My Story of Fixing HR in Oman


My Story of Fixing HR in Oman

By Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh



💼 When I joined an Omani company in 2009, HR was virtually nonexistent—no systems, no structure, and no accountability. Many might have felt defeated.

But I saw an opportunity.

Over three years, we: ✅ Activated real attendance tracking
✅ Overhauled contract and recruitment systems
✅ Built HR functions from scratch
✅ Linked performance to rewards
✅ Raised company performance by 43%

This wasn’t theory. It was hands-on transformation—done with people, persistence, and purpose.

📝 I've shared my full story here:
👉 [Insert Link to Blog or Article]

Let me know your thoughts—or share your own HR transformation journey.

#HRTransformation #Leadership #ChangeManagement #OmanExperience #HRSystems #PeopleFirst #DrGyanendraSingh #OrganizationalDevelopment #LinkedInBlog #HRLeadership #ResilienceAtWork

When I landed in Oman in August 2009, I carried with me decades of experience in HR, a suitcase of professional values, and a deep passion for making workplaces more human. But nothing quite prepared me for what I encountered.

There was no functional HR department. No structured recruitment. No real-time attendance tracking. Production ruled everything—and HR was virtually invisible.

Instead of being discouraged, I saw a blank canvas. And I felt responsible to shape something meaningful.

🧩 The Two Major HR Gaps

1. Attendance Without Accountability
Although biometric systems were installed, no one used them. Salaries were paid in full regardless of presence. This lack of accountability was financially draining and culturally corrosive.

2. HR in Name Only
HR didn’t exist as a real function—especially in production units. Hiring was informal. Performance had no framework. There was no induction, no career pathing, and no voice for employees.

🔍 Listening Before Acting

I started where I always begin: by listening.

I interviewed department heads, shop-floor supervisors, and the limited HR staff. I wanted to understand the mood, the patterns, the resistance, and the hopes.

It became clear: the company needed an HR spine—not just forms and policies, but real systems that could support people and performance.

🛠️ Building HR from the Ground Up

I brought in two HR professionals from India. We didn’t apply textbook models. We designed custom systems, rooted in the company’s culture:

✅ Time Office Function: Activated biometrics, introduced policies, and trained everyone from operators to top management.

✅ Structured Recruitment: Introduced formal hiring and selection procedures.

✅ Contract Overhaul: Standardized contract worker entry, tracking, termination, and discipline systems.

✅ Induction Programs: Every new hire had a clear path from day one.

✅ Training & Development: Designed internal training modules for skill enhancement.

✅ Performance Management System: Collaborated with Hay Group to develop a practical, aligned appraisal and reward system.

✅ Performance-Linked Bonus: Launched a fair, transparent bonus model, delivering 7–10 months of annual bonuses.

🎯 The Results

Over 3 years:

📈 Company performance improved by 43%
💰 Bonuses became performance-linked and meaningful
💬 HR became a respected internal partner
🏆 I was invited to boardrooms to present HR results
🤝 Employees felt valued and involved

Most importantly, we restored trust in systems.

💡 What I Learned

Transforming HR isn’t just about frameworks—it’s about people, listening, and commitment. Real change happens when you take the time to understand your people and design systems that serve them—not just control them.

And change doesn’t come from hierarchy. It comes from humility.

🙏A Note of Gratitude

To my colleagues, leadership team, and the people of Oman: thank you for believing in me, and for allowing me to serve with both my head and my heart.

If you're facing a chaotic HR environment or building one from scratch, I’d be glad to connect. Sometimes, what seems like disorder is just an opportunity waiting to be shaped.

—

Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh
HR Consultant | Psychologist | Writer
📧 gyanendrapratap725@gmail.com
📍 Mumbai, India

🔗 Let’s connect and share stories that matter.


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