The Hindu Business Line : <I>Humanising the workplace</I>

An on-line executive search firm, showing a highly intemperate boss throwing tantrums at his subordinate, and the latter teasing his boss with a "H-for-Hitler" adjective, is one of the most powerful advertisements in recent times. While the advertisement is indeed humorous, work environments with such bosses are more common in many organisations than we might think so.

The urgent task for HR professionals is to humanise such work environments. This task, obviously, is challenging but crucial to stem the frustration of youngsters, who would otherwise seek better pastures.

In every department, a strong second-line of qualified youngsters can ease work pressures and help build better inter-personal relationships. Bosses should learn to shed their heavy-handed behaviour and impart on- and off-the-job training to their subordinates, so that the latter are well-equipped not just for the job but in interacting with people outside the organisation. Work pressures often do not allow for such training, but this should never become an excuse.

It has been proved beyond doubt that humane work environments raise productivity levels best, with the employees nurtured and made to perform to their maximum potential. Bosses are understanding and well-trained in all facets of HR relations such as performance appraisal, career planning, succession planning, and so on.

Happily, such work environments are seen in many companies, new and old. What sets these organisations apart from the rest? The CEO and the HR professionals have really gone the extra mile to humanise their work environments. While there is maximum concentration on production and productivity, there is also concern for people. In these firms, the term "human resource" refers to the highly competent cadre of disciplined and value-based people who show maximum dedication for work, and are ever willing to take on `stretch' targets. The very same people also co-operate to the full in creating a highly enjoyable work environment.

The most important task of any modern management is to learn from such experiences. The services of highly qualified HR experts who have done extensive work and have experience in what is called behavioural-science can be useful in humanising work environments.

(The author is with Brakes India Limited, Sholinghur.)

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