A COMPLETE RESEARCH AND STUDY ON ABSENTEEISM AT HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LTD.

A PROJECT REPORT Submitted by: NIKITA GOYAL Batch: 2010-2012 Roll No: 104128

To INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT , NIRMA UNIVERSITY

Institute of Management, Nirma University

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To achieve success in any stage of life there needs to b e proper guidance, co-operation and support by many individuals. Many people have contributed towards making this project a success.

I express my gratitude to the factory manager of Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (Kandla Factory), Mr. K.C.Katoch who has given me the opportunity to conduct my project at HUL. To HR manager, MISS.Ritika for enlightening my knowledge regarding HR. To HR executive, Mr. Karan Mistry, for his guiding me all through the project and sharing rich knowledge during my project study. I would like to thank Mr. Rajesh prajapati & Mr. Sailesh Acharya for helping me in preparing my project.

I would also like to thank all the staff members of HUL (Kandla Factory) for their cooperation, support and who shared their experiences with me which helped me to achieve the objective of my project.

For the sub-staff also I would like to owe my gratitude.

I would like to express my gratitude to my mentor Prof. Jayesh Aagjah who is my source of inspiration and guided me all along the way of my project.

INDEX
Institute of Management, Nirma University
2

1) ORGANIZATION PROFILE
2) CORPORATE PURPOSE MISSION & VISION BRANDS HISTORY HUL BUSINESS COMPOISTION STRENGTHS OF HUL PRESENT STATURE MCKINSEYS SEVEN FRAMEWORK POTERS 5 FORCES MODEL

KANDLA FACTORY
MILESTONES ORGANIZATION STRUCTUE POLICIES UNDERTAKEN AT HUL TOTAL PROTECTIVE MAINTENANCE

3) PROJECT WORK

ABSENTEEISM REASON FOR ABSENTEEISM OBJECTIVE OF STUDY

4) RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Institute of Management, Nirma University
3

PRIMARY DATA REASONS OF LEAVE DATA INTERPREATATION OBSERVATION CONCLUSION SUGGESTIONS LEARNING

5) BIBLIOGRAPHY

e c a o

Our aim is to fficient work for ompetitive stren nd in so doing to f those who work

build and sustain an ce as a major source of gth for our business, promote the well being with us

Without order, planning, predictability, central control, accountancy, instructions to the underlings, obedience, discipline without these nothing fruitful can Institute of Management, Nirma University
4

happen, because everything disintegrates. And yet without the magnanimity of disorder, the happy abandon, the entrepreneurship venturing into the unknown and incalculable, without the risk and the gamble, the creative imagination rushing in where bureaucratic angels fear to tread without this, life is a mockery and a disgrace.

E.F. Schumacher, as quoted by Nail Fitzgerald, Chairman, Unilever

Corporate Purpose

Our purpose in Unilever is to meet the everyday needs of people everywhere - to anticipate the aspirations of our consumers and customers and to respond creatively and competitively with branded products and services, which raise the quality of life.

Our deep roots in local cultures and markets around the world are our unparalleled inheritance and the foundation for our future growth. We will bring our wealth of knowledge and international expertise to the service of local consumers - truly multi local multinational Our long term success requires a total commitment to exceptional standards of performance and productivity, to working together effectively and to a willingness to embrace new ideas and learn continuously. We believe that to succeed requires the highest standards of corporate behavior towards Institute of Management, Nirma University
5

our employees, consumers and the societies and world in which we live. This is Unilevers road to sustainable, profitable growth for our business and long-term value creation for our shareholders and employees.

MISSION
Unilever's mission is to add Vitality to life. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene, and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life.

VISION

Institute of Management, Nirma University

A truly multi local multinational

Institute of Management, Nirma University

Unilever is dedicated to meeting the everyday needs of people everywhere. Around the world their food and home and personal care brands are chosen by individual consumers 150 million times a day. Anticipating their needs and aspirations is the task of our local companies who bring to the service of their consumers the best international brands and expertise. This is why they describe themselves as a truly multi local multinational.

Brands

For more than 60 years Unilever has been providing consumers with quality products and services. They have a portfolio of global, regional and local brands. Some Such as Magnum ice cream and Lux soap have become world leaders; others are the top choice for consumers in specific countries.

International by design, they have deep roots in many countries. By the very nature of our business we are an integral part of the societies in which we operate. Local companies are predominately run by local people in tune with their communities and who understand their needs and values - a truly multilocal multinational.

Consumers also expect from them to fulfil their needs with brands that have low environmental impact. Living up to this expectation challenges them to continuously improve the environmental performance of their process and help their brands to achieve sustainable profitable growth.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

In 1931, Unilever set up its first Indian subsidiary, Hindustan Vanaspati Manufacturing Company, followed by Lever Brothers India Limited (1933) and United Traders Limited (1935). These three companies merged to form HUL in November 1956; HUL offered 10% of its equity to the Indian public, being the first among the foreign subsidiaries to do so. Unilever now holds 52.10% equity in the company. The rest of the shareholding is distributed among about 360,675 individual shareholders and financial institutions. Institute of Management, Nirma University
9

From the biggest city to the smallest, most remote village, you will find the brands that have made us successful. Look in any home and you will find international favourites such as Dove, Sunsilk and Omo, and Magnum, Lipton and Calve as well as many local brands. Our aim is for our brands to be the first choice for consumers everywhere. Quality is a priority and we don't just mean functional quality. In our foods taste, nutrition and ease of use increase enjoyment The performance, effectiveness and fragrance of our home and personal care brands make the daily routine of cleansing our bodies and cleaning our homes a more pleasurable experience.

HUL BUSINESS COMPOSITION

Joint Ventures Lakme - Lever Color Cosmetics and Skin Care Kimberly Clark - Lever Feminine Hygiene, Baby Care, Incontinence Products Lever - Johnson Home Care Lever - Gist Brocades Dry Yeast

Subsidiary Companies Hind Lever Chemicals ( 59.63 %)

10

Institute of Management, Nirma University

Yankee Doodle Industries ( 84.5 %) Industrial Perfumes Ltd. ( 51 %) Nepal Lever Ltd. ( 80 %)

A l l

o t h e r s

f u l l y

o w n e d

STRENGTHS OF UNILEVER
Understanding the needs of customers and consumers. Product innovation. Investment in research and development. Creative and effective marketing. Expertise in manufacturing technology. Sharing of expertise. People. International in a local way. Organisational structure. Short lines of communication. Strong financial position. Investing for growth. Fast growth in emerging markets Historic presence Local understanding Decentralized management Balanced product portfolio Strategic Objectives Focus on priority categories and priority regions Long term value creation
11

