Feeling Stuck in My HR Role: Should I Quit Without an Offer Letter or Notice?

Hi all,

I just wanted to share my feelings with my fellow friends (you guys) and calm down. I am unable to control my frustration. I am sorry if this is spoiling your mood too.

I am working in a manufacturing company. We have a personnel manager who retired 2 years back but is still working with us. I am working as an HR executive. I am asked to do recruitment and make confirmation letters. That's it. All the payroll and MIS will be done by the Computer Incharge. Bonus-related matters will be discussed by the Accounts Manager and Personnel Manager. How much bonus should be given, how much is fixed, is not informed to me. Who is being laid off is not informed to me. Statutory obligations like ESI, PF are not her job. Termination and dismissal are not her job. Appraisal is not in practice, madam. Even if I implement, not all departments give the feedback. The director won't talk about it.

If I say training, the director will say yes, but accounts say it's time-consuming and a waste of money. The MD says no to training. The Director is ready for change and improvement, but the MD, his father, is a big no to change.

I didn't get any offer letter and appointment letter too. I am planning to quit. Is my decision right? Do I need to give one month's notice?

Sorry for such a lengthy letter, but please advise me.

Regards,

Sowjanya

You better leave - it seems like a very unprofessional organization. But, you may stick around until you get another job.

Thank you for your reply. I doubt why companies like this appoint HR personnel when they don't know the value of the department.

In my previous company, I was given assignments like employee pulse survey, PMS, with much emphasis on training both technical and non-technical. We started so many interventions like small group activities, sensitivity training, and many others. Everybody in that company wanted to change, and our department acted as a change agent. So much to learn there.

I think still many companies think HR means payroll, statutory obligations, recruitment, and retrenchment. Only a few firms see HR in a larger picture. Am I wrong?

Regards,
Sowjanya

Dear Friend,

I have gone through your message. It would be beneficial for you to search for a job in a manner that allows you to utilize your skills and knowledge effectively for both your colleagues and the company.

Thanks,
Thivakar
Chennai

Dear [Recipient],

This is your acid test in your present company. Stay there. Persuade your management and show them the benefits of HR practices, i.e., maximum productivity with employee satisfaction. Once you achieve success, you will be able to implement HR practices independently, and I think it will help you in the future. BEST OF LUCK.

Regards,
Vibhor

Dear,

It's not the time to be frustrated. Have patience and try to open your eyes towards the recent trends and culture of corporates and the market as well. It doesn't mean that I am telling you to be there. No. Side by side, start hunting (job hunting).

The ideas you are having to improve the system of this organization will definitely help you in the future.

Anyways, think twice before taking any step forward.

Goodbye, God bless, and all the best.

Dear Friend,

My advice to you is to stick around for a while, learn whatever the computer in charge is doing, and try to understand the process. Build a good relationship with them instead of showing frustration. I understand that emotions always play a role at this particular time, so be smart and try to learn most of the things they are doing, as it is part of your job. This will give you valuable exposure. Relax, dear.

Just think that you are there for a short time to earn money, and simultaneously, keep looking for a good position where you can take on challenges and further develop yourself. Life is beautiful, so enjoy it!

Take care.

Hi friend,

Now I found a fellow sufferer. Actually, I am suffering from the same situation.

My name is Jyoti Sharma, and I am appointed as an HR manager at a Maruti Authorized dealership.

Before the last two months, no one knew the requirement for HR professionals here. However, now Maruti has pressured its dealers to develop the HR department because I have been appointed here as an HR manager. Unfortunately, I have no work to do here.

All the recruitment processes are handled by our CEO. No one recognizes the actual importance of HR procedures here.

In short, I am frustrated with this job that has no tasks.

I believe if both of us share some good suggestions, they will surely help us prove our existence in the relevant areas. I am hoping to receive your replies.

You can also email me at jyotisharma562@gmail.com.

Dear Sowjanya,

There are many organizations which have to undergo a transition from personal to H.R. You could be the one who is initiating this change. Try to relate what you want to do directly with the business goals of the organization and rope in the right decision-makers. I am sure if you survive and face this challenge, you would be a very successful H.R. Professional.

These are my views on your current situation, and I hope they will be of some assistance.

Regards,
M.T

Hi Sowganya,

Great! Yes, really great. Frankly, not every person would get such a challenging profile. You have to swim against the current. Sit and take time. Slowly and diplomatically try to bring a change around yourself first. Then slowly implement it with your close associates in the department. But firstly, you should be convinced of what you are doing and start implementing.

