New to HR: How Do I Manage Employee Conduct and Resolve Conflicts in a Startup?

Hi friends, I am a newbie to the HR field. I have joined a newly started IT company and have taken on more responsibilities in that regard. I aim to implement everything in a procedural way.

Challenges in Managing Employee Conduct

Employees are taking leave without prior approval or intimation and are arriving late and leaving early. However, my MD has advised me not to enforce strict rules. Employee gossip is prevalent in the workplace.

Seeking Advice on Conflict Resolution

How can I resolve employee conflicts when they do not follow my instructions due to my lack of experience? I would appreciate suggestions on how to address these issues effectively.

Despite all these irritants at the workplace, are the employees delivering goods as per the time schedules? If so, probably your M.D. is concerned with work and timelines but not with issues of punctuality and attendance. It appears your M.D. is satisfied with their system of working. If you cannot enlist the support of your M.D., how can you enforce punctuality and attendance?

If the employees, tomorrow, in a concerted way, delay the work and do not meet the timelines on one pretext or another, citing some technical problems in retaliation, and your M.D. stares at you with an "I told you" look, how will you intend to handle it? You need to think all about this strategically but not emotionally and chalk out an action plan. Try to enlist the support of your M.D. on the issues you have raised.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai