How Can I Explain to Management the Challenges of Sharing Accommodation with Laborers?

Greetings to all, My name is Salman. I am a newly joined HR Coordinator at a hypermarket. Everything is going well, but the issue is that they provide accommodation with the laborers. I don't know how to explain to my management, in letter format, the kind of problems I might face if I am living with the laborers. Please help me draft the letter.

Thanks and Regards,

Mohamed Salman

Hi, What problems are you facing by staying with laborers? My observation is that by staying with the laborers, you will develop a congenial relationship with them, which will be useful for you to get the work done. On the opposite side of this situation, you cannot be too rigid with them on disciplinary grounds. However, it is very common in the Middle East for employers to provide shared accommodation for their employees, considering the cost factor.

Dear Mohamad Salman,

I understand your concern. A person expects to rub shoulders with individuals of equal stature. Dealing with the lower-level class can make one uneasy. Anyway, the draft of the letter for the change of accommodation could be as below:

Request for the Change of Accommodation

Dear Sir,

1. I joined __________ (complete name of your company), as ______ (your designation) on ______ (date of joining). The company administration was gracious to provide me with accommodation. I am being accommodated at _______ (brief address of your accommodation).

2. Along with me, individuals from ________ (name of the department(s)) stay with me. There is nothing wrong with these individuals; however, the average employee expects to live with people of equal stature. Whether the accommodation is provided by the company or otherwise, in shared accommodation, a healthy exchange of views with associates takes place and often serves in broadening horizons. However, my fellow occupants are too raw, and their behavior sometimes puts me in an awkward situation.

3. In childhood, I learned the English proverb, birds of a feather flock together. Now I understand what happens when the birds of a feather do not flock together.

4. Lastly, about the department I work in. I am from the HR department. Though HR professionals are expected to be friendly, they are also expected to maintain a discreet distance from everyone. This is because HR professionals deal with matters of discipline or indiscipline. By chance, if the need arises, then because of my informal interaction with them, I may not be able to assert the assertiveness expected from an HR professional.

5. In view of the above, may I request you to provide me with suitable accommodation where I can interact with my fellow employees easily? While putting forth this request, I wish to clarify that I have complete respect for those who stay with me. They have not caused me any trouble. My request does not mean I have a heightened sense of self-worth or wish to diminish the dignity of my fellow occupants. My request pertains to the state of uneasiness I am experiencing. If given proper accommodation, this uneasiness could be replaced with contentment, which, in turn, will help me discharge my duties effectively.

Warm regards,

______ (your complete name)

A Note of Protest: Generally, I recommend members write the draft of the letters on their own. However, I have not done this in your case as the quality of your post is too inferior. Tenses are taught in the first 2-3 years since a student starts learning English. However, you do not meet that basic requirement either. I am appalled by the brazenness with which you have flaunted your poor English. Well, gentleman, inadvertently you have brought out your weakness. Start working to overcome this weakness; otherwise, this very weakness could hinder the growth of your career.

All the best!

Dinesh Divekar

In Gulf countries, it is often an embarrassing situation for employees in management roles, such as HR, Finance, Safety, and Inspection, to be accommodated with regular employees. Each room may accommodate 2 to 4 individuals, and sometimes a double cot room may house up to 8 people, depending on the room size.

If an employee has an issue with HR, staying with regular workers in the accommodation may lead to difficulties. Numerous instances occur where these employees experience constant tension as one or the other colleague brings pressure from outside.

Approaching Management for Separate Accommodation

As you are already in HR, observe if there is a possibility for management to provide a separate section for those in management roles, away from worker accommodations. Approach the management verbally without putting anything in writing. You can explain the challenges faced in such situations. Some companies may offer an allowance for staying outside, which involves comparing the allowance with the actual expenses incurred. Additionally, transportation from accommodation to work could be provided by the company; however, if you stay outside, you will need to arrange your own transportation to reach the office punctually.

Each location has its unique challenges, so Gulf life may not align with your expectations. It is advisable to maintain a positive attitude and endeavor to manage the situation effectively.

Here is a corrected version of the sample letter:

Subject: Request for Separate Accommodation for HR Coordinator

Dear [Management's Name],

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to express my concern regarding the accommodation arrangements made for me as the HR Coordinator of the Hypermarket.

As per the current arrangement, I am required to share the accommodation with the laborers, which I believe could lead to a few potential problems. Firstly, as the HR Coordinator, I have certain responsibilities and obligations towards the employees, including maintaining confidentiality and ensuring a professional work environment. Sharing the same accommodation with the laborers might compromise this professional boundary.

Secondly, there are certain safety and security concerns that I would like to raise. As an HR Coordinator, I might need to carry sensitive information, and sharing the accommodation with the laborers could potentially expose it to unauthorized individuals.

Given these considerations, I would respectfully request that I be provided with separate accommodation. I understand that this might require some additional expense on the part of the management, and I am willing to contribute my part towards it.

I would like to express my gratitude for the support and understanding that the management has shown towards me thus far, and I hope that you will consider my request. I am looking forward to your positive response.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Sincerely,
Salman
HR Coordinator, Hypermarket

Note: This letter can be edited as per your specific requirements and the situation.