I assure you, if you have confidence in yourself, come what may, you can bring a change in this organization.

GOOD LUCK.

Rgd DG

I think you should find yourself another job and quit right away if you want to protect your sanity and skills!

---

I think you should consider finding another job and resigning immediately if you wish to safeguard your sanity and skills.

Hi,

Don't get frustrated. I understand your situation as I had gone through the same circumstances at one point in time. The only solution I can suggest is to give yourself and the company some time period (say two months or more). Make a schedule of what you want to contribute to the organization. Try to convince management with some presentations about good HR practices. This will help you in winning their consent. If this does not happen, there is no harm; at least you will keep yourself updated and occupied with some constructive work. This will benefit you later in your career. Meanwhile, keep looking for a new job as well (if nothing works).

I hope this helps you. Good luck.

Hello Sowjanya,

I can understand your situation. I would like to suggest that if you don't have much financial crisis, meaning 'not depend on salary only,' then you should leave it and search for another job. If the management surely doesn't want any change, then we cannot do anything under these circumstances. With anyone's support, if you waste too much time in this situation, it will become tougher for you to find another good job.

Don't waste your time and career; this is only my suggestion. After all, you should make the final decision.

Best of luck.

Regards,
Sweta

And mind you, they haven't given you the appointment letter as yet. I hope you are getting paid for your services.

Dear all,

I thank each and everyone individually for your MORAL SUPPORT. I think top management is like the tip of the hill. They should look at things from the top (which covers all the surroundings of the hill). They should look with a broad mind. The top management should be ready to change.

My top management wants to change. If they think they need to change, I can never think of quitting the job.

If it's only about salary, then you should leave and search for another job. Because if the management surely doesn't want any change, then we cannot do anything under these circumstances. Anyone's support, if you waste too much time in this situation, then it will become tougher for you to search for another good job. Don't waste your time and career; it's only my suggestion. After all, you should make the final decision.

Best of luck.

Regards,
Sweta

Hi Sowjanya,

I hope you're frustrated as your ideas are not implemented, and you have no work. I too have the same situation, but the only difference is I am overloaded with work. As an HR Executive, I'm loaded with the work of both my HR Manager and CEO. However, if any suggestions are given, such as benefit schemes for the employees, my CEO shall say "You should know to prioritize your work." He knows I am loaded with work, yet he would say, "Why are you stretching for long hours? I hope that if I am in your place, I would need only a couple of hours daily to finish my activities." I sometimes feel really irritated. Do all the organizations have a similar setup?

Thanks,
Sowmya

Hi Sowjanya,

I think most of the experienced HR professionals are facing this kind of problems.

I am facing a problem while working as a manager, with or without work. Let me explain what I am facing... A 15-year-old company had an HR head 2 years back along with one executive (with no HR background). These two have a close understanding without any HR implementation. They are always chatting, listening to music, surfing, and doing personal work for the HR head, etc. The executive is favorable to the HR head. Later, they appointed 4 additional staff in HR, but it was of no use. Whenever we have any issues and express them, we are not perceived well by these two. Moreover, he insists that whatever he says, whether right or wrong, must be followed by the newcomers. If I mention that they are not working, he says that we will have a meeting, and during the meeting, he points to the capable workers, instructing them to work accordingly without pointing out mistakes or any other issues with the executive.

I have been working here for about a year and have really struggled to bring about change, but to no avail. If I suggest a few ideas that would benefit him, he might accept them, but on the surface, he would say it's not a good idea. I took this as a challenge, and here I am.

Frankly speaking, I am looking for a change, but I hold onto hope that there will be some changes before I decide to leave.

Regards,

SS

Hi Sowjanya,

I have gone through your email. Here, I would like to suggest one thing. Instead of getting frustrated, you can prepare a comparison chart of similar industries that are excelling and those that are not performing well in HR activities across all dimensions of HR. Create a presentation and present it to the management.

I am confident that your actions will be clear to them. Set a specific time limit and gradually start working on it. Prove yourself and build confidence in all.

Wishing you all the best.

Regards,
Sai Prasad. 😊

Hi Friend,

Don't get disheartened. You can find another job where HR is given importance and where you can explore your talent. Don't work for a company where you don't have the freedom to do so.

Thanks,
Pallavi.

