Feeling Stuck in a Secretarial Role: How Can I Navigate My HR Career Path?

Dear all,

I am working in a manufacturing company for the past 4 months. I have a total work experience of 1 year. Before this company, I was in a software firm. At the time of the interview in this company, my manager said that I have to handle 80% of HR job and 20% of secretarial job with my VP (Personnel). I agreed, but now I am facing a problem because I have to handle 60-70% of secretarial job and the rest of the personnel job.

As I analyzed in this company, HR is not implemented at all till date. Only the personnel and admin department exists here, and the management is now considering implementing HR. However, it will take 2-3 years from now. Ironically, the company has a turnover of 1000 crores.

Seniors, can you help me out in this situation? What should I do to ensure a good career path? Whenever I try to implement any good HR practices, my manager stops me. This is very demotivating.

Please help me out.

Thanks & regards,
Nipuna

Hi,

The same way my HOD is doing. Whenever I come up with a new idea to implement HR policies, he stops me. Initially, I was also frustrated, but now I am directly suggesting to the management. Yes, I know I am not going through the proper channel, but in the interest of the company and mine, I am doing it, and it worked.

Your manager won't change his nature, so it's better if we change our way of working. Work tactfully, and you will be able to handle him. Also, do not look for a job change as you have recently joined; it will spoil your resume.

Regards,
Stanley

I know that any change right now will spoil my resume. But the thing is that management also focuses only on the words of my manager, as he is a very old employee of the company.

The main issue is that they are giving me a secretarial job, which is more than 70%, whereas at the time of the interview, they told me it would be only 20% secretarial work.

I'm in confusion about what to do now, as it is also spoiling my resume. Your feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nipuna

Dear Nipuna,

You are only 4 months old in your company. You have mentioned that you are in the second job of VP-Personnel. Please be patient. In your current assignment, you can learn the communications, acts, Rules & Regulations, IR, etc. Please observe and try to learn the functions of the Personnel department. This would definitely give you an edge over other HR professionals in the long run. Do not get demotivated. First, win the confidence of the management with your performance. Also, work simultaneously on HR policies, Systems & Procedures. You need not share this with your immediate boss. A right time will come soon. Strike hard at that time. Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Balaji

Hi Nipuna,

I agree with Balah. Nice post, Balah. Decide a timeframe for yourself (for example, 2 months) after which if you find that you can't make a difference being an HR of the company or the company management is too rigid to accommodate your suggestions, then you can go ahead and look for a change. But do not give up without trying.

All the best.

Thanks and Regards,
Indrani Chakraborty

Hi Nipuna,

Job dissatisfaction is a common problem among most employees. One of the best ways to address this is by keeping yourself busy learning the system, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. This will enhance your knowledge and build your confidence, ultimately helping you prepare for future interviews.

I have experienced something similar in the past. While working in government organizations, where the work is often routine and programmed, I found it essential to engage myself in learning about other departments' functions. This kept me occupied but did not fully satisfy my curiosity.

Regardless, I hope you start the new year with renewed energy and let go of any dissatisfaction or demotivation. Happy New Year and good luck, dear.

Dear Nipun,

I too had faced such a situation when I was told to handle sales activities along with HR. I was totally overwhelmed, but I took it as a challenge, and now I have exposure to both HR and Marketing.

The thing is that we always want to have things of our interest in our basket, but sometimes life gives us other experiences that will definitely help in some way, either in the present or future. So, don't give up; take it as a challenge and prove your capabilities.

Have a great year ahead.

Good Luck.

Regards,
Revathi

Hi everybody,

I am Sandhya, working for media as an executive assistant to the CEO. However, in fact, I don't have any work to do and am sitting idle all the time. Previous to this job, I joined an MNC in March 2007 and resigned in September 2007 due to a lack of work. The same situation is happening with my current job. It's only been four months since I joined this company, and I don't know what to do. Please suggest.

Regards,
Sandhya
9948288716

Hi Sandhya,

There are a number of things you can do, such as analyzing the prevailing system. If there are any gaps, you should take the initiative to improve it. Develop new systems, like grievance and reward management, if the need arises. You can also initiate employee engagement activities.

Engage in activities that will benefit you as an individual and contribute to developing a better system for the organization.

Regards, Revathi

Hi,

Normally, in such a scenario, you have to handle very gently. Look, you are in a manufacturing setup. There may be several politics at play. Everyone moves their coins gently. Study your organization chart. If you are reporting to your GM or Manager, then we can handle the problem in a nice way where we can achieve our goal.

Wait for the time, one day your manager will call you and ask for any HR-related issues. At that particular time, you have to act smartly and gently to implement the HR policies. When that day comes, focus on your secretarial duties. Avoid getting involved in any HR-related issues when other superiors or colleagues ask; instead, inform them that you are occupied with secretarial tasks. This approach will reach the top management soon, and the awaited day will arrive.

ALWAYS KEEP THE FACTS ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. THEN, YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOUR TARGET EASILY.

Regards,
Saravanan

Dear all,

It's really important to give some time for this job and try to change the way you are working. By the way, can someone please help with the functions of an HR Coordinator in a chain of clinics? :shock: :shock: :shock:

Waiting for a reply soon.

Dear Saravanan,

Thank you for your tips. I think you have also faced this type of problem. It's really hard work in a manufacturing industry. Anyways, your tips are very good. You told me exactly how to handle the situation and when to act. It's a really smart way to achieve the target.

Thanks a lot.

