How Do You Handle Colleagues Who Ignore HR Rules but Excel at Their Jobs?

Dear All, I'm working as an HR executive in my organization, and I am facing a lot of problems because of some adamant people. They are not following the HR rules and are unwilling to show respect to HR. I find it challenging to report this issue to my senior colleagues because, in terms of work performance, they are good and have strong support from their superiors. Please help me with advice on what I should do in this situation. How can I tackle these kinds of issues and individuals in my career?

Thank you.

Dear Suganya, please do not think about others. You are doing your service towards the company and its employees. Please keep on doing it. In case of any emergency to any staff, please go and help voluntarily and in a friendly manner. Keep one person in each department as your close friend so that you can get all the information and happenings in their department to your desk.

Never expect anyone to give you respect. When they understand your values, they will start respecting you. Prove yourself first in that organization, and the rest will follow your success.

All the best.

Dear Suganya, you may send an ION (Inter Office Notice) regarding HR rules to all department seniors. Every staff member should follow the HR policies as HR is the backbone of any organization. As an HR executive, you should be familiar with the policies inside and out, including leave permissions and other regulations. As Mr. Bashkar aptly said, "just do your service." An HR executive should be friendly yet assertive in reminding employees about HR policies.

Best wishes,

A. Kathar Basha
Incharge - Communications
MIOT Hospitals, Chennai

HR is like a bridge between management and employees and should be handled carefully on both sides. Most employees do not like to adhere to rules, especially when they are explicitly told to do so. The importance of the rules should be communicated to employees through continuous, soft, and convincing approaches. You have a long way to go; hence, do not lose heart and keep trying. You will succeed in the coming days.

Regards,
Neel

Hi Suganyah, your situation is similar to that of other HR Managers or Executives who are facing the same issue. You have to be very careful with your comments and actions as they might sometimes go against you. The reason is that, as you said, they have the support of seniors. These adamant individuals may influence the seniors against you.

Steps to Handle Workplace Politics

Make sure that you are politically right every time. First of all, impress your seniors with what you are capable of and take them into confidence before taking any actions. Secondly, also ensure that other employees understand that your actions are in respect of the profession and not personal. (Some employees may think otherwise and take it personally.)

It's all politics, dear. By approaching it this way, you will have an easier time in your job.

I guess, along with all the advice, organize a session for everyone to understand what your department does for the employees. If your department provides value to the organization and can demonstrate it, it will be easier for you to gain acceptance and respect.

Cheers 
Samit

Hi Suganyah, I think you need to work very diplomatically to handle these people. I will suggest one thing: "Work like a king and show like a joker," meaning changing the colors. You need to adapt your personality with different people as and when required and as they want. If someone says the sun rises in the west, then say "You are right, sir." Make sure that you are politically correct every time. It's all politics, dear.

Dear Suganyha, just go ahead with HR policies. As a true HR leader, it is your duty to implement HR policies for the smooth conduct of the organization. Just refer to things, and it will happen; these lawbreakers are going to be the best followers one day or another. Please record everything through email. Nobody should say you have not taken any initiative. Just escalate to your boss and be calm. Never lose your temper; things will improve by the time you receive this email.

Never assume the doership; just leave everything to the Almighty and go ahead.

Good luck.

Dear Suganyha, just go ahead with HR policies. As a true HR leader, it is your duty to implement HR policies for the smooth conduct of the organization. Just refer to things; it will happen. These lawbreakers are going to be the best followers one day or another. Please record everything through mail. Nobody should say you have not taken any initiative. Just escalate to your boss and be calm. Never lose temper; things will improve by the time you receive this mail.

Never assume the doership; just leave everything to the almighty and go ahead.

Good luck,

Regards,
K R Ramaswamy

Reasons for Employee Attitude Issues

The probable reasons for the attitude of the employees in question must be one or more of the following:

The question of whether they are in the good graces of higher management must be because of their versatility in certain orientations, as no higher-up could tolerate otherwise. Their ability to provide solutions for critical situations for the management must be seen as an asset in the first place.

Secondly, they may have received this promotion by superseding others, thanks to the favoritism shown by the higher-ups. However, this situation is fraught with danger from juniors in due course.

They have not been properly trained in their HR functions, possibly because HR at the top level is a recent development. The oversight of HR by seniors has allowed this gap to persist.

No harsh treatment will solve the problem. Instead, addressing their omissions (what they should have done but did not) rather than their commissions would be more effective. This approach would require third-party evidence to substantiate, which could turn hostile at times of need. Employing this tactic would effectively bracket them with that weapon strongly.

As an HR professional, you must maintain a very polite relationship with them. Don't create unnecessary gaps between you and them. Automatically, some political issues will come to an end. Don't worry.

Regards,
Praveen

Addressing Employee Discipline Issues

Whether they are good at work or not, that is not the issue in your case. Discipline is a vital factor for all levels of staff and employees in the organization. Monitor their movements carefully, make a note of it, then call them for a personal discussion and approach them in a kind manner. You should be more patient. During the appraisal, provide your feedback about them to your seniors.

Regards,
R Parthasarathy