Institute of Management, Nirma University

PRESENT STATUREHindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is India's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods company, touching the lives of two out of three Indians with over 20 distinct categories in Home & Personal Care Products and Foods & Beverages. They endow the company with a scale of combined volumes of about 4 million tonnes and sales of nearly Rs.1371crores. HUL is also one of the country's largest exporters; it has been recognised as a Golden Super Star Trading House by the Government of India. HUL's brands - like Lifebuoy, Lux, Surf Excel, Rin, Wheel, Fair & Lovely, Pond's, Sunsilk, Clinic, Pepsodent, Close-up, Lakme, Brooke Bond, Kissan, Knorr-Annapurna, Kwality Wall's are household names across the country and span many categories - soaps, detergents, personal products, tea, coffee, branded staples, ice cream and culinary products. They are manufactured over 40 factories across India. The operations involve over 2,000 suppliers and associates. HUL's distribution network, comprising about 4,000 redistribution stockists, covering 6.3 million retail outlets reaching the entire urban population, and about 250 million rural consumers Indias largest fast moving consumer goods company Institute of Management, Nirma University
12

Touches the lives of 2 out of 3 Indians Nationwide distribution with 7000 stockiest Directly covers entire urban population through 1 million outlets 50,000 villages 36,300 employees 1,350 managers 80 company factories 45 C & FAs 150 outsourcing units

TOP MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT STRUCTUREHindustan Unilever Limited is India's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company. It is present in Home & Personal Care and Foods & Beverages categories. HUL and Group companies have about 15,000 employees, including 1200 managers. The fundamental principle determining the organisation structure is to infuse speed and flexibility in decision-making and implementation, with empowered managers across the companys nationwide operations. Board Management Committee

BOARD The Board of Directors as repositories of the corporate powers act as a guardian to the Company as also the protectors of shareholders interest. Institute of Management, Nirma University
13

This Apex body comprises of a Non- Executive Chairman, four whole time Directors and five independent Non Executive Directors. The Board of the Company represents the optimum mix of professionalism, knowledge and experience.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The day-to-day management of affairs of the Company is vested with the Management Committee which is subjected to the overall superintendence and control of the Board. The Management Committee is headed by Mr. Nitin Paranjpe and has functional heads as its members representing various functions of the Company

MCKINSEYS SEVEN S FRAMEWORK

Most of us grew up learning about 'the 4Ps' of the marketing mix: product, price, place, promotion. And this model still works when the focus is on product marketing. However most developed economies have moved on, with an ever-increasing focus on service businesses, and therefore service marketing. To better represent the challenges of service marketing, McKinsey developed a new framework for analyzing and improving organizational effectiveness, the 7S model: Institute of Management, Nirma University
14

The 3Ss across the top of the model are described as 'Hard Ss':

STRATEGY:
The direction and scope of the company over the long term The strategy of HUL has been to introduce new and innovative products at competitive price in the market which gives value for money. This is the prime reason that the company emphasizes a lot on research and development. This is why it has been termed as the most reputed FMCG brand in the country.

STRUCTURE:
The basic organization of the company, its departments, reporting lines, areas of expertise, and responsibility (and how they inter-relate). Hindustan Unilever Limited is India's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company. It is present in Home & Personal Care and Foods & Beverages categories. HUL and Group companies have about 15,000 employees, including 1200 managers. Institute of Management, Nirma University
15

The fundamental principle determining the organisation structure is to infuse speed and flexibility in decision-making and implementation, with empowered managers across the companys nationwide operations.

BOARD : The Board of Directors as repositories of the corporate powers act as a guardian to the Company as also the protectors of shareholders interest. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: The day-to-day management of affairs of the Company is vested with the Management Committee which is subjected to the overall superintendence and control of the Board.

SYSTEMS:
Formal and informal procedures that govern everyday activity, covering everything from management information systems, through to the systems at the point of contact with the customer (retail systems, call centre systems, online systems, etc). HUL has one of the best MIS systems in the country to coordinate day to day activities with its huge distribution network including depots, wholesalers and retailers as well. The company has come up with the new retailing structure of city stores, family and bazaar store that are supported by the Adonis software system The 4Ss across the bottom of the model are less tangible, more cultural in nature, and were termed 'Soft Ss' by McKinsey: Institute of Management, Nirma University
16

SKILLS:
The capabilities and competencies that exist within the company. What it does best. HUL excels in the following The company has maintained an extensive network of distributors that enables it to reach millions of customers. No other manufacturer in the country has such extensive distribution channel HULs factories ensures uninterrupted supply of FMCG for captive consumption HUL is distinguished by its global presence and its access to other global brands.

SHARED VALUES:
The values and beliefs of the company HUL believes in the following values Equality of opportunity Conducting operations ethically Long term partnership with suppliers/ business associates Training for new skills development Promotion on merit HUL believes in being good corporate citizens

STYLE:
The leadership approach of top management and the company's overall operating approach. Career development program in HUL takes in to consideration the following activities Provides training to the employees and reorganized its front end sales force It has undertaken intensive training program for its employees and managers to ensure Institute of Management, Nirma University
17

excellence in customer service It has empowered its workforce by promoting the best performers and bringing in new managers with fresh ideas.

STAFF:
The company's people resources and how they are developed, trained, and motivated. Unilever is committed to diversity in a working environment where there is mutual trust and respect and where everyone feels responsible for the performance and reputation of our company. It will recruit, employ and promote employees on the sole basis of the qualifications and abilities needed for the work to be performed. They are committed to safe and healthy working conditions for all employees. They will not use any form of forced, compulsory or child labour. They are committed to working with employees to develop and enhance each individual's skills and capabilities. They respect the dignity of the individual and the right of employees to freedom of association. They will maintain good communications with employees through company based information and consultation procedures.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

18

PORTERS 5 FORCES MODEL

The five forces concept is perhaps best explained through example. (sPorter's work is nothing short of excellent, but it is a heavy read.) Let's briefly examine the household consumer-products industry by considering rival firms Clorox CLX, Kimberly-Clark KMB, Colgate-Palmolive CL, and Procter & Gamble PG in terms of Porter's five forces:

Institute of Management, Nirma University

19

BUYER POWER.
Consumer-products companies face weak buyer power because customers are fragmented and have little influence on price or product. But if we consider the buyers of consumer products to be retailers rather than individuals, then these firms face very strong buyer power. Retailers like Wal-Mart WMT and Target TGT are able to negotiate for pricing with companies like HUL because they purchase and sell so much of HUL's products. Verdict: Strong buyer power from retailers.

SUPPLIER POWER.
More than likely, consumer-products companies face some amount of supplier power simply because of the costs they incur when switching suppliers. On the other hand, suppliers that do a large amount of business with these companies--supplying HUL with raw materials for its products, for instance--also are somewhat beholden to their customers, like HUL. Nevertheless, bargaining power for both the firms and their suppliers is probably limited. Verdict: Limited supplier power.

THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS.

Given the amount of capital investment needed to enter certain segments in household consumer products, such as manufacturing deodorants, we suspect the threat of new entrants is fairly low in the industry. In some segments within the household consumerproducts industry, this may not be the case since a small manufacturer could develop a superior product, such as a detergent, and compete with HUL. The test is whether the Institute of Management, Nirma University
20

small manufacturer can get its products on the shelves of the same retailers as its much larger rivals. Verdict: High threat of new entrants.

THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES.
Within the consumer-products industry, brands succeed in helping to build a competitive advantage, but even the pricing power of brands can be eroded with substitutes such as store-branded private-label offerings. In fact, some of these same store-brand private-label products are manufactured by the large consumer-products firms. The firms believe that if they can manufacture and package a lower-price alternative themselves, they would rather accept the marginal revenue from their lower-priced items than risk completely losing the sale to a private-label competitor. Verdict: High threat of substitutes.

DEGREE OF RIVALRY.
Consumers in this category enjoy a multitude of choices for everything from cleaning products to bath washes. While many consumers prefer certain brands, switching costs in this industry are quite low. It does not cost anything for a consumer to buy one brand of shampoo instead of another. This, along with a variety of other factors, including the forces we've already examined, makes the industry quite competitive. Verdict: High degree of rivalry.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

21

KANDLA FACTORY BACKGROUND

The factory currently manufactures HPC category products; mainly Skin care, Hair care and Oral care products. In skin care, various creams and lotions are manufactured. In Oral care, toothpaste is manufactured. In hair care, shampoo and hair creams are manufactured. The factory used to manufacture, VHT oil, which now has been transferred to a 3P manufacturer. In the past, the factory used to produce soaps; the unit had been shut subsequently. The factory used to produce liquid detergents for Malaysia. Up to Jan01 rice was also processed here and now it has been shifted to Delhi. Factory also produced VBJ/VPJ (Jelly) till April 06 for UAE, operation of which has now been shifted to HLL-Pondicherry unit.

Unit Commissioned - April 1982 Plot Area - 72900 sq m. Current Built area - 8700 sq m. Green Cover - 40880 sq m ETP Capacity - 160TPD ETP overflow water used in gardening Kandla Port 9 km from factory
22

Institute of Management, Nirma University

Mundra Port -

65 km from factory ( P&O Managed Port)

PLANT AND AREA IN SQM

- Oral plant - 3168 - Old skin plant - 864 - New skin plant - 1687 - LD plant - 2562 - Substation - 110 - Pump house 180 - VPJ melting - 98

SITE LOCATIONExports Factory of Hindustan Lever Limited at Kandla is situated in an industrial area inside the Special Economic Zone, ~6 Km southwest of the Gandhidham town. Site Name Street Town/District Postal Code Kandla Factory Plot Nos. 253-257 Sector-IV, Kandla Special Economic Zone Gandhidham, District Kutch 370 230
23

Institute of Management, Nirma University

Country

India

Institute of Management, Nirma University

24

MILESTONES- KANDLA FACTORY

The main events in the development of the Factory over the years are summarized in the table below.

YEAR 1983 1984-85 1986-87 1988 1990-91 1993 1994 1996 1997

ACTIVITY Manufacturing operations commenced with Toothpaste, Shampoo, Lipstick and Garments. Herbicides, Perfumes and Mascara operations commenced. Edible Fats (Dalda), Creams (FAL), Timotei Shampoo started. Herbicide production discontinued. Lux Shampoo and Powder Compacts manufacturing commenced. Soaps in a 3rd Party Location (outside the Free Trade Zone) commenced. Colored cosmetics discontinued. Herbicide plant decontaminated and dismantled. Closure of Edible Fats. Commissioning of Rice processing. ISO 9002 certification PP Closure of garment operation. Re-sitting of the Soap Packing operations from the 3rd Party to inside the Zone. ISO 9002 certification Rice A year of discontinuity. Production volumes started picking up after being very low in 1996-97. ISO 9002 certification Soaps Unilever Silver Safety Trophy Operation to process Filtered Hair (Coconut) Oil and Aviance range of Products commenced. Gujarat Export Award LIEL & HLL ( 1997-98 ) Unilever Gold Safety Trophy

1998

Institute of Management, Nirma University

25

1999

Shampoo, VHT and Ponds Skin Product range commenced. Safety (ISRS) Audit was conducted in January. Gujarat Export Award LIEL & HLL ( 1998-99 ) Pears Shower Gel/Face Wash, Dove/Sunsilk Hair Cream, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly operations commenced. Rice unit shifted to Delhi. The new Liquid detergent plant commissioned. Achieved A rating in UQCSRM audit conducted by Unilever auditor (Ms. Gyani). Certified for ISO 9001:2000 standard, Belle project successful mfg. trials taken Toothpaste plant renovated, comparable to a world class unit Capacity expansion done for Skin care plant Achieved TPM Level 1 Award Plant audited by Unilever Europe SC team Project Garcey trials initiated, Belle mfg. trails completed. New toothpaste for Unica and Australia trails taken successfully with 100% FTR Won Exports Award from KASEZ Cleared XRS audit with 92% Scoring Hygiene audit by Unilever, Europe (Alex G) Project Superbird trials taken in consultation with Germany for supplying to UAE 3 new NORDEN lines (Al tubes, Nitrogen flushing) for project Mythos, PAMPAC CP120 installed inline, Factory gets US FDA & CMOH Approval, New skin plant. High speed bottling line, High speed jar line procured, New project Vi A Dios Launch.

2000 2001/200 2 2003 2004

2005

2006

2007 2008

Institute of Management, Nirma University

26

FACTORY ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

Institute of Management, Nirma University

27

Policies Undertaken At HUL (Kandla Factory)

I.

Safety and health policy:

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. - Kandla Factory recognises people as its most important asset and is committed to provide a safe and healthy work environment for those working on and visiting its operations. Management at all levels is held accountable for the occupational safety and health performance of the factory. At the same time it is the duty of every employee to work in a safe manner so as not to endanger himself and his colleagues at the work place and during travel. This is a condition of employment.

HUL, Kandla Factory aims to prevent occupational injuries and ill health through the following action: Integrate safety into all company processes. Proactively evaluate risk of occupational injury/illness and implement actions to mitigate the risk Design, adapt, operate and maintain technology, plants and other facilities within the designated safety criteria throughout their working life. Develop, introduce and maintain safety and health management systems across the HUL- Kandla factory to meet HUL standards as well as statutory requirements for safety and health. Verify compliance with these standards through regular auditing. Set annual improvement objective and targets and review these to ensure that these are being met at the individual unit and corporate levels. Inculcate safety as a personal value through behavioural intervention at all levels, recognition of positive behaviour and continuous correction of unsafe behaviour. Involve all the employees in the implementation of this policy and provide appropriate training. Provide for appropriate dissemination of information on safety and health at work
28

Institute of Management, Nirma University

and travel through suitable communication networks both within the HUL- Kandla factory and with external bodies.

