Feeling Like an Outsider at Work: How Can I Improve My Team Dynamics?

Hi, I am working as an HR in a company. I have joined recently, and the team is not at all welcoming. I am treated as an outsider, which is resulting in mental stress and frustration. I have tried to stay strong, but I am struggling with this every day.

Team dynamics and challenges

For example, we are a team of three members. One of the team members has resigned, and I was hired as her replacement. However, this person and the other team member are treating me as if I am not needed in the team. The HR room is small, with a seating capacity of two people. I asked the team member when I could start sitting there, as I have to handle everything now, but she just ignored me. I have asked her multiple times, but it seems she is not willing to move from her place.

Seeking advice

I am upset with this type of behavior. Please suggest how I can handle this situation. I don't want to quit, as I am not a quitter.

Kindly help.

Hi, I am working as an HR in a company, which means someone conducted your interview. I have joined recently, which means someone issued you an offer letter. The team is not at all welcoming, which indicates that the team has not recruited you, but some controlling authority appointed you. I am treated as an outsider, but this is the team's view, not that of the appointing authority, so it is advisable to immediately talk to the controlling authority who appointed you. This situation is resulting in mental torture and frustration because you need to vent out your concern with the controlling authority who appointed you. After a discussion, you can decide on a future plan.

For example, we are a team of three members, out of which a girl has resigned. I was hired as her replacement. This girl and the other team member are treating me as if I was not required in the team. The HR room is a small room with a seating capacity of 2 people. I asked that girl from when I can start sitting here as I have to handle everything now, but she just ignored it. I have asked her many times, but it seems she is not ready to move from her place. Let a discussion happen with the appointing authority to proceed further.

I am just upset about this type of behavior. Please suggest how I can handle this. I don't want to quit as I am not a loser, and remember, no one is a loser in this world.

Let me be upfront in saying that you are diverting yourself from the very reason you were hired. The girl who has resigned and is not treating you as an HR should, signifies her strength and may be a primary reason for her departure. The other team member may also be influenced by her personality, leading to his behavior mirroring hers.

You need not worry about these minor issues that are common in office environments as part of office politics. Why demoralize yourself? You were hired as a replacement, so focus on meeting the expectations of your superiors. Your primary goal is not to build relationships, although interpersonal skills are essential for creating a positive work environment. Just wait for her departure, and you will likely notice a change in the atmosphere and the other person's behavior towards you as well.