Feeling Stuck in HR: How Do You Break Free and Innovate in Your Role?

I have been in the HR field for the past 1.5 years. My problem is that I'm unable to think outside the box and do something that is unexplored by me in this area. Although I have been performing well in my regular work such as recruitment, attendance tracking, assisting in payroll, grievance resolution, and performance management of new entrants, I still feel there is more that I can offer in terms of my work. I have reviewed many recent HR trends that big firms are following, but the issue arises when it comes to implementation. Questions like how to start and where to start keep coming up.

I believe these challenges are a part of everyone's professional lives at some point in their career. I would appreciate suggestions on how to overcome this issue tactfully from my HR colleagues.

Thank you.

You have posed a challenge on how to be more creative in your job. I honestly feel that it's really not rocket science, but yes, if we strongly wish to do something productive, then surely we can generate creative ideas. Even a small idea is important. We need to explore how we can approach the same work differently and be willing to try new methods. Such ideas may come to mind at any time.

Innovative Approaches in Recruitment

For example, in the case of recruitment, we always need some kind of innovative approach. Using the same strategy to recruit individuals every time is not always effective; we must explore alternative sources. Deep thinking is the solution to this, but it needs to be focused in the right direction. Interacting with HR personnel can also be beneficial.

Thanks.

Dear Starkeynair,

An HR professional is considered to be knowledgeable and experienced in any field in which they work and any activity they undertake. HR professionals are often looked up to and admired for the abilities and skills they possess. They should be decisive, possessing deep assertiveness, people skills, and immense charisma. Your post indicates your desire to demonstrate your eligibility as an HR professional.

Tips for Aligning with HR Professionalism

Here are some tips that you may find helpful in aligning with your thoughts:

- Communicate effectively, which means understanding the situation and adapting to your surroundings. Prepare a list of issues.
- Ensure you are comfortable with both large groups and small audiences.
- Be assertive but not disagreeable.
- Show empathy and be a good listener.

By following these tips, I am confident that you will discover innovative and tremendous aspects about yourself. Good luck!

In my view, you are getting overwhelmed by the plethora of ideas that are floating around, be it in textbooks, seminar papers, HR magazines, etc. While you are keen to implement changes partly to keep yourself distracted from the monotony of the routine, partly to add value to your profile, and partly to enhance your own knowledge and personal growth, you are facing the beginner's dilemma of choosing a specific area. Your inhibition is again due to the fact that you are not sure if you are empowered, you're apprehensive about successfully implementing the changes, and you are not sure which arena will give the best results.

My suggestion to you is to jot down the various possibilities that occur to you as worthy of implementation under some broad categories as under (the examples given may not relate to your corporate but are only illustrative in nature):

- Enhancing MIS reports and value-added reporting, e.g., work on an HR dashboard
- Cost-saving changes, e.g., finding alternative cheaper recruitment sources
- Time-saving ideas, e.g., automating SMS alerts for those who have cab pickups
- Revolutionary thoughts, e.g., automate field force reporting
- Implementing user-friendly innovations, e.g., strategic location of vending machines
- Ideas eliminating duplication and wastage, e.g., having a dedicated printer with one side used stationary for draft prints

Now that you have organized your possibilities into broader categories, focus on those ideas that you believe are more easily implementable from a cost perspective, with ready management support and utility angle.

The key is not to merely think but to begin. This is possible only if you have the right motivation and you can visualize a successful implementation. Once you begin and let your motivation power your drive, you will soon gather momentum.

Best Wishes

In addition to the well-thought-out ideas mentioned above, please look for "innovative" ideas from Cite HR Archives and also browse through the internet. Start with whichever is simple and appealing.

If I can take the liberty of writing this—your nickname has a 'key,' and "key" is what you need to get started without delay!!!

Regards,
V. Raghunathan
Navi Mumbai