Strategies for Boosting HR Team Motivation and Employee Engagement

Hi,

I have been working in the HR field for the past 11 months. I have realized that it is quite a thankless job; irrespective of what one does, someone is always unhappy. I believe in sincerity and hard work, and I know that there are many out there who share the same values. For people like us, such an attitude can be difficult to handle.

For example, when you are at the coffee machine trying to take a break you deserved but couldn't due to some work, suddenly you hear a voice saying, "HR people just have fun... they are being paid for doing nothing MUCH." I have gradually learned to ignore such situations, but at times, it does irk me, especially when I know I have put in the effort and deserve a break.

Do any of you face similar situations where HR is the butt of employees' jokes? If yes, could you please let me know how you handle them without losing your cool?

Regards,
Shalini

In HR, usually, our efforts go thankless. I always give this example to motivate my team.

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up $100. In the room of around two hundred people, he asked, "Who would like this $100?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this note to one of you, but first let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the note up.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still, the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" and he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still, the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $100/-."

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special. Don't ever forget it!!

Never let yesterday's disappointments overshadow tomorrow's dreams.

"VALUE HAS A VALUE ONLY IF ITS VALUE IS VALUED."

Cheer up!

Because not every HR is like you - sincere and hardworking, there are also many HR professionals who are lazy, and don't do any work, and have fun.

You think the other employees are fools to state that HR doesn't do any work. The fact is that in many companies, the only department that closes at 5 or at closing time is the HR department. Uneducated HR professionals, having no technical knowledge, are conducting performance appraisals of software engineers, manufacturing personnel, which makes them hate HR as HR doesn't know the real field situation. There is also a misconception about HR - that HR only does big paperwork and nothing else.

During recruitment, HR often brings only their pets and does not give opportunities to hardworking, genuine individuals who are in need of a job.

I am not stating that you do this, but many HR professionals do. I may even receive comments on this post of mine asking me to leave this community or stop posting, etc.

But how many people will you tell? Me, and then the persons in your office who taunted you at the coffee machine, where you were having coffee after hard work. But for them, you are just passing time in the office.

Look, there are many corrupt people in HR who misuse their jobs, don't work, and laze in the office, keeping watch on who does what. If they personally like or dislike someone, they either promote or terminate the person.

So in short, HR is full of corruption with only a few honest people like you and me. We are not getting respect because of other corrupt HR professionals.

Shalini,

we can understand. Every where it is like that only. But if you hear like in future just forward the below points to them.

If you're not in HR, here are 10 reasons you should be happy that you know your friendly human resources professional.

Paychecks. You didn't think that your pay was determined by little elves who then magically printed your check right month in and month out, did you?

Fairness. Sure, you complain about HR, but who's the first one you run to when things don't seem fair? You know.

Training. There are people you never even heard of in your company who work in Learning and Development. Know what they do? They design those training classes that help you advance your career.

Benefits. They “owe” you benefits, right? I don't think so. A lot of HR pros spend countless hours toiling to make sure that your benefits go for the greater good. And, surprise, they haggle with insurance companies on your behalf.

Vacation. You might be surprised to find out that a company doesn't have to offer vacation or pay you for it. HR pros work for you to make your time off policies be competitive, the best for you, and the most financially responsible for the company.

Disability. Sure, there are government mandates for disability, but there's also HR in your corner helping you through your disability. You don't call your manager when you have to go on long-term disability, do you?

Coworkers. Look left; look right. See those people working alongside you? Thank HR. They're the ones who have to plan staffing and recruit candidates. Then they prepare the offer letter. Onboard the new people. Exit the bad ones.

Reviews. I know, you hate performance reviews. I do too. But guess what? If HR weren't there to move performance reviews along, that schmuck that you'd been working next to for the last three years would still be there. Keep the goods ones and dump the bad ones. Who do you call? HR.

Increases. Sure, your manager makes decisions about your merit increase. But where did that money come from? HR compensation spends a lot of time making sure that money and headcount match. And they watch the market to make sure it's fair. Result: More money in your pocket.

Bonuses. Hello, Bonus. Hey, isn't that the most beautiful of seasons? Here's the broken record, but guess who's behind that glorious bonus check? You know it. Your friends in HR, who are watching competitive pay practices across the world and are talking about the business effects with managers. (Those of you who got huge stock option grants in the late 1990s should hit your knees every day and be thankful.)

ISIT?????

