Feeling Unsafe and Overworked: How Can I Address Workplace Harassment and Lack of Support?

Hi, I am working in a leading mobile phone selling MNC company as an HR Executive. I have been working here for 2 years. I am responsible for handling the Zone and head office in Chennai. Since the date of joining, there have been no increments, and I am also managing Admin and Finance-related tasks. We also visit the market. Unfortunately, there is a lack of safety for women in the workplace. This company prioritizes salespersons, as it is sales-based. I am often required to work late nights without proper communication, and meetings in Chennai are arranged without any prior notice for claiming expenses. Moreover, my Manager discusses my personal matters in front of everyone, which greatly affects me.

I am unsure which category this situation falls under. Please advise me on how to proceed.

Thank you.

Dear friend, From your post, three things are clear. One is that you are required to work until late at night, and another probably is that your company does not provide a transport facility to go home at night. The third thing is about the discussion of your personal life in front of other employees.

You have written that "There is no safety for women at the workplace." But then why do you feel that way? You have not explained.

For the first three reasons mentioned above, you may submit an application to your superiors and explain your problems. Before submitting the application, you may seek an appointment with him/her. These issues need to be solved internally.

You have written about not receiving any annual increment. But this is an internal matter of your company. There is no legal obligation on the part of the employers to do that.

Lastly, about the quality of your post. Being an HR professional, you were expected to write clearly and free from grammatical mistakes. However, you have written your post casually. If you show this kind of casualness in your work, why would your seniors take you seriously?

Please note that whatever work we do, one should strive to do it without flaws. Flaws in the work reflect flaws in the personality as well.

General comments

When an HR Executive uploads her post in the general forum expressing frustration at work, it speaks volumes. Why did she feel the need to approach the general HR forum but not her senior? Her senior is also supposed to be an HR professional. Do seniors talk with their HR juniors or not? Her post is a reflection of the disconnect between the HR Head and his/her junior.

"Employee Engagement" is a term that is dear to HR professionals. Here we have a case where the HR professional itself is disengaged. If this is the state of affairs, then what would be the condition of the other employees? This post is an eye-opener for senior HR professionals.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar