Feeling Overlooked at Work: How Can I Tackle Insurance and Appraisal Bias?

I joined the company last year and I am still working as an HR. As per company policy, the company will buy insurance for the employee after completing 1 year. When I asked my boss about the insurance, he said that I have to wait for the next renewal in April '14 as the last renewal was done in April '13 for all staff when I hadn't completed 1 year, which was supposed to be completed in June '13. Next year in June '14, I will complete 2 years in the same company.

As an HR, I have been fighting for myself rather than my staff. I feel that there is partiality towards me (in terms of appraisal month, salary, and now insurance) despite all my hard work and dedication towards work.

Seeking Advice on Handling Workplace Partiality

What should I do now? How can I deal with this situation smartly without a fight? Please help.

Regards,
Simriti

The problem is that you spoke to your manager about this, and you only got "Tarikh pe tarikh."

Why Not Approach Higher Management?

Why did you never speak to the manager's manager, one level up? You should speak directly to the higher authority via email (with evidence). I hope you will be ensured soon after this. 

Dear Smriti,
What is your designation and what is the length of your total experience? You are feeling let down because your boss did not clarify that the company renews the insurance policy only once a year, i.e., in the month of April. So you need to wait till April 2014. This non-communication has demotivated you. What type of insurance is this? Is this group insurance?

Getting a job in HR is not that easy. Ask your friends about their experience. Therefore, I recommend you to forego this insurance issue and concentrate on your work. Take it as the price of learning. Finally, compromise is a way of life!

Furthermore, you have written that "I felt that every partiality is with me (in terms of appraisal month, salary & now insurance) after so much HARD WORK & DEDICATION towards work."

The above statement is nothing but your frustration. You have combined other things with insurance. Please separate the other issues and consider them independently. Secondly, what you have written is your perception. We need to know the views of the other side as well.

Have you taken feedback on what your boss wants? Have you received feedback on the rating in your Performance Appraisal? By what percentage was your salary increased? What was the average increase percentage in your company?

Cool down, take feedback, and find out where there is scope for improvement. Possibly in the next year, you may get the highest increment!

Ok...

Regards,
Dinesh V Divekar

Dear Sir, Thank you for your valuable comments. My appraisal was due in June '13 as I joined on the 25th of June '12. We conducted the increment/appraisal of other employees who joined on the 25th of the month at the same time in 2012. However, when my appraisal was due, my boss informed me that my appraisal would be from the 1st of July '13, a decision made by the Overseas Senior Management (Group MD).

When I reached out to the Senior Management sitting in the Overseas Branch, they mentioned that the India Branch head is responsible for all appraisal decisions. My boss tended to attribute everything to the Group MD in every decision, and I am aware that the Group MD, being a nice person, may not be directly involved in the India Branch.

Although my appraisal was not up to mark, I convinced myself to accept it. According to them, if the appraisal meets the mark, I will not receive the quarterly incentive.

I have over 2 years of well-rounded experience in HR & ADMIN with good exposure to working on various job portals. I possess strong communication and social skills. I am responsible for handling HR, ADMIN, RECEPTION WORK, and Recruitment for Overseas Branches. I believe I am as qualified and experienced as other staff in the office who receive higher salaries than me.

Following the response from the OVERSEAS MD, he mentioned that I had complained about him to the MD and suddenly changed his attitude, agreeing to the increment effective from 1st June '13.

I pointed out to him, "Both of you are claiming the other person is responsible for the appraisal and all; then, who is the right person to address regarding this matter?"

I have faced a very critical situation. After a lot of back and forth, I finally received the increment effective from 1st June '13. Now, other issues like insurance have resurfaced.

Regards, Simriti

First of all, you must be entitled to insurance from day one of your service. There is no reason why you should wait for the completion of one year.

I assume that the insurance provided by your organization is a "Group Insurance." As per my understanding, it is designed in such a way that an employee can join the scheme and leave the scheme at any time during the year. The policies are specifically designed to incorporate new joiners and people resigning from the organization. It's a win-win situation for the insurance companies.

I don't see any financial burden on your employer in adding you to the insurance scheme; it's just their reluctance to do so. Kindly revalidate your value in this organization. Are they trying to give you any hint that you are not needed? Make a decision that is good for yourself.

Wishing you all the best.

Regards,
Abhishek

Addressing Concerns with Management

The problem is that you spoke to your Manager about this, and you only received "Tarikh pe tarikh" (date after date). Why did you never speak to the Manager's Manager, one level up? You should speak directly to the higher authority via email (with evidence). I hope you will be reassured soon after this. 

Always, it is not recommended to speak directly to the Manager's Manager. Of course, the Manager's Manager may provide benefits, but at the same time, the Manager may feel bypassed in approaching the top-level management. This is based on my experience. Please consider this.

First of all, you must be entitled to insurance from day one of your service. There is no reason why you should wait for the completion of one year.

I assume that the insurance provided by your organization is a "Group Insurance." As per my understanding, it is designed in such a way that an employee can join the scheme and leave the scheme at any time during the year. The policies are specifically designed to incorporate new joiners and people resigning from the organization. It's a win-win situation for the insurance companies. I don't see any financial burden on your employer in adding you to the insurance scheme; it's just his reluctance to do so.

Kindly reevaluate your value in this organization. Are they trying to give you any hint that you are not needed? Take a good decision for yourself.

Wishing you all the best.

Regards,
Abhishek

Hi, are you covered under ESI when your salary is up to Rs. 15,000/- or above? It covers health policy.