Dear Mayura,
Employees say that HR is being paid for doing all the above,
I would have thanked if any HR is doing all above for free.
Employees want HR to realise that their job is equivalent to any other job, and not something special or thankworthy, and there is nothing for an HR to get discontented, if anyone is not thanking them.
HR gets paid for doing all the above mentioned activities, just like any other professional , so from now onwards, HR dont expect thanks to be said from employee, ur expecting too much.
then why the THANKS is needed, do you thank the Accounts person for his job, do you thank the software engineer for his job, then why THANKS is needed for HR, cant HR people do their job without expecting any thanks.

Dear Ravi,

Here I am not saying that for all activities HR has to be thanked. By the way, all the people are paid in every job. But the ultimate aim of doing all these things is employee satisfaction. We should maintain some level of expectation from every employee. If you don't have that thing, then there is no use of having an HR person; even without HR, people will live. The aim should be how you put things in a better and different way.

To know the satisfaction, every company does the survey on HR.

Therefore, my opinion would be we need to do good things in a better way to get good cheers from the employees.

Regards,
Raj

Dear,

I have been observing your situation for a long time. I am the only person in my branch office responsible for handling both HR and Admin work. This dual role requires me to focus on both employees and customers, which can be challenging at times. There are situations where employees ask for permission or leave, and I am unable to grant their requests, leading to negative comments from them. I believe that building a good rapport with employees is crucial. Although it can be difficult due to management oversight, we serve as the bridge between management and employees.

I recommend being friendly and engaging with employees. Organizing training programs can help them understand your role better and establish a positive relationship. It's essential to remember that as HR professionals, we may not always be well-received, but it's our responsibility to demonstrate that HR exists for the benefit of employees as well. :)

My senior, who has guided me to take up this line, has told me only one thing: "If there are 100 employees in your organization including you, then make up your mind that 99 people are working for the company and only one (you) is working for the entire 99 people. You take care of them, then they will take care of the company."

With this in mind, I have started my career and whatever criticism comes, take positive things from it. If you have any mistakes, accept them. If there are any negative things, then just ignore them. It could be explained in English Communication Language as: the difference between listening and hearing. You may hear a thousand noises at a time, but you should listen to only one noise which you need to take into your mind.

Cheer up. Good day.

KRISHNARAJ P R
9840355204

Thank you for your message. Here is the revised version:

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Really very informative, I would like to thank everybody who has shared their views about the happenings in HR. I would like to suggest that it would be better if we take up the issue in any forum for discussion and find a permanent solution for the sake of all HR colleagues. Let's find a permanent solution to all the problems that HR people face in day-to-day work.

Please reply and express your views or suggestions in this regard.

Praveen

Hi there, it seems you are quite disappointed. Don't lose hope. Maybe those who make critical comments are also dealing with everyone in the same way. As for the HR department, if you feel they have overstepped, consider addressing the issue directly. Remember, they need you more than the organization needs them. Next time they request leave, tactfully try to avoid approving it; they might learn a valuable lesson. Simple tactics can go a long way.

I am currently pursuing an MBA in HR, so it may be easier for me to say this now, but dear, time-bound activities are a part of every position.

Additionally, try managing their behavior. Be a bit more outspoken; remind them of the comfort of working in HR and question why they didn't choose HR instead of getting stuck in the ABC course. They might not have much to say in response.

Give it a try. Looking forward to your response!

Raj, Good Thought Message,

I really appreciate your constructive way of approach, despite a strong negative message from the other member. We, as HR, know what we do and how valuable we are.

Enjoy life with HR.

I think a lot of extremely thoughtful comments have been made.

It is true that in a group of 100 people, including you, 99 are working for the company, and you are working for the 99. But if you weren't working for the 99, then the 99 couldn't succeed.

Genuine HR professionals enter the profession for what they can give to others so that all succeed. If they are appreciated for what they do, it's great. But even when they're not, they don't lose their drive or their perseverance but continue to be productive. And in doing so, they gain their self-esteem, self-confidence, and grow professionally, which is their greatest reward.

There will always be misfits, HR people who are in the profession for the wrong reasons and spoil the reputation of genuine HR professionals, but that's one of the challenges HR has to bear and overcome.

Jeroo

I do believe that HR job is a thankless job because HR has still not been conferred an at-par status with the other departments. But things are changing gradually, and I am optimistic that things would change for good. I have some exposure in HR from my summer training at Tata Tele services and saw that the HR scene was not that bad compared to other companies. I believe that HR is one of the most important departments in the company. The HR employee is responsible for recruiting the right kind of employees for the organization. They are also responsible for creating the right atmosphere in the organization through various steps like employee engagement activities.

Still, HR employees consider their job thankless, so companies should rethink their strategy and provide the right atmosphere, freedom, and motivation. If HR is made an at-par department with other departments, it can have a dramatic impact on the organization. You can see the latest Business Today (BT) survey which ranks the best companies to work for—these are companies where HR is accorded due respect, and you can see that these companies are growing.

