How Can I Improve Industrial Relations in a Plant with 3500 Workers? Seeking Advice on Absenteeism and Overtime Challenges

Sirs,

What can I do better for our organization in IR? We have 3500 workmen, and there are issues with absenteeism and overtime that I am currently addressing to reduce. Apart from these challenges, what more can I do for our organization? I am new here and eager to make significant contributions in the field of Industrial Relations within the plant.

Regards,
Awdhesh Kumar

Dear Awdhesh,

Industrial Relations (IR) is a concept of a bygone era. Now it is replaced with Employee Relations (ER). Nevertheless, IR or ER is a result of the culture of your organization. Therefore, concentrate on the organization's culture. However, it depends on your level in your organization as well. What is your level? What support from top management do you enjoy?

Anyway, you may call me on my mobile if you wish, and we may discuss it further.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar

You have mentioned absenteeism and overtime (OT) issues. Please examine and collate details as to why unproductive practices are prevailing in your company and define root causes. OT is mainly due to unplanned and unauthorized leave, accidents, relievers' absence, or breakdowns. You may have one or more reasons, very peculiar like this. There are some cultural origins almost controllable with the sharing of data in advance in concert with Heads of Departments (HODs). Simultaneously, ensure improvements through regular coaching, communications in habits and teamwork, and also taking disciplinary actions against habitual offenders. There may be a nexus between one or many workers where the loss of wages can be more remunerative by earning OT. We have faced similar occurrences at our organizations in the past, but we managed to bring it to zero overtime, zero accidents, and minimum breakdowns.

Please call me on my mobile. If you wish, we can discuss plugging in the issues to resolve matters to a great extent.

Thanks and good luck!

Regards,
RDS YADAV
Management Advisor and Consultant
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons] / [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]