Why the Human Resources Department Shouldn’t be viewed as your friend

Human Resources (HR) departments are often seen as the go-to place for employees to seek assistance with workplace issues. However, it is important to understand that HR is not your friend. Here are some reasons why:

  1. HR works for the company, not the employees.

HR’s primary responsibility is to protect the interests of the company they work for, not the employees. Their job is to ensure that the company complies with laws and regulations, minimize legal risks, and help management make decisions that benefit the company’s bottom line. While HR may provide some support to employees, their ultimate allegiance lies with the company.

  1. HR is not a neutral party.

Despite their claims to be impartial, HR departments are not neutral parties. They work closely with management and are responsible for enforcing company policies and procedures. This means that they may be more likely to side with management than with employees in any disputes that arise.

  1. HR is not a confidential resource.

While HR may appear to be a confidential resource for employees to seek help, it is important to remember that their primary duty is to protect the company. Any information an employee shares with HR can be used against them if it is in the company’s best interest. In fact, HR is legally obligated to report certain issues to management, such as harassment or discrimination complaints.

  1. HR may not have the employee’s best interests in mind.

HR departments are not designed to protect the interests of individual employees. Rather, their primary focus is on protecting the company as a whole. This means that they may make decisions that benefit the company, even if they are not in the best interest of individual employees.

  1. HR may not have the necessary expertise.

HR departments are often responsible for a wide range of tasks, including recruitment, employee training, benefits administration, and policy development. While HR professionals may have some expertise in these areas, they are not necessarily experts in all aspects of employment law or employee relations.

In conclusion, while HR departments can provide some assistance to employees, it is important to remember that they are not your friend. HR’s primary responsibility is to protect the company, and any assistance they provide to employees is ultimately in service of that goal. Employees should seek outside support, such as an attorney or union representative if they need help navigating workplace issues.

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