Regards, Nipuna

Hi Nipuna,

First, my advance Happy New Year wishes to you and your family. Now, you have a great chance to develop into a good HR person. Be patient, as said by Mr. Balaji, and try to adjust to the atmosphere. Be free with your office staff, talk to your VP-Personnel about the organizational policy, and understand the importance of HR and Personnel.

When I finished my MBA in 2001, I was trying to get into a good company, but it took too much time for me. Your position is not like that. If you have an HR role in the manufacturing sector, it is better than in the software industry.

Learn the latest HR trends, get the HR magazine "Human Capital," and read it. You have to endure this situation, and then you will come to know your strength.

Thanks and regards, R. Parthasarathy - Chennai.

Dear Nipuna,

I too face the same situation, but I won't make a hasty decision. I also have the desire to move somewhere new, but the people who interviewed me suggested that too frequent job changes can hinder career progress. Now, I have decided to remain here and strive for better things. My company has a very limited turnover range, similar to yours, but I am taking the initiative to handle HR responsibilities. I have started to develop more interest in my job.

If everything is in place within the organization, there should be no need to challenge people. Instead, view it as a challenge for yourself and strive to achieve your goals. Initially, you may encounter difficulties, but in the end, you will be able to accomplish something meaningful.

Regards,
Lekha

If you feel unhappy with your present job, there are 2 options:

1. Resign from the company. This is not my suggestion but simply an escape from your unhappiness.
2. Upgrade yourself with other skills/knowledge. Then, if you feel you have gained a lot of knowledge, you can try to apply for another position in another company. Most likely, after you acquire more knowledge, you will be promoted due to your good performance. So, keep your spirits high!

Hi,

Happy New Year to you and your family.

My suggestion would be, if you are really interested in an HR job, go for some management course in HR, either diploma or degree. So, when in your company they think of the HR team, you will have a better say, since you will be older by that time and qualified.

Regards,
Harshad

Hello Nipuna Sandhya and others,

Probably I am out of place here! I am through with my career and I always share my experience of my first job in the 1970s.

The first day was very nice. The first week was nice. The first month was hmm, nice. The second month was hmm, okay. The third month was, it is okay. The fourth month was hmm, started looking for a change. The fifth month, I attended interviews. The sixth month, suddenly something happened, and some job came from somewhere and kept me busy. The seventh month, I made lots of mistakes. The eighth month, I made mistakes.

I continued in the organization for five years, learned, and switched over as an Independent Head of Department. If you ask any leading professional, they have some negative points to share about their first job. Don't worry. You need to focus and grab the opportunity that comes. You really won't know when it comes. Even today, you might get that opportunity in your current assignment.

Siva

Hi Sandhya,

The details provided by you are insufficient. Please analyze the nature of the job, the health of the organization, and check how it aligns with your requirements for an executive assistant. Additionally, most IT Managers and Executive Assistants often have free time.

Thank you.

Try to learn a lot and, since you're young and energetic, think about learning other aspects of HR. When the time comes, switch over to the HR gamut.

Dear Nipuna,

Practically speaking, you have just passed 4 months in this organization, which is more or less not enough time to fully understand your company and your responsibilities. I feel that you should start taking initiative from your side. Come up with good policies and HR procedures, discuss them with your divisional heads, and begin implementing them. Once you start implementing something that helps you prove yourself in HR, you may become more involved in HR and start forming an HR department and a zone where you are actively engaged to the extent that your boss realizes the need for a separate secretary to handle only secretarial tasks for him.

So, relax, take your own initiative, and convince your boss that your proficiency lies in HR.

ALL THE BEST.

Manjali

Dear Nipuna,

I know your situation is very critical. But I always believe good conversation/discussion will remove the barriers. So, go and discuss the same with the officials, try to explain your situation to them. Wait for a period of time for any improvement. If nothing has improved by then, you would have 5-6 months of experience in the current company. If you are still not satisfied, look out for a change.

Note: Choose a job you love; you will never have to work a day in your life.

Best Regards,
Isaac Patturaja

Hey Parth,

Can you tell me where I can get this HR Magazine? I could not find it in my area. I am from Delhi/Gurgaon. Please do tell me as I would love to upgrade myself with the latest HR trends.

Regards,
Bhawna Kumar

Dear all,

Thank you for all your valuable suggestions. I have already completed my MBA. The things that depress me are:

First, at the time of the interview, they told me a different profile, but now I am doing something different.

Second, they don't want me to take initiative. My manager demotivates me a lot and blames me for always being wrong.

Third, since there is no HR department in my company, but the designation of my manager is HR Manager, and he is only doing personnel job. That's why he doesn't allow me to take initiatives in any HR-related work.

Fourth, since my manager is a longstanding employee, the management always thinks that my manager is right.

So please, friends, help me out so that I can perform well. I am not willing to change right now but want suggestions to handle this situation.

Thanks, Nipuna

Dear Nipuna,

As you have joined just four months ago, I suggest you not to quit. Working in an industry provides better exposure to Industrial Relations than working with a software company. The dynamics are quite different and challenging due to the organizational culture and environment. Take it as a challenge.

Regarding your secretarial job, I am totally against it. You should directly inform them that you cannot work as a secretary. No matter how big your company is, your job satisfaction is important. Nowadays, most seniors want their subordinates to comply with their demands, so it will depend on how you convince them.

The most important thing is to not lose hope, not get frustrated, and not dwell on it outside of office hours. My dear friend, life is not easy, but you can make it easier for yourself. Keep smiling.

Vasanth