II. The environment policy:

Ensure safety of its products and operations for the environment by using standards of environmental safety, which are scientifically sustainable and commonly acceptable.

Develop, introduce and maintain environmental management systems across the factory to meet the company standards as well as statutory requirements for environment. Verify compliance with these standards through regular auditing.

Assess environmental impact of all its activities and set annual improvement objectives and targets and review these to ensure that these are being met at the individual unit and corporate levels.

Reduce wastage, conserve energy and explore opportunities for reuse and recycle Involve all employees in the implementation of this policy and provide appropriate training. Provide for dissemination of information to employees on environmental objectives and performance through suitable communication networks.

Encourage suppliers and co-packers to develop and employ environmentally superior processes and ingredients and co-operate with other members of the supply chain to improve overall environmental performance.

Work in partnership with external bodies and Government agencies to promote environmental care, increase understanding of environmental issues and disseminate good practice.

III

. Consumer & Customer safety policy:

29

Institute of Management, Nirma University

Ensure that the products are safe by design. Design, operate, continuously improve its process/plants, storage and distribution chain and comply with the statutory and internal Unilever standards. Establish and maintain standards and procedures for the control and monitoring of all Critical Control Points in the operations, protecting its products from potential hazards of presence of foreign bodies, microbiological, chemical contaminants and allergens.

Operate and maintain a toxicological clearance procedure for all its products, ingredients, formulations and packaging. Seek specialist advice and support from the centre to self and provide specialist advice and support Ensure that all employees at each level and function are aware of their responsibilities for Consumer Safety and are appropriately trained and motivated to fulfil them.

Establish the procedure to identify suspect or contaminated products & the raw and packaging materials, recall it from any point in the manufacturing/distribution chains, and take appropriate corrective & preventive action.

Provide necessary Product information to its Customers & Consumers, including safety handling instructions, where required. The responsibility for dissemination and implementation of this policy lies with the Business Head. The Consumer and Customer Safety Policy will be reviewed annually ensuring continual improvement of the Quality & Consumer Safety Management System.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

30

IV

. Quality Policy:

operates.

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. Kandla Factory considers Quality as one

of the principal strategic platforms to Growth and Leadership in the market in which it Hindustan Unilever Ltd.- Kandla Factory is committed to respond

creatively and competitively to the changing needs and aspirations of our consumers through relentless pursuit of technological excellence, innovation, TPM and Quality Management Systems across its business. HUL- Kandla recognizes that its employees are primary source of success in its operations and is committed to training and providing them the necessary tools and techniques as well as empowering them to ensure broad base compliance of this policy in the organisation at all levels. HUL- Kandla is committed to fulfil its legal and statutory obligations and international standards of product safety and hygiene and will not knowingly produce and dispatch product that is harmful to consumers or their belongings. It will institute systems and measures to monitor compliance in order to meet its responsibilities to consumers. The unit will maintain an open communication channel with its consumers and customers and will carefully monitor the feedback to continuously improve its products and services and set quality standards to fulfil them. The unit is committed to extend its quality standards to its contract manufacturers, supplier and service providers and by entering into alliances with them, to jointly improve the quality of its product and services. The responsibility for dissemination and implementation of this policy lies with the Business Head. The unit will annually review this quality policy for its effectiveness and consistency with business objectives Institute of Management, Nirma University
31

Total Protective Maintenance (TPM)

Total Productive Maintenance is a surprisingly effective approach to achieving World Class levels of manufacturing performance. It has delivered spectacular results in every major industry and is seen by many manufacturers as a cornerstone of their improvement strategy. Here we will describe some of the key features of this approach. i) What is TPM? ii) What are the objectives of TPM? iii) What are the pillars of TPM? iv) What is the role of Management in TPM?

i) What is TPM?
TPM is a "Corporate Cultural Change Programme", originally developed in Japan by the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance. It is an approach to radically changing the culture and performance of manufacturing operations through the application of structured toolkits - called "pillars". It provides comprehensive techniques for changing the behaviour of personnel in order to improve the design, condition and performance of plant items.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

32

ii) What are the objectives of TPM?

TPM aims to achieve the 4 Zeros: Zero Defects Zero Breakdowns Zero Wastes Zero Accidents In short, TPM aims to remove all sources of non-value added.

iii) What are the pillars of TPM?

TPM consists of a number of discrete toolkits, called the "Pillars of TPM"

(Source: www.lossandwaste.co.uk)

Institute of Management, Nirma University

33

1) Kobetsu Kaizan: Focused Improvement:

Kobetsu Kaizen or focused improvement includes all activities that maximize the overall effectiveness of equipment, processes and plants through uncompromising elimination of losses and improvement of performance. Its a rigorous process of continuous improvement based on the scientific method of understanding a system, measuring performance, preparing a hypothesis and investigating hypothesis, developing a solution and verifying the effectiveness of solution and verifying the effectiveness of the solution. The Focused Improvement process is driven by a Loss & Waste system based on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).This pillar provides the main tools for driving toward Zero Wastes, Zero Breakdowns, Zero Defects and Zero Accidents

2) JISHU HOZEN: Autonomous Maintenance:

A seven step process to create Self Directed Work Teams (SDWT) by changing the approach to equipment care. Particularly effective at improving the underlying trend of equipment reliability, or where the availability of good quality maintenance personnel is limited. Concentration on good equipment conditions, cleanliness and lubrication during the early steps leads to high level of ownership of plant items amongst operating teams. This pillar is a necessary requirement for Zero breakdowns, and has an indirect effect in achieving Zero Waste, Zero Defects and Zero Accidents.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

34

3) Effective Maintenance:
A step-by-step process for improving plant maintenance. Effective plant maintenance requires a mix of approaches to maintaining plant items - including breakdown, time based and inspection based maintenance, condition monitoring and corrective maintenance. The Effective Maintenance pillar redresses this by achieving the appropriate balance of maintenance approaches to deliver optimum availability at lowest cost. This pillar is also a necessary requirement for Zero breakdowns, and has an indirect effect in achieving Zero Waste, Zero Defects and Zero Accidents.