Moreover, HR is the department that can make jobs for other employees creative and innovative. So, it is high time that companies rethink their strategies and accord HR the appropriate status.

Best of luck to my HR colleagues.

Dear,

I know very well that HR gets paid for what it is doing, neither am I expecting thanks from anyone. They can at least show some respect. After all, we are also working just like them.

After going through all the views, I have realized it's my job to keep the employees of my org satisfied. Humans are unpredictable; I took up HR keeping that in mind. Ignoring their comments is one way. As an HR, I still have to develop my patience and deal with my colleagues accordingly, and respect will come along with time; I cannot ask for it.

I even know that not all HR people are good, but that doesn't mean all HR are bad as well.

In one of the posts, it was written to teach the employees a lesson by not taking their leaves, etc. Whoever has written that, I just want to say that I am not very experienced, but "tit for tat" or teaching a lesson is not a way out. It will only make the situation worse. Remember, they are also working there.

I have received some useful tips as well. Thanks for those.

Regards,

Shalini

Hi Shalini,

I want to say this thing after reading some comments posted by some of our members. Well, it is right that HR professionals are not working for free and are getting paid. How many people are there in the organization who are working not for pay and other emoluments? But HR does it a little differently. One of my friends, in his post, mentioned something that was asserted by his boss - that if there are 100 people in the organization and you are one of them, then these 99 people are working for the company, but you are working for them. Now that sums it up for the HR professionals who are sweating it out for the organization. It is the HR professional who takes care of the employees through various activities.

HR professionals don't need thanks for their job but occasionally do need some respect and a degree of appreciation. They are the ones who make the job creative and lovable. So, in my view, if you encounter some bad HR professionals, then don't make it a generalized statement that all HR professionals are bad.

Next time you see an HR professional, just give a smile and see the difference it makes.

Thanks and regards

HR is never a worthless job. Today's industries cannot visualize or function and grow without proper HR setups. Having faith in your work is of prime importance. The satisfaction from good work is only yours; don't expect others to share it with you, whether it's HR or any other function.

As HR professionals, we are taking care of employees and the organization simultaneously. Believe me, it is one of the toughest tasks as we need to be versatile in every sphere of functions and manage the internal as well as external environment.

So, cheer and be proud of being a skillful professional! 😊

Dear Shalini,

You have just 11 months in HR and got dejected/unhappy within the short period? Shalini, you start enjoying each bit of the job you are doing and consider that you are also contributing for the benefit of the organization. Also, consider yourself that you are laying a bridge between the employer and employee and helping them whenever they approach you at your level. Make people surrounding you happy with a little bit of help which is possible by you and watch their enjoyment. You need not get dejected or unhappy because HR and administration is a thankless job and mentally you have to prepare the same. Sometimes, you have to gulp the fact that undeserving candidates will get rewards/recognition. You have to be fair for your profession and don't be emotional about any minor things that occurred at the office.

L. Kumar

Yes, Mr. Kumar. I will keep what you say in mind. I was only trying to study the scenario. You have interpreted me wrong; I'm not dejected in any way. Thank you, sir.

Hello,

I've been in HR for the past six years and still, I get to hear these foolish things from other departments. But you know what? Just apply my strategy: hear from one ear and let it pass out from the other ear 😉. Also, consider this - if you were useless, why would management spend so much on recruiting you and pay you? Some people get paid the easy way, and some the hard way. All HR professionals should be thankful to God that they get paid the easy way. Cheer up! 😄

Regards,
Fahd Khan Sherani

I would definitely disagree with the above comments because today's working system in every company has become totally performance-oriented. Whether it is a software engineer or an HR person, there is no scope for lazing around. The HR field is the only specialized field where higher degrees are required to get a job in good companies. There may be corrupted individuals, but I would say that well-educated and hard-working people are more in numbers.

Thanks,
Aleya Bhattacharjee

Dear Aleya,

Don't get so emotional; try to take things positively. :P

Regards,
Fahd Khan Sherani

Hi, I'm Joseph, Senior Manager of HR at SVFScorpn.

Try to be cool about the situation, be diplomatic, concentrate on your thoughts, and focus on the task at hand.

Also, make an effort to mingle with your employees.

Feel free to contact me at 9989702323.

Hi Deepa,

I couldn't resist a chuckle while reading your statement about pursuing a Ph.D. in HR. Anyways, I do believe that HR professionals are often scapegoats, posing the biggest challenge. Although I have never faced such a situation myself, I have heard plenty of people criticizing HR. Nonetheless, I believe we should focus on the positive aspects of this domain. Despite receiving significant criticism, HR remains a respectable job, and its importance should never be underestimated. Moreover, rather than being isolated, we should strive to be sociable and diplomatic.

