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Mayank Rautela | Answer |Ask -Follow

HR Expert - Answered on Nov 01, 2022

Mayank Rautela is the group chief human resources officer at Apollo Hospitals.
A management graduate from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies with a master's degree in labour laws from Pune University, Rautela has over 20 years of experience in general management, strategic human resources, global mergers and integrations and change management.... more

Question by Anonymous on Nov 01, 2022Hindi

Hi Mayank.
I am 28 and work as a digital marketing professional with a leading MNC. I handle a team of 7 which includes 4 interns working remotely from different cities in India. There have been several times when all 4 of them have remained absent stating health reasons. I don't know if this is deliberate but their sudden absence puts a lot of pressure on the rest of the team. How to address this concern?

Ans:

Hi.

You have achieved a lot at a young age so and it will be a challenge to you to maintain the momentum. Look at it at a challenge and keep going.

Have a clear discussion with the interns; it cannot be a coincidence that they are all falling sick on the same day.

See if it's a trend, it could be in the beginning of the week after a long weekend or at the end of the week if they want to take a long break.

Ask them to submit a medical certificate if they say the leave has been taken for medical reasons.

As you are a young manager, setting expectations is very important.

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Question by Anonymous - Mar 10, 2021Hindi

Dear Mayank SirMy colleagues and I are facing a problem due to the lockdown.My office has great seniors, but they are not naturally inclined towards technology.And these lockdown times have increased dependence on technology.This has led to a lot of stress and tension, with seniors getting upset with us without understanding that we are not to blame and the available technology does not deliver what they want.As much as we try to explain to them, they are unable to understand and, in their minds, we come across as incompetent.How do we resolve this?Thank you.Name withheld on request.

Ans:

Hi.

I would have been able to advise you better if you had elaborated the nature of business that your company is into.

I would still feel the best way to communicate is phone calls or video calls. So communicate more and understand their expectations and politely make them realise the importance of technology.

I am sure they know technology is critical, but sometimes the lack of how it works can limit their understanding.

Clearly understand their expectations and also find out how other organisations in your industry are dealing with work from home.

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HR Expert - Answered on Aug 17, 2021

Question by Vikas - Aug 17, 2021Hindi

Dear SirIn these difficult times, I understand one must be grateful to have a job.I have your earlier columns where you have mentioned this.As you know, it is been 16-17 months since WFH started.At first it seemed good, especially since one did not have to travel.But now, after so many months, with parents and young kids and the wife’s demands, it is becoming difficult to concentrate and deliver results. In office, there are no such distractions.Many of my colleagues are facing the same problem because, like me, they have small houses.I tried working at a nearby cafe, but it upsets my family very much and causes increased tension at home.I understand the office’s side as well, but many of us are facing this problem.How do we raise such an issue with the management?Please help.Vikas

Ans:

Hi Vikas.

I am sure your management is aware of the issues related to work from home. But you must have a one on one discussion with your manager so that she/he is aware of your personal challenges.

At the same time explain to your family the importance of having a job and request them to be more accommodating.

With the vaccination drive picking up, most offices have started opening and the rest will open soon.

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HR Expert - Answered on Mar 18, 2021

Question by Kiran - Mar 18, 2021Hindi

Dear MayankWith the COVID numbers rising again, our office has decided to continue work from home for some more time.But WFH is new to us and not easy and I can see it affecting the morale of my team.How do I keep their morale up and ensure work output does not get impacted?Thank you and regards.Kiran Lobo

Ans:

Hi Kiran.

I agree that WFH is a relatively new concept and does impact productivity especially in India as our homes are not designed to have work stations and infrastructure.

As a team leader, you can initiate these specific steps:

1. TRUST your team members. No one is having fun at home. Everyone wants to work and add value.

2. Clearly define the job roles and outcomes/targets.

3. Connect one-on-one with your team members to understand what they are going through.

4. Going to the office and travel would be a challenge, but you can get your colleagues to meet in smaller groups closer to their homes.

5. Make online meetings informal and fun and not very stiff and formal.

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