How Can I Make the Most of My Free Time at Work and Ask for More Responsibilities?

Respected all,

I am working as an HR assistant in a reputed organization for the past six months. In our department, there are four people: two managers and two assistants.

Team Structure

1. 1st Manager - Payroll and General Administration
2. 2nd Manager - IR and Legal Compliance
3. 3rd Assistant - Training and Development
4. 4th Assistant (myself) - Time Office and Daily Reports

At the beginning, I was assigned the work of "Time Office" and "Various Reports." Now, after six months, I have settled into these responsibilities and can complete my daily routine work on time. I now have a reasonable amount of free time.

Seeking Guidance

So, I want to ask: What should I do in my remaining time? Or, how should I approach my seniors to ask for any new tasks or responsibilities?

Dear all, I need your guidance and suggestions; it will definitely help me. I am awaiting your feedback.

Regards

Expanding Your Role in HR

It is presumed that you are reporting to the first manager and are acquainted with the details of his job and responsibilities. Besides payroll (which has a link with attendance and leave), he may also be responsible for managing the employee database, performance appraisals, recruitment, and the exit process. You can pick one of these, as per your own interest, and seek your manager's consent to study the existing process and make some value addition to it. This may require an extensive study of the CiteHR columns or going through the details of this process on the 'EmpXtrack' website (which has lots of material relevant to all HR processes).

In this manner, you will not only learn new things but also become an active contributor. If you are not shy about preparing a presentation on the topic chosen by you, it may be worthwhile to share your presentation with the complete HR staff and gather their comments and suggestions. This approach will ensure that you are fully engaged at your workplace and are promoting team spirit.

Thank you for your guidance, but my reporting is to both Managers, not particularly to the 1st Manager. Though my work is acquainted with the 1st Manager, he is not so willing to teach me (or any junior) any new tasks or any HR processes. (I observed this for six months.) Nevertheless, I will try to talk to my Manager and follow your guidance.

Thank you once again.

Regards

Your post reminded me of my job with a reputed company where I had 2-3 hours daily with not much to do. I tried to engage in self-help by creating modules and training content, but ultimately, I could not take it anymore and spoke to my VP. I think all seniors should recognize the spark in employees who are willing to go beyond their normal work. A fulfilling environment can foster better motivation and learning. I don't know if your company has an open-door policy, but try to talk to someone at a senior level in a very subtle way and see if things work out in your favor. Only do this when you have exhausted all your proactive efforts with your immediate boss.

Thank you for your reply. I spoke with my HR Manager about wanting new tasks or responsibilities. I said, "Sir, I have time and I want any new task or responsibility," to which he replied, "OK," and then kept quiet, indicating I could leave. I am currently waiting, but I will continue to put in my best effort.

Regards

Self-Learning During Free Time

Self-learning during free time (when no work is pending) is practiced by all intelligent youngsters whose interest is to become professionals. 'Self-learning' requires no permission from bosses. Therefore, instead of asking Manager 1 or Manager 2, get going in life and learn something new.

There are a host of articles in the 'EmpXtrack Blog' which introduce an aspirant to the totality of modern HR function, as viewed by the experts. Even if you read one article a day and assimilate it well, it shall develop in you enough confidence to present new concepts to your managers and the company management.

But please remember that you don't pick up knowledge to impress others; you are to put it to use when an opportunity arises. And there is no end to opportunities if the frustration levels are kept low. I know you are capable, and you should lift the veil of being 'Anonymous'; earlier the better. Good luck.