Regards,
Ravi

Dear Mr. Kumar,

I think you got cross with me. Well, HR is a profession I chose on my own. I am quite new to this field. Instead of developing a wrong attitude, I just wanted to learn new ways of tackling my issues. I really appreciate the advice given by most of you.

Regards,
Shalini

Hi, this is Mandar J. I feel you guys have seriously been hurt by the situations which have occurred many times. But being sincere and honest doesn't cater to the purpose of dealing with the human mind, and HR is all about that. Taunts would be there when you actually don't work and pass time. It sucks when you are giving deliverables, but the rest don't feel the same about you or the department. That's OK. HR is one of the most valuable functions of any business, and it is essential for every single individual of the team to contribute towards it. There are real performers and there are reel performers too. Don't worry, dear one suffers now and leads a better life later by taking these situations in proper stride. The rest is a matter of taking rest throughout – those who simply land nowhere. Simply be focused, work hard, and party harder.

Regards, Mandar Jagannath

Hi all, after reading carefully the comments posted by everyone, I would like to shed some light on issues where HR seriously should not consider it. One of our friends said they were discontented and placed the blame on HR. Hey man, that's normal, and first of all, you can't satisfy everyone. Whatever we do, some will misconstrue the issue on the opposite end. We are paid for what we do, and often HR deals with papers and people, so it is a common phenomenon that we appear lazy and doing nothing.

We always delve into the intricacies of employees in situations. We have to handle such kinds of things; that's why we are paid.

Be optimistic and stay positive in your work. As one of our friends stated, HR is corrupt. I would like to emphasize one statement here: please don't make negative statements in general as it can significantly impact the public perception. No department or profession is uncorrupted in this century; everything has its loopholes and cons to rectify.

There is a superb statement in Tamil that I'll translate into English: "If you have honey on your tongue, then you don't need money." Speak to everyone in a friendly and professional manner, and sometimes mention the work you do to them when they discuss work. This way, you won't receive false or disappointing statements from your peers and colleagues.

Regards,
Ram

HR should receive thanks when an employee comes and says thanks to us. It really shows that our efforts have reached him, and he is happy and satisfied with that. Employee satisfaction should be the top priority for all HR professionals. If you are eager for employees to not only come and convey their thanks but also to walk up to them and ask whether the work is done to their satisfaction. Both options lead to considering the rapport built with the employees.

Radhika Srinivasan

Hi,

I have been working in the HR field for the past 11 months, and I have realized that it is quite a thankless job. Regardless of one's efforts, someone is often unhappy. I believe in sincerity and hard work, and I know that there are many others who share the same values. For people like us, such attitudes can be challenging to handle.

For example, when you are at the coffee machine trying to take a break you deserved but couldn't due to work, and suddenly you hear someone say, "HR people just have fun... they are being paid for doing nothing MUCH." I have gradually learned to ignore such situations, but at times, it does irk me, especially when I know I have put in my share of work before taking a break.

Do any of you face similar situations where HR is the butt of employees' jokes? If yes, can you share how you handle them without losing your cool?

Regards,
Shalini

Hey Shalini,

It has only been 11 months, and you are already feeling frustrated. Let me ask you one question, "What MOTIVATED you to take up this profession?"

Dear Sanjeev,

Interesting characters like you MOTIVATED me to take up HR as a profession. Common, Sanjeev, if you can't help, please don't. But don't make fun of others; it is not polite. The reason I asked for it is... it's my first job, and I have never handled people in such mass numbers before. My intention was only to make sure I don't react unnecessarily and wanted to know how to face them. It does not mean I am FRUSTRATED.

Regards,
Shalini

Dear Sanjeev,

Interesting characters like you motivated me to take up HR as a profession. If you can't help, that's fine, but please don't make fun of others. It is not polite.

Shalini

Doesn't matter. Anything can motivate anyone. If "Characters like me" motivated you in any manner, it is a positive sign. People can learn from anything and everything. If I can bring a smile or hearty laugh to someone, that is more pleasing. It doesn't matter if people are laughing with me or at me.

If you do not know why you are doing what you are doing, if you do not know why you want to be in one particular type of profession, I don't think anyone can help you. Eight years of experience in this profession and more than 100 papers and articles on HR on various sites, magazines, and newspapers are no joke by any means.

Hence, you need to choose what you want in your career and profession, fall in love with your profession and career, marry your chosen career and profession, and just be passionate about your career and profession. Let people say anything.