New HR Executive in Construction: How Do I Start Building HR Practices from Scratch?

Respected all, I am an HR Executive in a construction firm, and I've joined it a month ago specifically for recruitment. This is my first job (I am a fresher). The company does not have a full-fledged HR department. They have asked me to start with the HR practices, but since I don't have any prior experience, I am confused and nervous about where to start. The total number of employees is 30, mostly engineers and supervisors.

Please help me and guide me on the same.

Thanks.

Dear HR Aspirant 1,

Congratulations on your new job! Firstly, could you please inform me if you are working at the site office, regional office, or head office? If you are working at the site office, then you will be responsible for completing all HR and administration tasks. If you are based at the head office or regional office, then it is advisable to follow the Three-Tier approach to HR, which includes HR operations, legal matters, and HR strategy.

Key HR Responsibilities

1. Manpower Planning
2. Recruitment
3. Induction for new joiners
4. Training
5. Motivation
6. Performance Appraisal
7. Promotions, Transfers, and Demotions
8. Retirement

In addition to these tasks, you will also be responsible for implementing policies, welfare programs for employees, employee retention, and handling full and final settlements. While these responsibilities are typically managed by the HR Department, you will need to carry out tasks as instructed by your seniors, which may involve statutory compliance, HR and IR-related issues, formulating HR policies, and liaising with government bodies.

With Regards

Hello HR Aspirant, you mentioned that your company is functional, so focus on activities that are necessary to sustain an organization. Mr. Malay has provided a good list, and Ms. Nobomita has shared a useful URL. A good starting point would be to manage attendance and leave records. In areas like recruitment, training, and performance appraisal, you can seek support from your seniors. Depending on your specific requirements, choose a topic and continue to read on Cite HR.

Regards,
V. Raghunathan

Steps to Implement HR Practices in a Construction Firm

1. Start by introducing the attendance machine so you can keep track of attendance, as well as leave and OD (Outdoor Duty) status.
2. Begin maintaining the registers under labor laws (attendance, fine, OT, Deduction, Advance registers).
3. Obtain licenses under Shop and Establishment, Contractor (if required) license (Principal Employer), BOCW Licenses, PT, PF, and ESIC License.
4. Prepare HR policies as per your company's requirements and discuss with your Director to get approval, then roll out the same.
5. Submit required returns (Half-yearly and Yearly) under various labor laws.
6. Register workers under the BOCW Act.
7. Manage Recruitment, Payroll, Training, etc.

I am also working in the construction industry, and based on my knowledge, I have shared this information with you. If you require any further information, you may call me at [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons] or email me at [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons].

Regards,
Praveen