Managing Drunkenness and Conflicts in Company Housing: How Can HR Tackle This Issue?

Dear Seniors, I am working as an HR Executive in a factory. I am facing problems related to human behavior. The company has provided them with accommodation. However, they come in drunk in the colony, especially on festival days. They fight with each other and are frequently absent from duty. I receive complaints on a daily basis. Kindly suggest how I can handle such situations.

Thanks & Regards,
BANDNA JAMWAL

This is indeed a problem that needs to be sorted out quickly and effectively. Is the accommodation provided free of cost, subsidized, or at full market rent? Also, what is the basis of providing the accommodation?

If the accommodation is provided at full market rent, then they are to be considered as "in their OWN home" and are free to do as they wish as long as their activities are legal. Your response is, therefore, limited to issuing warning letters, stating that unless their behavior improves, with immediate effect they are in danger of losing their jobs on the grounds of bringing the company into disrepute.

If the accommodation is rent-free or subsidized, then you have some responsibility to ensure that their behavior does not cause embarrassment to the company and is respectful towards neighbors.

This can be achieved in the first place by having a robust policy, clearly stating the expected standards and if breached the consequences; such as disciplinary actions which may lead to dismissal on the grounds of bringing the company into disrepute. I suggest you use this opportunity to set out the state of repair, maintenance, and cleanliness in and around the accommodation.

If you have such a policy already, then you need to enforce it. If not, then you need to draw one up and issue two copies to every person concerned; one for them to sign and return, the other for their records.

I hope the above helps.

Regards,
Harsh

Mr. Harsh Shukla has given you very wise suggestions and perfect guidelines. In fact, there is nothing more to add except the following: Ensure that the matter is not exaggerated by the person reporting it to you. Moreover, some merrymaking during festivals (according to the status of employees) is inevitable. That is their way of celebrating a festival. Even in a disciplined force like the army or paramilitary, such incidents take place. However, the only thing to ensure is that this does not create a law and order situation.

Warm regards.

Alcohol Consumption in Factory Colonies

Nowadays, everybody seems to be consuming alcohol. In factory colonies, this behavior is quite common. The residents are often poor, and the cheapest form of entertainment available to them is alcohol consumption. The government itself encourages this by granting permissions for liquor shops and bars everywhere.

We have to adapt to the system, whether it is good or bad. Dealing harshly with the residents will not be fruitful. Only counseling will help.

Regards,
D. Gurumurthy

In addition to what learned followers have suggested, I would suggest you arrange for round-the-clock surveillance by a departmental or private security agency in the colony area of the company, if possible. This will be beneficial in two ways:

1. Security of the belongings and the residents of the colony will improve, and they will feel more confident in going outstation. This will help in smoothing industrial relations.

2. The incidents you have pointed out will be greatly reduced.

3. If there is no security surveillance system in place currently, it will provide employment to a few individuals seeking work.

If this is not possible, the safest and most legal way is to seek help from the police or administrative authorities. This is because, after duty hours, you cannot charge them under any clause of the Standing Orders for indiscipline, as it becomes more of a personal matter.

Best Wishes,
AK Jain

Dear Bandna,

You could follow the suggestions below:

1. Verbal Warning
2. Written Warning/Warning Letter
3. Termination after the above two in case of consistent indiscipline.

Regards,
Sunil Ranawat

Thank you very much for your valuable reply. I have issued a warning letter to all the colony residents. We are charging Rs. 400/- per room, with 3-4 persons living in each room. The amount has been divided among them. Water and electricity are provided free of charge. The company is responsible for building repairs and white-washing.

Thanks and Regards,
BANDNA JAMWAL

Now, as things are out of your control, please implement the views expressed by Mr. Harsh.

Future Recommendations

Also, please take note of the following for the future:

- Make some standard operating procedures/policies on accommodation and draft all terms that would take care of the interests of the management. Provide this, along with a declaration form, for future appointees to sign in connection with the allotment of workmen quarters/accommodation.

- In the declaration form, please include the following statement: "I have read and understood all the terms mentioned herewith regarding the allotment of accommodation. I hereby agree that I am liable for a penalty in addition to disciplinary action if I violate any or all clauses mentioned in this agreement."

- Take their signature on the declaration form and retain it. If you notice any misbehavior, proceed to take action against the erring employee.

Thank you.

Regards,
R K Nair

Dear Bandna,

What is the area of the room in which 3-4 persons live? How are the working conditions and working hours in the unit? From the description, it appears to be a veritable sweatshop. No wonder the lonely, depressed workers must be finding an outlet in alcohol and creating a nuisance in a drunken state.

If you are looking for serious remedies, you have to look at the root causes and try to take steps to better their life and make them feel wanted and motivated. However, it is easier said than done. It takes a lot of effort and involvement of the higher management, which may be beyond your capabilities at the moment.

For short-term gains and visible effects, you can adopt the measures already suggested.

Warm regards.