The title ‘HR’ evokes different emotions in people across organizations. It would be inaccurate not to acknowledge that HR professionals are not exactly the favorite group for various reasons. In most cases, people speak out of the experience they had with someone in HR especially when it was an unpleasant one. Overall, however, there is a sense that those in HR are not doing enough for the staff or the organization.
Let’s explore the reasons for these ill feelings toward HR departments. If you are an HR professional and you have received some of these complaints or heard it in the rumor mill, it is time for a change.
High level of incompetence
It is unclear what brings about the inability for some HR professionals to undertake their duties. One reason would be hiring people not versed with the profession, those who lack prior experience, or the company is merely using outdated systems. Whichever the case, the sentiment is untrained workers means dealing with people who don’t know what they are doing. Often, these same people stay on for years, further hampering employee welfare, an aspect that kills morale
Giving inaccurate information
A cross border tax specialist Toronto finds out they have to tend to a family emergency in a different city and confide in HR. Upon coming back, management says the extended leave was unwarranted, and the person sent a memo. While this seems bizarre, some have found themselves in situations where there is a discrepancy between what they told HR and the actions management takes against them. It is in such cases that most opt out of going to HR because they feel misrepresented or out-rightly lied to or about.
They collude with management
Let’s look at the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace. Damning data makes it clear why people prefer not to report it. For those who have, the penalties are severe in a myriad of cases. Evidence also points to 60 to 70 percent of people reported getting laid off or experiencing retaliation. In these and other cases, it becomes apparent that HR is siding with management in a matter where they should be non-partisan. HR is therefore only seen to push pushing the employer’s agenda without caring about the consequences it has on the employees.
Conclusion
It is vital to state that good HR professional exists, but it is the sins of the many that affects how the entire industry gets viewed. There is a need for drastic change in the narrative. Currently, it is not looking good, mainly because it is believed they are unfair, use outdated policies, and are involved in office politics.
