International Day of Happiness 2018: Build a Humane approach to Human Resources

Author: CA Sunil G Karve

Founder Trustee & Vice Chairman, MET League of
Colleges (MET)

Hon. Chairman, Governing Board, Kohinoor Education Trust (KET)

Throughout my life, I have followed some common
principles that have ensured that my people love coming back to work. Whether
it is my CA practice or founding & administering MET League of Colleges or
advising Kohinoor Education Trust, these principles have been all pervading.

Writing this piece has made me realise that these came
naturally and that is why they worked so well. I urge readers to see these
principles as something they need to make part of their internal system if they
wish to see the success in implementation.

Firstly, don’t make an effort to make the work place a
happy place. Happiness is not
something that stems up because of tactical moves like celebrating a special
day or announcing special initiatives. Though important, these moves remain
tactical. What is important is that the Management must carry the intent to
create a happy work place.

One should genuinely believe and feel that every
individual in the organisation is important irrespective of the work allocated
to them. One needs to start recognizing that each function is actually a
profession. Take the example of a sweeper; sweeping is not a task, it is a
profession that requires special skills and knowledge of hygiene and its
positive effects. In order to be a good sweeper, the person must possess the
requisite knowledge and skills to ensure that the office remains clean and
germ-free. Just like being a CEO requires special knowledge and skills to
ensure that the company runs as a profitable venture.

Secondly,
it is pertinent that a message percolates from the top – a strong message that
the interest of the organisation is prime. Everyone in the
organisation works in a set system of rules and regulations however, one can
also venture to break the system in the interest of the organisation. Employees
must know that any person acting in the interest of the organisation will be
applauded and not reprimanded. Such an environment will lead to a heightened
sense of empowerment where every individual works in the interest of the
organisation without any fear or pressure. Every employee will thus feel
like they are part of a large family where their genuine efforts will always be
applauded. Each member will work towards growing the family and act in its
interest.

Thirdly,
the assurance that their voice will be heard irrespective of their rank in the
organisation. Every employee must know and believe
that they can voice their concerns and they will be noted at the highest level.
This must be a genuine effort from the top management. As long as the concerns
are valid and are in the interest of the organisation, they must be heard –
with an open mind.

Fourthly,
I am a proponent of using the humane approach to human resources. The entire
organisation should function in a properly defined and designed system. The
human resource policies must recognize that human beings are not machines. Such
an approach will energise and inspire employees to happily give their best.

The
key word here is, “happiness”. If an employee is forced to give his best, the
organisation may turn profitable. However, the organisation will transform to
greatness only if the employees are happy and thus give their best.