- In my experience, the HR industry has often been misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about the role of HR managers.
- I cannot emphasize this enough. HR does not exist to replace the responsibility that leaders and direct managers have with their teams and people.
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Human resources is one of the most prominent and impactful departments within any organization.
However, it also remains shrouded in mystery, leaving many uncertain about its functions.
This limited understanding that employees possess regarding HR operations often becomes distorted through workplace anecdotes, typically portraying HR in a negative and distant light.
In my experience, the HR industry has often been misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about the role of HR managers.
Some believe it's solely about hiring and firing, while others assume it exclusively serves employers, neglecting the interests of employees.
The main misconception around HR is that: HR Is Not Your Friend!
You’ll never hear "Finance is not your friend."
You’ll never see the headline on the front page of a business magazine: "Sales is not your friend."
You’ll never hear hallway gossip, "Marketing is not your friend."
For reasons unbeknownst to me, we often encounter the phrase "HR is not your friend," typically laden with negative connotations, seemingly implying, "Do not confide in HR because it won't support you." In the same way that you are not expected to be someone's friend to get your job done, please do not expect this from HR.
It's baffling because some people struggle to grasp that HR's ability to genuinely care for employees is directly intertwined with its commitment to the company's success.
You can't truly support the company without valuing its people, and vice versa.
This delicate balance is often overlooked by those outside of HR who haven't experienced navigating it firsthand, leading to misjudgements of our efforts from their standpoint.
Balancing care for both the employees and the business is a unique challenge faced primarily by HR. We're tasked with this delicate equilibrium, which demands constant mindfulness and diligence.
However, it's important to acknowledge that we're not infallible. Perfection isn't realistic and striving for it only leads to burnout, stress, and unhappiness.
Mistakes happen, but they don't diminish our genuine concern for each individual within the organisation.
But if HR is not supposed to be your "friend," then what is it?
Not your direct manager
I cannot emphasize this enough. HR does not exist to replace the responsibility that leaders and direct managers have with their teams and people.
HR definitely must help people and teams, and leaders and managers but is not supposed to replace their role. Managers and supervisors must be accountable for their work; HR is not responsible for their shortcomings and mistakes.
A strategic associate and value creator
HR is there to collaborate with you and add value by addressing your business challenges and leveraging opportunities through people-centric solutions.
Cultivating a relationship based on trust and transparency with HR ensures you'll receive strategic support tailored to your needs, ultimately driving better results and realizing your business objectives.
An Advocate for.. and Business
It’s an undeniable fact that the existence of jobs relies on the viability of a business, while the success of any business hinges on the people in those roles.
HR has to navigate the delicate balance between business imperatives and people-centric operations.
A face of company’s decisions (even when they don’t agree with, or like those decisions)
HR often communicates tough decisions made by senior leaders, which can be challenging and sometimes, HR must prioritisse one over the other, depending on the circumstances.
Communicating decisions, especially those they disagree with, isn't easy. While it's ideal for HR to have a voice in these decisions, it's not always the case."
In conclusion, HR is not designed to be your friend, nor should you have that expectation.
Your role is not designed to be anybody else’s friend, either. It is wonderful when friendships and meaningful relationships emerge in the workplace, but that cannot be the default expectation.