Hi Sowjanya,

This organization appears to be headless, i.e., without any business acumen. Businesses are run by professional people. Surprisingly, you did not receive any offer of appointment and still chose to join. Anyway, if you have another job in hand, please quit this present job immediately. If not, then utilize the extra time to find a better job with a written offer. But before that, do make an attempt to learn about the culture of the organization. Collect all relevant data and then decide about joining the new organization.

Regards,

Yours truly,

Satish Kumar Head of HR NTPC Foundation, Noida

Dear all,

Thank you for your reply.

I went to my director DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY and told him, "SIR, I MADE A SMALL PRESENTATION ON THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING. I WOULD BE GLAD IF YOU COULD SPEND YOUR VALUABLE TIME TO SEE THE PRESENTATION."

He said, "AAAAA, SOWJANYA. Is this training necessary?" I replied, "Yes, sir." He then said, "Okay, give this presentation to my dad (MD). I will come and join but can only spend 5 minutes as I have some urgent work."

I agreed, "Okay, sir. I will present it on Saturday at 12:00 PM." He thanked me, "Ok, SOWJANYA... THANKS."

Later, I went to the MD and told him the same thing. He asked, "Why do you want to give the presentation? You explained everything to me already." I explained my reasons, but he insisted, "You should do the appraisal of all the staff, going to each one of them. It's not the work of department heads." When I tried to explain what an appraisal is, he interrupted, "The department heads are busy. You do the appraisal. Go to all the employees. If you can't do that, say, 'Sir, I can't do the appraisal.'"

I am unsure how to react. Have you ever come across such a kind of MD?

Regards,

SOWJANYA

Hello,

I think that these are your testing times. You must try to convince your people over there about the role of an HR manager. You should be a change agent.

All the best.

Hi,

I am also in the same situation. Wait for some time because HR must have patience. Set a specific time to consider changing organizations. If you cannot make the change that day, it may be time to quit that job. HR plays an important role between employer and employee. Therefore, HR professionals need patience. Please wait for some time.

Regards,
Renupriya

Dear Friends,

Like Sowjanya, we all are facing such or similar kinds of situations. Many organizations still think that HR job is just recruitment, payroll processing, and statutory payments. Every year, many organizations spend lakhs of money on conventions and training programs for Operations, Sales, and Production people. However, if any HR Head proposes an HR summit, management has several thoughts. In any company's top position, like CEO or COO, nobody from HR is appointed or nominated.

Until today, we have not been able to justify our presence in many organizations. They only know production, sales, marketing, operations services, and finally profit; that's all. Surprisingly, in many companies, those working in the HR Dept. are accustomed to all these and also entertain such things. They are faced with the situation and compromise with the atmosphere, which is more dangerous. So wake up and take this call seriously.

Bibek Banerjee

Hello Sowjanya,

I don't want to dishearten you, but I can very much feel your situation. In my organization, it was not that I had no work – in fact, I was overloaded with work. However, the top management was resistant to change, though the employees were very much in favor of it. From my experience, I can say that your management also has a closed mind. They can't think beyond what has been happening in your organization until now. It is almost useless to try to convince these people. For such organizations, making business and earning money are the only priorities. HR has no role to play; it is limited only to recruitment. They would only consider recruiting new employees but would never put any effort into retaining the old valuable employees. In this kind of organization, you may not be able to build your career, at least in Human Resources, because your management doesn't even understand the proper meaning and value of this department. If you believe your management has the ability to understand this, then I would say, put in your complete effort to do so. However, if you don't feel that, don't wait for anything – start looking immediately for good openings in HR. And yes, before you leave the organization, make sure to take the appointment letter and pay slips; otherwise, you will not be able to show your experience.

Thanks & Regards,

Smita

Hi Smita and all,

Thanks for all your replies. I am feeling guilty as I am doing nothing and taking a salary. I am wasting my time and their money too. So, I have decided to quit. However, as many of you told me to have an offer at hand before quitting, I am now in search of a new job.

The personnel officer informed me that they do not provide an appointment letter until after 6 months here. How can I prove in any interview that I am working for X company?

Do I need to give one month's notice after receiving an offer, or can I simply inform my director that I am quitting as soon as I get an offer?

Regards,
Sowjanya

Hi Sowjanya,

Try convincing your personnel officer to issue at least an offer letter, if not an appointment letter, showing that you are there on probation for 6 months. If not, try to get all the payslips at least.

Wishing you good luck.
Smita

I believe it all depends on the kind of person you are. If you are tough and thick-skinned, you should carry on to prove yourself! It would be a significant achievement.

