How Can I Improve Workplace Culture After Enforcing Stricter Rules? Seeking Advice

I am an HR professional in a US-based company with 30 employees. I have been working here for the last 11 months. Recently, my managers asked me to enforce stricter leave and discipline rules. Since implementing these policies, my employees have expressed dissatisfaction, and there is a negative sentiment towards the new rules. Furthermore, my manager has been expressing frustration with me.

Seeking Solutions to Improve Workplace Culture

I am looking for ways to eliminate this negative culture in the workplace. Could you please provide guidance on how to improve the situation? Perhaps organizing "Fun Fridays" or other activities could help boost morale and satisfaction among the employees.

Thank you.

Whenever we introduce new policies or changes, we often receive a negative response from employees. It's natural. However, do not suddenly implement all policies at once. You can implement them one by one. At the same time, you can start some employee engagement activities like festival celebrations, rewards and recognition, birthday celebrations, Independence Day, family day, and more.

Thanks,

Kumaresan
HCM

The role of an HR person is like an intermediary between employees and employers. This enables us to understand the situations of both parties. Therefore, it is essential to discuss such situations with the manager or management and provide a positive solution. We must create an environment and policies that benefit both sides.

There are numerous activities to motivate and refresh employees, as they are the true assets of the company. I have provided a link below to some games for employees: [Employee Engagement Activities & Corporate Games](https://www.citehr.com/416848-employee-engagement-avtivities-corporate-games.html).

If you need more assistance, please feel free to ask.

Regards,
Hardik

Hi Priya, I empathize with you because I have already been through this situation. I completely agree with Kumaresan; I have done this in my company.

Steps to Improve Employee Sentiment

Priya, you can do the following things:

1. Gain the confidence of your department head first.
2. Arrange a general discussion with everyone and make them understand the importance of the policy.
3. Organize activities that make employees feel good; take some suggestions from them so they feel that HR is not just for the company but for employees too.

I am sure this will help bring the situation under control... and remember, HR is the person who always faces this kind of situation (Sandwich...;)) so do not stress about what other employees are saying. Do your best. Employees have to like you because you are THE HR, lastly...;)

All the best... All is well... :)

Regards,
Sneha Joshi

Balancing Employee Satisfaction and Company Growth

Have you been hired to satisfy all employees? You are hired to do your job. Discipline is a key to success. Sometimes, you need to make tough decisions and introduce difficult changes so that productivity increases and the company continues to grow. If anybody is not willing to accept it, they can leave.