4) Training and Education:

Progress in the other pillars frequently identifies knowledge gaps amongst the workforce and management. For example, operators often do not understand the operating principles of their equipment; maintenance personnel may be unfamiliar with maintenance techniques such as "syringe lubrication" or condition monitoring approaches. Managers can be unclear of the exact plant performance required, or may need training in coaching techniques. All of these knowledge gaps must be filled if significant improvement is to be achieved. This pillar captures these knowledge gaps as they are identified, develops appropriate solutions for training and education (usually resourced and conducted in-house), and ensures they are delivered through a programme of structured development for the entire workforce.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

35

Training Cycle:
(Chart: 9)

Skill Require ment

Skill Inventor y

Skill Gap

Training Plan

Evaluat e Effectiv eness

Implem entatio n

Impart Training

(Source: HUL, Kandla Factory)

4)

Early Management (or "Early Equipment

Management", or "Initial Flow Control"):

Once the first four pillars of TPM have been established, it is usual to find that significant improvements have been made to existing plant to make them more effective, more reliable and easier to maintain. The knowledge which has been developed to achieve these improvements is now directed toward the development, design and implementation of new plant items before they arrive in the factory. It is akin to a process of Simultaneous Engineering, but involves mining the deep, practical, knowledge and understanding of what makes for good production developed during the earlier pillars, rather than purely theoretical engineering knowledge. In this way, new plant and equipment should be capable of vertical start-up, where they achieve their planned performance level immediately, rather than after a period of commissioning and bedding in. Institute of Management, Nirma University
36

6) Quality Maintenance:
The Quality Maintenance pillar aims to achieve a production system which is incapable of producing quality defects. It builds on the work done during the first four pillars, and brings in additional techniques such as Poke Yoke. This pillar is the final step in the drive toward Zero Defects.

7) TPM in Administration:
As the other pillars deliver a constantly improving performance in the equipment, more and more of the problems which occur will be as a result of the administration of the operation. This could be in the planning process, resourcing, documentation or procedures, etc. This pillar takes the approaches used on the manufacturing processes and applies them to the administration processes.

8) Safety, Health & the Environment:

This pillar ensures that all the improvements developed by the other pillars do not reduce the Safety, Health or Environmental performance of the organisation. It also ensures that the approaches used to achieve manufacturing performance improvement are equally applied to Safety, Health and Environmental issues.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

37

ABSENTEEISM
Absenteeism; is the failure to report to work 1. it's obviously difficult for an organization to operate smoothly and to attain its objectives if employees fail to report to their jobs. The workflow is disrupted, and often-important decisions are delayed. The organizations (like our Unilever) rely heavily upon assembly line production; absenteeism is considerably more than a disruption. It can result in: 2. 3. A drastic reduction in quality of output. sometimes can bring a complete shutdown of the production facility. Absenteeism has a direct impact on the organization's:Effectiveness Efficiency Although most absences have a negative impact on the organization. we can conceive of situations in which the organization may benefit by an employee's voluntarily choosing not to come to work e.g. in jobs in which an employee needs t0 be alert surgeons, pilots). If the employee is ill or is under stress it's better not to report to work but should take rest. Even in management jobs where mistake are less spectacular, performance may be improved when managers absent themselves from work rather than make a poor decision under stress. 4. Absenteeism is one of the most widespread obstacles to productivity, profitability and competitiveness. It causes overtime, late deliveries, dissatisfied customers and a decline in morale among workers who are expected to cover for absent colleagues. Institute of Management, Nirma University
38

5.

Well the production of the company in a way depends upon the presence of the workers. Absenteeism effects adversely in smooth production. Though absenteeism is related to efforts to reduce absenteeism in a planned manner.

It is not unusual for managers to find themselves shutting down lines, Scaling back services, or scheduling weekend work because they struggle to fill positions left open by absent employees Employee absences

Predictable Unpredictable Scheduled Unscheduled Controllable Uncountable

MAGNITUDE OF ABSENTEEISM
Institute of Management, Nirma University
39

It is observed that the phenomenon of absenteeism does not exist only in Indian industry, it is a universal fact. The difference is only in terms of magnitude. The rate of absenteeism varies from 7% to nearly 30%. In some occupations, it has risen to abnormal level of 40%. The extant of absenteeism may differ from industry to industry, place to place and occupation to occupation. It may also differ according to the make-up of the work force. Absenteeism may be extensive in a particular department of an industry or a concern. Absenteeism in Indian industry is not a new phenomenon. The Royal Commission on Labour reported, "High absenteeism prevails among industrial Labour mainly due to their Rural orientation". Absenteeism means practice of being absent from the duty by the employees. It disturbs the smooth functioning of the company and effects on production/productivity of the plant. The problem of absenteeism is being given a serious view and a comprehensive study on absenteeism of the plant was carried out in 1997. From the analysis and study the following facts revealed that plant absenteeism is being affected by following types of absenteeism: Authorized leaves Unauthorized leaves Compensatory leave

REASONS FOR ABSENTEEISM

Institute of Management, Nirma University
40

Absenteeism is due to lack of "commitment" on the part of the work force. The worker in the process of the early stages of industrialization is more prone to absenteeism, prolonged and sporadic withdrawal from the industrial work, wildcat stoppages. Naked violence and destruction of machines and property. Absenteeism is due to the factors that influence worker's commitment. According to Hone "Absenteeism is related to new values & norms which are developing among the workforce as a result of technological developments. Work and leisure are now cherished by worker and these he want to enjoy along with the monetary benefits he gets for his service. The economic consideration, therefore, decides whether one would like to be absent from work." The attitude and practice of the management also contribute to absenteeism. A traditional management treats workers as hirelings, while an enlighten management treats them as human beings. This difference in behavior leads in the former situation to high absenteeism & in the latter situation to a close affinity with the organization, the result being lower absenteeism.

The general causes of absenteeism may be: BETTER QUALIFICATION

A worker who is educated has done 10th or 12th or ITI generally remain absent because they can use their education in some other work also. If they are having some technical knowledge also then they after being permanent in the company either starts working somewhere also or they start business of their own. Whereas the workers who are uneducated are more regular in their work as there is no other way opened for them except to work here for his earnings.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

41

MAL-ADJUSTMENT WITH FACTORY CONDITIONS

Workers usually with rural background finds himself caught within great factory walls. he is bewildered by heavy traffic. by jostling by strangers speaking different languages and he is weary of the misery of slums & of failing for long hours. He is subject, to strict discipline. He is under constant strain.

Sick & old type remains absent from work by reason of ill health, weak constitution, chronic disease or old age. The family oriented become chronic absentees because of their over identification & family affairs. The lack of balance between family involvement & job responsibility is another cause of their deviant work behavior.

UNSATISFACTORY HOUSING CONDITIONS:The workers who come to towns usually find they are not wanted & they swell the number of unemployed & casual worker. They also experience housing difficulties. Not less than 95% of the houses occupied by industrial workers in India are unsatisfactory for healthful habitations. Health conditions are naturally bad, leading to high morbidity and consequent ill health. They, therefore, make frequent visits to their village home to get relief from such unsanitary and unhealthy surroundings

INDUSTRIAL FATIGUE:Low wage compel a worker to seek some part time job to earn some side income. But this often results in constant fatigue, which compels him to remain absent for the next day, and if fatigue affects his seriously, his absence may continue for quite some time.

ABSENCE OF ADEQUATE'WELFARE FACILITIES:Absenteeism is also due to inadequate welfare facilities available to workers for a vast majority of industrialist in India still look upon welfare work as a barren liability than a Institute of Management, Nirma University
42

wise investment.

IMPROPER AND UNREALISTIC PERSONEL POLICIES:In most case unskilled, untrained, illiterate and inexperienced are recruited who fail to cope with and adopt themselves to their jobs and to their industrial environment. Favourism and nepotism are rampant.

We can cover the absence in the following way: Use a shift schedule system that allows employees sufficient scheduled time off. This allow them to deal with personal needs such all doctor's appointment, meeting and reduces problems associated with many uncontrollable source of absences. Provide incentives to the workforce to use their vacation time when the workload is low e.g. give employee an extra day of vacation for every week of vacation taken during your low production season. From a financial perspective, there are many situation where this the best way to cover vacation. Staff your operation above the minimum requirements. When absences occur, the opening are automatically filled with the extra personnel may be ideal during seasons when absenteeism is low .

Use overtime to cover vacancies as they occur. While this is a very good use of overtime. it works best in an environment that does not experience large fluctuation in workload from week to week. In these organization overtime is a scare resource that can be easily absurd resulting in fatigue lower productivity and increased cost.

Cross training between work area so that personnel from one department can be
43

Institute of Management, Nirma University

used in other departments in their id a crisis. This is a good practice as long as the cost for cross training is not excessive. Use temporary personnel in company that have some position requiring little training to perform, this can be the least expensive source of absence coverage. This works best when full time employees cover all full time positions. Some of the full time employees must have the ability to "Step-up" to the nest job if needed when an absence occurs, it is covered by a trained person in the next lower position creating a chain of set-ups until the actual vacancy is at the lowest skill level position. A temporary employee can then cover the vacancy. Reschedule work to be performed when resources are available. This strategy usually requires the operation to carry additional product inventory demand. Smooth out the variability of controllable absence using predetermined limits. This places some of the burden on the workforce to spread out their absence and is easier to cover absence with fewer resources

Institute of Management, Nirma University

44

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study undertaken by me at Export Division of Unilever was:

ABSENTEEISM
1. To find the various reasons of erratic absenteeism among employees. 2. To prepare a platform to look over the problems of the employees. 3. To find out ways in order to reduce, if not able to completely remove, the problems of the employees. To find out ways in order to reduce, if not able to completely remove, the problems

SCOPE
The scope of the study was limited to the category of the workers only because in management cadre absenteeism is almost nil as people of this cadre are punctual in coming to the organization and therefore conducting this study in this cadre would had been useless. Absenteeism of workman is a matter of concern before shop managers, as it effects adversely in smooth production. Though, Absenteeism is related to personal reasons of workman, but it becomes necessary on the part of the management to put efforts to reduce absenteeism in a planned manner. So I also talked to the supervisors to know their suggestions for the management.

The study will be conducted at HR Department in UNILEVER LTD., (KANDLA). All the employees working at New Skin plant will be considered under the scope of the survey work

Institute of Management, Nirma University

45

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
THE SIZE OF THE REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE
The size of the sample is 50.

THE METHOD OF SELECTING THE SAMPLE

Random sampling is the method used

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:
STAGE 1- Choosing the employees for interview STAGE II - Calling for interview

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

The data for the survey will be collected from primary as well as secondary data source.

THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF DATA COLLECTION: By administering the questionnaire to manager. By interview of manager.

THE SECONDARY SOURCE OF DATA COLLECTION: The policy towards employees. Job satisfaction policies.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
To meet though the objectives of the project and to know the very basic reasons that lead to habitual absenteeism the method adopted was structured and undisguised personal interview. The interview was structured because the main reasons of absenteeism were already sorted out and along that line only I wished to conduct the interview. It was undisguised so as to extract the best possible behavior from the respondent. This feature was mainly incorporated to land some sort of flexibility to the questionnaire. The list of the habitual absentees of the last 2 quarter was sorted out. The list contained 60 workers. Before going for the interview process a study was made about rate of absenteeism in Export division of Unilever of past 5 Institute of Management, Nirma University
46

years and the reasons for it were tried to be found out. Out of various reasons 9 basic and important reasons were selected out on which the interview was based.

Before calling the workers for the interview their past history of absenteeism was studied, the reasons given by them for absence, disciplinary action taken against them. I personally went to the heads of various departments and requested them to send the concerned workers. The workers were called in the personnel Department and interviewed. While talking to the workers care was taken to make them feel comfortable and to create a friendly environment so that the talk could be a friendly one. When I first contacted the people they were suspicious but once they were told that I am not from the management and was doing this study as an independent person they became very open and helpful. They were also assured of secrecy, which made them very approachable. They were told the purpose of study that it was for academic purpose and was for the benefit also for if the report is read by Management they may get a chance to peep into the root cause of absenteeism, may understand the problems of workers and thereby necessary steps may be taken to improve the condition. The sample size taken was 50. After the interview an exhaustive study was done and observations and suggestions thereby made finally led to the completion of the project.

PRIMARY DATA
Excessive absenteeism means the workers who have more than 25% of leave without pay in a year i.e. in a year they have taken more than 90 days of leave without pay. This habitual absence is generally defined in the standing orders. According to standing order 'Habitual means an act of omission or commission which is repeated three times within a period of 12 months. The word habitual absences do not mean a number of times absence spread over a reasonable period. According to the rules of the company an employee can be sanctioned without pay leave only upto a maximum of 30 days during a calendar year, which also depends on the full discretion of the management. Inspite of the many measures taken lime Institute of Management, Nirma University
47

Home inquiries (counseling and monitoring) Warnings by the management

The problem has not been really taken care of but it does not mean that the Export division management has not been able to do anything they have been able to reduce the quantity. Below is the data given: In 2005 the problem was with 87 workers. The management decides to curtail the problem with counseling and monitoring followed by home inquiries and warnings. The management was able to reduce it to quite an extent. In 2009 the problem was 74 employees which were further to 60 in 2011. The list of 2011contains only 60 such workers which were the target of study. TARGET: 60 people PERSON INTERVIEWED: 50 people Reasons taken for study -

DOMESTIC PROBLEM
Sickness self/family Lack of proper transportation Habitual intoxication Any side business Seasonal farming Involvement in social activities Involvement in politics Fatigue Loan

JOB RELATED PROBLEMS

Bad working conditions Difference with superior Institute of Management, Nirma University
48

DATA INTERPRETATIONLEAVES AND ATTENDANCES GENERAL RULES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. There are three types of leaves which are given in a calendar year: Earned Leave (EL) Casual leave (CL) Sick Leave (SL) More than one type of leave (SL,CL, EL) cannot be combined in one day. Employees joining during the course of the year can avail CL and SL on pro-rata basis. EL accrues only in January of the next year to the extent of prorate calculation of number of ELs in the year of joining Application/availment of any leave more than due will result in leave without pay. Leave entitlement, extent of accumulation and Encashment for M2 and above is as follows: No in calendar Year 7 working days Permissible accumulation Nil Permissible encashment Not allowed

Type of Leave Casual Leave (CL)

SICK LEAVE EARNED LEAVE

7 Calendar days 30 Calendar days

90 days 240 days

Not allowed Minimum 10 days and maximum 60 days, subject to balance of 30 days after encashment

6.

Wherever a holiday/ off day fails between two days of leave, which is, calculated on calendar days basis, the holiday/off days will also he counted as leave. This will however not apply to CLs as it is calculated on the basis of working days.

Sanction of EL at least 15 days before availing it is necessary. CL should Nominally he pre-sanctioned.

8.

Leaves can be combined in the following manner subject to approval by the head of the Department:

Institute of Management, Nirma University

49

TYPE OF LEAVE CL SL EL

CAN BE PREFIXED WITH SL EL SL

CAN BE SUFIXED WITH --EL & CL SL I

CASUAL LEAVE
1. Casual leave is intended for urgent work or unforeseen circumstances. 2 Maximum casual leave that can be availed at a stretch at any time is three Days. 3. CL is credited to the employee's leave account at the beginning of the year.

SICK LEAVE
1. A medical certificate issued by a Registered Doctor must support application of sick leave for more than 2 days. 2. Sick leave is credited to the employee's leave account at the beginning of the year.

EARNED LEAVE
1. ELs can be availed subject to a minimum of three days at a time and can be availed up to a maximum of three times in a year. 2. 3. EL can be taken for less than three days if SL & CL have exhausted. For any period when you are on leave without pay, leave in not earned, and hence proportionate deduction in the number of ELs to be credited will be made. 4 Minimum of 10 days EL. has to he availed by an employees every year, Otherwise the same shall lapse at the end of the year. 5. EL is credited at the beginning of the Following year. Once the accumulated EL is or is in excess of 30 days, the credit for further EL in a calendar year will be restricted to 20 days (and not for 30 days) in case the 10 days EL is not actually availed in that Institute of Management, Nirma University
50

calendar year.

OBSERVATIONS
It was observed that the rate of absenteeism was quite high in case of workmen who have come from rural areas. They have agricultural land at their native places and have to go to look after the cultivation, particularly in harvesting season, many of such workers come from joint families having other members to look after their agricultural land and other property. Such workman often visit their native places to attend various types of ceremonies and work of their joint families . The second category of the workmen who often remain from duty, is of those persons who take up industrial employment to uphold their dignity in the society from which they hail. . The third category is of such skilled workmen who can earn more in a day by doing a job outside the establishment then getting one day wages by attending their duties in the establishment. These workmen are generally those people who are having a better qualification and have some technical skills due to which they get the job easily outside the premises. The fourth category involves those workmen who are trade union leaders or social workers n their time there due to which they remain absent from their duty. As April is the season of marriages so large no of marriages occur in this month and employees go on leaves to attend these ceremonies. Further the employees still have strong bonds of attachment with their villages and they avail leaves during harvesting seasons. Sickness in the family was the common excuses. The rate of absenteeism is the lowest on the payday. It increases considerably on the days following the wages and bonus, when workers

Institute of Management, Nirma University

51

Out of the workers interviewed, hardly any worker was really worried about being absent just for fun, in their words. either feels like having a good time or in some cases return home to their villages to make purchases for the family. The incidence of absenteeism both before and after a holiday, has found to be higher than that on normal days The percentage of absenteeism is generally higher in the night shifts than in the day shifts. Another major reason for absenteeism was the side business, which many of the workers were having. Though only few accepted this directly but many others accepted it by pointing indirectly Further the employees remained absent because of their habit of intoxication. Some of the workers agreed of their being involved in bad habit of intoxication. They drink at night, which causes them to sleep late in morning and thus keeping them away from work. One case was very peculiar in which both father and son were working in Export division of Unilever and both were habitual absentees main reason being th2t they both were involved in drinking habit and neither of them was sorry for their attitude . Besides that this habit also caused several health problems due to which they had to take rest and thus have to be absent from their duty. Some workers were really given proper treatment by the Unilever doctors / management which is a praise worthy point. The Unilever management needs to be congratulated for this effort, but many workers had complaint of insufficient medical facilities available and so they prefer their treatment from an outside doctor due to which they have to take the leaves.
52

Yet another reason was bad working conditions like high temperature inside, lack of

Institute of Management, Nirma University

proper ventilation etc. Availability of compensatory leave facility was rather misused. Workers work day to night at a stretch for a week or two and they avail the facility of compensatory leave

OBSERVATIONS...CONTD
PERSONNEL FUNCTIONS IN THE COMPANY
Export Division takes pride in people who strive for excellence-people who are not merely satisfied with what they have but are looking for "more" and better - for betterment of their products, their organization and themselves. Its endeavor therefore is to provide with an environment where one can learn and grow. Export Division has its own objectives and strives to reach there. And for this is required coordination among employees, their healthy spirit, mind, good working environment, sound industrial relations etc. and here comes the role of Personnel Department which is to hire the right people for various jobs, equip them to handle the job and keep them motivated. The key success. it is said, is not just the state of the art of the technology; it is the- state of the art of the people. The company recognizes that human resources are its most important assets. While recruitment is done very carefully to ensure that only the best get selected, the various systems operating within the company be it the compensation and benefit package, the evaluation systems or the reward systems are all geared to attract the best talent available. The company attaches utmost importance to human resources development for it realizes that human resources need to be shaped to respond to business needs and the imperatives of change. The endeavor is to constantly underline the talent base with two basic objectives; clarity of purpose and motivation for individual Career growth through self improvement. Programmes are instituted at all levels to improve productivity and to check individual potential for growth. To keep managers in touch with the latest in management techniques, UNILEVER has tied up with premier management institutes for programmes at all levels. At the worker and staff levels, the company has also successfully implemented the concept of incentive linked pay scales, to achieve greater efficiency. Every blue collar worker at UNILEVER is pension able, a feat not many companies can boast of. Institute of Management, Nirma University
53

Thus the personnel department is responsible for many functions. Some of these are : Manpower planning, recruitment & induction Training & Development of employees Union negotiations Appraisal, increments & promotions Employee health, safety & welfare Maintaining personnel needs Industrial relations Grievance handling Employee Benefits & Services Worker's education and tours Industrial safety Fire prevention and fighting Suggestion scheme Health awareness and guidance First aid facilities

