an HR professional, do not hesitate to initiate any changes you believe are necessary.

Whatever you wish to implement, present it to your boss and explain it in a way that makes him feel positive and willing to consider your suggestions. If not, do not be disheartened by rejection; instead, see it as an opportunity to learn how to establish rules and drive changes in the office.

Every action you take will provide a learning experience for yourself, so focus on your growth rather than being influenced by others' opinions.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,

Ruth

Hey Manjula,

You are so lucky. You have such good mentors. Just look at it, girl, and see how many people are supporting you. Now, you must muster some courage and start working from today itself.

And do not worry. You have plenty to do for the next few years. Just go with the stride and show your true caliber. Make sure you are not competing with anyone but yourself.

The work this lady is doing has no relation whatsoever with core HR, so you have the whole ramp ready for yourself. People are just waiting for performance, and it's only you who can show it.

Also, think about why this time the management hired an HR Manager and not an Admin Manager. You will get all the answers.

Rest assured, we are all here, especially Chiranjeevi.

All the best and eagerly awaiting your first success post.

Hi Manjula,

Please don't think that you will not be able to learn on your own. I joined a small software company in June 2010 as a fresher. There is no HR or any HR-related functions in our company. My boss has faith in me and mentioned during the interview that I have to develop new things.

I am proud to share that, until now, I have formulated and implemented 18 company policies with our director's approval. I have introduced numerous new facilities and activities to our company. Even today, I am working on bringing new HR practices into our company. Throughout this journey, CITE HR has been incredibly helpful. The seniors provided valuable assistance, and I could access information instantly on this site.

So, don't worry; just start your work. Think positively. CITE HR is here to support you.

All the best! :)

Hi Chiranjeevi,

It's my pleasure to share the Company Policy List with you and with our HR members. Please find the following list:

Company Policies:
1. Leave Policies
2. Payment of Bonus Policy
3. Working at Client Site
4. Office Dress Code
5. Hours of Work
6. Timesheet Policies
7. Payroll
8. Email and Internet Use Policies
9. Software Installation Policies
10. Confidential Nature of Company Affairs Policy
11. Customer Relations Policy
12. Sexual Harassment Policy
13. Recruitment Policy
14. Quality Policy
15. Company Mission Statement
16. Company Core Values
17. Personnel (Employee) Records Policy
18. Performance Appraisals Policy

Thank you.

Dear Ms. Manjula,

After having spent sufficient time on your query, I understood a few things by correlating with your perception level. I may be wrong, but I want you to correct me without any hesitation as this is associated with your future career.

1) Since you haven't disclosed the following information, we don't have much information about the same:

1.1) Number of years of experience as an HR professional.

1.2) Whether you are an HR generalist or specialist.

1.3) Your exposure levels to HRM procedures and processes.

2) You mentioned that no one is allowing you to do anything. It implies that they haven't defined your roles and responsibilities.

3) I have no idea why you wish to complain. I believe you are aware of teamwork.

4) When it comes to decision-making, unless you are assigned clear defined roles and authorized to make independent decisions, you can't even think about it.

5) You wrote, "you're not learning anything." I believe you are a professional, but not in a school or college where you can expect someone to educate, teach, or train you. You should evaluate yourself and make the best use of technology to educate yourself in areas where you need more information.

6) Since you are hired as an HR Manager, you should be aware of the roles applicable at the manager level. I believe you should have a minimum of 5 years of experience and above to handle and deliver the role of an HR Manager.

My sincere advice to you is that if you want to grow in your professional life, please don't compare yourself with others. Try to evaluate yourself based on your skills, talents, and specialization. You should openly discuss with your superiors about your strengths and services that you can offer on a broader spectrum and enhance your effective communication skills.

Changing jobs will not solve the purpose. Solving issues at your current place will do wonders for you if you are capable of getting things done based on your skills, talent, specialization, etc.

Good Luck.

With profound regards,

Manjula Manu

Dear All,

I joined a construction company 2 months ago as Manager - HR. There was no HR person in this company before I joined. There is one administration manager who used to handle everything. She wanted to leave the company and even resigned. For her position, management recruited me.

Now, after I joined, she does not want to leave. Since she is an old employee, management does not want to lose her. Now, I am sitting idle without any work. The accounts department handles payroll, and administration looks after attendance and other tasks. She does not share anything with me and does not allow me to do anything.

I cannot complain against her because management trusts her so much. What should I do? I am considering changing jobs. Since it's a proprietary type of company, I cannot make any decisions independently, and I am not learning anything, simply wasting my time.

Is it a good idea to change jobs now? Please guide me.