On the contrary, if you are sensitive, it is best to quit as soon as possible. Don't get frustrated and spoil your life and peace of mind. It's really not worth it.

Best Wishes

Dear Friend,

I read your letter. First of all, you should not get frustrated, whatever things come your way. Wait until you have no other options. This may be a good challenge for you to face rather than run away or blame the system.

It looks like your company boss is an old person, maybe a good rock, never changing the system as he has succeeded with his plans and ideas. Perhaps you need to do a lot of data collection and submit how your ideas will improve the organization. Try to learn how their systems are running, what else you can improve, and what the expected results could be. Of course, you will find another good job; this could be a new beginning in a new place.

"You can't change others' attitude, but you can very well change your attitude." Keep this in your mind. Good luck.

Regards,
Muru

Dear Sowjanya,

Yes, there are many organizations, or in other words, you can say they are family-managed companies (FMC's) where the father is the CEO and the sons or daughters are directors. In such companies, you will always find that the older generation is resistant to change. They know how to generate significant profits and are often reluctant to embrace change. Additionally, accountants in these companies typically advise against changes by highlighting potential financial risks.

This situation may resonate with you, and I must stress that such companies are not conducive environments for smart HR professionals like yourself. It is crucial to seek opportunities elsewhere. When you find a new opportunity, consider resigning from your current position and joining a company that values career development, especially in the HR department.

Dev P. Ray

Hi Sowjanya,

I read your post and understood your frustration. Don't get frustrated. These are the situations you come across in your career. It is not only in your present company; it may be anywhere. In one of your replies, you said your MD asked you to do the appraisal of all employees. Why don't you do it? Point out the outcomes, like how useful one employee is in that organization. If you are not able to do the technical appraisal, interact with the employee themselves and ask what they are doing and how comfortable and well-versed they are with that technical skill. It will help you in understanding the technical part. After the appraisal, make a presentation of it with the positive and negative aspects of each employee, and don't try to show it to them directly. Like you asked your MD, saying that you want to show a presentation on training.

Instead, send an email with that presentation, highlighting the outcomes of the appraisals (which should be more visible when they see the email). Highlight a few good things first and then the bad things later. Also, note that whatever problems you are facing, don't blame management or managers for any reason. It is human tendency that when a new email comes, they surely open and see and at least spend a few minutes reading it. When the main points are highlighted, they will surely continue reading the email. At one point, they will realize and ask you for rectification methods.

You have mentioned that the computer operator does the calculations, etc. Sit with them and try to understand the work. Then go through the calculation work they have done earlier. If you find some mistakes in calculations or any other thing, just show it to them with proof and send an email to the management, but don't mention that the computer operator made the mistake. Just say when going through the earlier calculation statements, you found some wrong calculations, and you are bringing it to their notice, which needs to be rectified in the books of accounts. Don't point out any person by name or identification. It should be general statements with some proof.

If you do this, I am sure one day the MD will call you and give you more assignments and responsibilities. I am telling you this because in my initial career, I also faced the same problems, but I tried this way and got recognized by the management. For your information, when I put in my resignation at that company, the management didn't accept my resignation because they didn't want me to leave the company. But later, I discussed with the management, explaining my career growth, etc., and convinced them and got relieved.

I think you got frustrated because they have not given you the assignments you are comfortable with. I am not blaming you, but learn everything even if it is not related to you. In my experience, I learned writing job descriptions. Now, for any position or technical posts, I can define a JD. Writing a JD is not an easy job. First, you need to understand the position, and at least you should understand the theoretical part of technical skills and how it is useful in day-to-day activities of the company and how it is related to other departments, etc.

The present generation of HR executives is not ready to take any risks in life. Most of them are not handling the labor unions, which is very difficult; hence, everyone takes HR as an easy job.

My only suggestion to all HR professionals is to face and compete with all the problems that come across in your career. Then you will become an expert in HR, and you can become a real HR consultant.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,

Umesh S.

Dear Sowjanya,

I would suggest starting to look for a job and trying to gather as much information as possible about the organization before accepting the offer. I understand your problem because I am going through a similar situation. People will tell you to stick it out and try to work through it, but I know it's practically very difficult, especially when you are surrounded by people who do not understand or value HR.

Meanwhile, if you can get in touch with somebody from the Senior Management team and express your views, they might be able to help you out. In my case, even that didn't work, but you can at least try. Don't quit without a job in hand; otherwise, you would be even more frustrated. All the best.