Institute of Management, Nirma University

54

CONCLUSION
EMPLOYEES ABSENTEEISM mean employee who is not available for duty is counted as absent from duty. If he is on sanctioned leave it will be counted as "authorized Absenteeism." I case he is not available to work without any leave or pre-sanction it would be counted "Unauthorized Absenteeism." There are many conclusions: The study of Unilever Ltd. enables us to conclude that overall attitude of the system is quite promising but still there are certain drawback present in the system in which need to be corrected in order to make the system more acceptable & beneficial for ever employees of the organization. Responses highlight that the employees are not fully satisfy with facilities provide to them especially the long procedures followed for sanctions the travel and bank loans. There are various issues on which absenteeism levels of employees are very high. Company provides health facilities to the employees. The various guidelines are properly state and followed in the relation to the accidental prone areas. There is due emphasis on cleanliness both in the plant and in township.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

55

SUGGESTIONS
After undergoing the study by taking personal interviews of the workers, few drawbacks did came up. Few is steps can be taken to do away with the drawbacks, though some of the drawbacks are the limitations, which are nearly impossible to done away with though they can be toned down. Proper orientation of the induction program is very necessary. A case was seen in which a worker met with an accident inside the factory premises and got his left arm fractured. Acc. To the rules of the company any accident should be reported within 24 hrs. But the above person did not know about it and so could not get the desired facilities. He was absent for 2 days thinking that it would be called leave. But because there was no registration it was counted as absenteeism. Further he could not avail the facilities provided by Export division of UNILEVER. He then had to go out for treatment causing him again to be absent. There is an urgent need to review the practice of overstay through which employees earn compensatory leaves and in turn cause absenteeism which further necessitates overstay of other employees thus triggering a vicious cycle of overstay and absenteeism. Counseling has always been the best way to any Solutions. Past study also shows that counseling is an effective measure. Counseling should be done at least once in two months Most of the workers' given reasons of sickness; this may be because of unhealthy working conditions. Therefore management should take measures to provide proper working conditions, Proper fringe benefits and financial incentives should be given to regular employees, This can Institute of Management, Nirma University
56

motivate other workers to be regular if they come to know about the extra benefits, which they could avail. Another basic reason found out for absenteeism was in sufficient welfare schemes and housing facilities and frequent visit to hometowns, to improve this following measures can be taken:

REINCARNATION CENTERS FOR ENTERTAINMENT Although it is a costly project bearing large expenses but result will be decreased absenteeism and increased production, Most of the good organizations have their own townships, which is lacking in UNILEVER. A reason found out for absenteeism was side business of workers. Why do workers go for it? It means lack of proper wages, allowances and job security, Measures should be taken to maintain a sufficient reasonable level of wages Workers in need should be granted leaves liberally so that they are at work when needed, Habitual absentees should be made aware of their absenteeism, The more the employees are kept informed about there absence the greater is the chances of reduction in the rate of absenteeism. Absentee is to be made aware of his absence to make him feel that he is not only important but he is greatly needed. As absenteeism of workman is a matter of concern before shop managers, as it effects adversely in smooth production. Though, absenteeism is related to personal reasons of workman. but it becomes necessary on the part of the management to put efforts to reduce absenteeism in a planned manner. Thus I also talked to the junior managers in order to assess their perception about worker's absenteeism. The junior managers gave the following suggestions :Institute of Management, Nirma University
57

In order to control the high rate of absenteeism, the management should do home visits of the habitual absentee.

The management should do counseling of family members. The management should introduce some social recognition programmes.

The management should give them awards for being punctual. Management can motivate them in this way. Also it can inspire other to be punctual.

The management should not be scared of the Union, and should take disciplinary action against the absentees. Management's position is very pathetic because of the dominance of Union.

Inter personal relations should be improved, because of a worker has good relation with his boss than only he will! Frankly tell his problems or the reasons for taking leave, and the management can try to work upon those reasons.

List if absentees should be displayed on the notice board Management should issue the show cause notice t~ the absentee.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

58

LEARNINGS

The summer project offers the first exposure to the industry in trems of real time experience. In a way, it provides a dress rehearsel of actual corporate carrer to begin in a years time. It is an opportunity to identify the key areas of improvement and work upon them. Additionally, the summer internship experience puts the whole learning process into a new perspective.

APPLICATION OF CONCEPTS
The project offered scope to apply some of the concepts related to job description and job analysis elaborated in the Human Resources Management course undertaken at IM, NU. This included preliminary knowledge about the various concepts elaborated at IMNU. The lesson of culling out important information from superfluous flab was also learnt at IM, NU. The process of analyzing information to arrive at logical conclusions and basing rational recommendations on them was all part of the learning process at IMNU. These came in to use while preparing and analyzing the various data and details of HUL.

NEW KNOWLEDGE, TOOLS, TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS PICKED UP

Although the theoretical framework and knowledge about how to do research study was Institute of Management, Nirma University
59

imparted at the institute yet the practical use of these frame work was fulfilled at HUL. Here I had the first hand experience of actually studying and analyzing the responses of the employees. Having the right man at the right job and doing the right thing at the right time is of utmost importance for any organisation. Here I could understand various employee issues like lack of exciting responsibilities which is difficult to express in theory. While working on the project and receiving inputs from the employees who were interviewed, I could broaden my interpersonal skills of questioning.

AUGMENTATION OF SOFT SKILLS

Soft skills are of paramount importance in all the aspects of management but more so in the field of Human Resource Management. It was very nice working with HULas I got to interact with actual people on field. The opportunity to interact with HR personals and conducting interviews along with them proved to be great worth as it contributed to development of ability to think on ones toes. However the most significant inference that came out in the entire process is that there exists a difference of opinion about role of an employee between the employer and employee and there is a continuous need on part of employers to understand the need and situation of employees in order to reduce absenteeism. Doing the research helped me in enhancing my interpersonal skills.

CORPORATE CULTURE
One thing which sounds intangible but proves to be very useful was learning of the corporate culture. Every organization has its unique culture which it follows. This culture is not Institute of Management, Nirma University
60

mentioned in the companys guidelines but it has to be felt and appreciated by being a part of it. At HUL, the culture was formal when it was work and informal when it was leisure. This was a great experience and chance to learn how is work done in a factory. In all, these two months have helped me get an insight to my theoretical learning. It taught me how could I use my knowledge in the practical world.

Institute of Management, Nirma University

61

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Internet: a. www.trainiganddevelopment.naukrihub.com b. www.hrvillage.com c. www.hul.in d. www.equitymaster.com e. www.wikiinvest.com f. www.prdomain.com g. www.jobstreet.com h. www.lossandwaste.co.uk

Institute of Management, Nirma University

62

Institute of Management, Nirma University

63