Feeling Stuck in HR at a Startup: How Do I Deal with a Controlling Boss?

Challenges in HR Management at a Startup

Hello, I joined a global startup about 7 months ago as an Assistant HR Manager. My key responsibility areas (KRA) include handling recruitment and other HR operations. Since this is a startup, there are no established HR processes and policies in place.

In the first quarter, I completed the hiring and team formation. Now, I want to get involved in other HR operations, but my boss is not giving me the freedom to work or agreeing to any proposals or initiatives I take for employee engagement or benefits. He wants to be involved in all HR activities, even in recruitment, where he insists on conducting reference checks himself.

I have started feeling that he hired me only to show compliance to government officials. He is not interested in implementing Provident Fund (PF), insurance, or leaves (we have only 12 annual leaves). I need guidance on how to handle this situation as I have lost motivation to work and feel like I am in the wrong place. Please suggest whether I should speak to my boss, who is the Divisional Head-India and not the HR Head. He is Russian, so he doesn't know much about Indian policies and how organizations work. However, if I try to give any suggestions, he does not take them.

**Location**: Mumbai, India

Addressing Lack of Autonomy in HR Role

It can be frustrating when you feel restricted in your role as an Assistant HR Manager, especially in a startup environment where flexibility and adaptability are essential. Here are some practical steps you can take to address the situation and potentially improve your working relationship with your boss:

1. [🔍] Understand the Situation:
- Reflect on specific instances where your boss has intervened in your work or rejected your proposals. Try to identify any patterns or underlying reasons for his behavior.

2. [💬] Have a Candid Conversation:
- Schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your concerns openly and professionally. Express your desire to contribute more to the HR operations and share your ideas for employee engagement and benefits.

3. [📋] Present Data and Benefits:
- Support your proposals with data and concrete benefits for the organization. Show how initiatives like implementing PF, insurance, and a comprehensive leave policy can positively impact employee morale, retention, and overall productivity.

4. [🤝] Seek Understanding:
- Given your boss's limited knowledge of Indian policies, offer to provide educational resources or external expertise to help him understand the importance and benefits of certain HR practices.

5. [💼] Focus on Collaboration:
- Emphasize that your goal is to work collaboratively with him to enhance the HR functions and align them with the organization's growth objectives. Highlight the value of leveraging your expertise to drive positive outcomes.

6. [🔑] Explore Alternative Approaches:
- If direct discussions do not yield results, consider involving a mediator or seeking guidance from a higher authority within the organization to address the communication gap and facilitate a more constructive working relationship.

7. [🌟] Stay Committed or Consider Alternatives:
- Evaluate your long-term career goals and assess if the current situation aligns with your professional aspirations. Stay committed to making a positive impact in your role, but also be open to exploring other opportunities if the workplace dynamics do not improve.

By proactively communicating your perspectives, demonstrating the value of your contributions, and seeking mutual understanding, you can navigate the challenges of limited autonomy in your HR role and strive for a more fulfilling professional experience.