Regards,
Jancy

Dear Soyjanyam,

Keep trying for a good job. Until then, just wait. This is somewhat a Lala-type company, I guess, where there will be no scope for anything. The more you stay there, the more you will be harming yourself. Don't accumulate frustration; just bear it in mind that you are only there for a while. At least you have a job and receive a salary every month, so feel happy and utilize your time by learning more about subject knowledge through your own efforts while you are there.

All the best for finding a good job. I know you can do it as there are lots of opportunities waiting for you. Just try for that.

Bibhutosh Bhadauria

Hi,

I believe you should quit the organization. There is no professionalism, nor can you gain any experience here. It's a waste of time and energy. It would be better if you could use your capabilities in another organization. Please note that there is no need to give any notice as of now, as you are not yet confirmed. For better prospects, consider planning for an MBA or a Diploma in HR.

Regards,
Savita

Hi Sowjanya,

I saw some of the people telling you to look for a new job. But can you get a guarantee that a similar situation will not be there also? In a new place, the MD may be good, but the Manager may not. You need to face this kind of situation everywhere.

What I can say to you and Jancy is, if you feel that you are getting humiliated or tortured by the management, then think of changing the job. But based on the info given by you, it is not so. It is all in the game. You need to face it. You have to overcome those problems. In later stages, whatever the problems, and whatever the size of the problem, you can confidently face it and solve it, and at that time, the management where you will be working will support you, recognize your work, and appreciate you.

I am not saying that you need to stick to the current job forever. But learn to face the problems; meanwhile, look for a better opportunity and then quit the job.

Every human is having one problem or another, which he needs to face, otherwise he is not fit to live in this world. You know the fact that poor people are facing financial problems, the middle class is facing recognition problems, and the rich people are facing security and health problems. So in this world, everyone will be with one problem or another. Whoever faces it will go forward, whoever is not ready to face it is struggling in their life.

Think twice and make the right decision.

Regards,

Umesh

Hi Sowjanyam,

Umesh has given a very good suggestion. I too agree with him. Though I have less experience in HR, facing the problem and coming up with breakthrough ideas help HR professionals. Instead of harboring negative thoughts of quitting and struggling, if you concentrate on your interpersonal relationships with colleagues and other departments, and start portraying yourself as the best to management, I am sure you will be seen favorably and job security will be assured.

My two years of HR professional experience have taught me to stay and face problems openly. Be a warrior instead! Thick-skinned outside and warm-hearted inside is the essence of HR in any organization.

Regards,
Grace

Dear Umesh and Grace,

Though what you tell is correct, we need to really judge the situation and see whether it can be really solved or not. Maybe if acted upon according to your instructions, Soujanya might spoil her relations with Management and Colleagues. You know it takes a lot of effort for any management to imbibe a company culture, be it good or bad, in its employees and environment. And when a single employee is going to change the management culture, just imagine the response that he will get. Even though Soujanya is in HR, there is no need for her to overdo her job. It is better to shift her job to a better place, instead of trying to make a change and ending up in a mess that may harm her career.

RAVI

Dear all,

Thank you all for your replies. As Ravi (HR for HR) mentioned, I directly report to the director. My CEO wants to bring about a change, but he is reluctant to speak with the MD or director as his job holds more importance to him than the change he desires to see. He suggests actions for me to take, but when it comes to supporting me while I communicate with the MD or director, he steps back.

I feel like I am wasting my time and their money. When the MD and director are resistant to change, how much can I really do?

Regards,
Sowjanya

Hi Sowjanya,

As seniors or experienced individuals, based on our experiences, we can only offer you suggestions and guidelines. However, it is up to you to decide and make changes regarding your career and attitude.

Anyhow, all the best for your future career and pursuing the career you aspire to have.

Regards,
Umesh S.

Dear all,

I have recently completed my MBA and am currently working with a firm. Earlier, I was advised by top management that proper recruitment procedures need to be implemented as this essential concept is currently missing here. There is a complete lack of training and development opportunities. However, there are a few individuals involved in politics who are hindering my ability to work effectively in recruitment by withholding information. Previously, there was a monopoly held by that individual.

I am now facing a significant dilemma as I was close to completing six months at this manufacturing firm. What could be the best solution for this situation? Despite repeatedly sending emails to the HR director, I have not received any responses. I am unsure of what steps to take next. I arrive at 9:30 and leave at 6 with no significant work assigned to me.

I am in desperate need of suggestions. Please reply.

Thank you.