Contact Us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right. 

Pod 6, The Engine Rooms, Station Road
Chepstow
Monmouthshire

01633 730907

For more than 10 years we have provided companies of all sizes and in a variety of sectors with uncomplicated, innovative and affordable human resources advice and on-site support ensuring that your people are an asset to your company and not a liability.

News

With the National Minimum Wage (NMW) now almost fifteen years old, and with another increase pending on 1st April 2017 HMRC have issued a list of the most elaborate excuses they've been given by employers for not paying the appropriate rates:

HR Is Not Your Friend ....

Alan Kitto

HR is Not Your Friend, But This is What It Is

Human Resources (HR) departments have long been viewed with a mix of reverence and scepticism. Employees often find themselves caught in the middle of HR's dual roles: being a supportive presence and a staunch protector of the company's interests. This duality can create confusion and mistrust. However, understanding what HR truly is can help demystify its functions and foster a more realistic relationship between employees and the HR department.

The Dual Role of HR

At its core, HR is tasked with managing the human element of a company. This includes recruitment, training, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and compliance with employment laws. While these responsibilities suggest that HR is there to support employees, the reality is that HR's primary allegiance is to the company.

HR serves as a bridge between management and employees, but it is important to remember that it is management that HR ultimately answers to. This means that while HR may appear to be a mediator or advocate for employees, its primary function is to protect the company's interests. This can sometimes lead to decisions that prioritize the company's well-being over individual employee concerns.

Why HR Isn't Your Friend

  1. Conflict of Interest: HR's main duty is to protect the company from legal issues and ensure compliance with various regulations. When conflicts arise, HR's actions are often guided by what is best for the company, which may not always align with what is best for the employee.

  2. Confidentiality Limits: Employees often assume that conversations with HR are confidential. However, HR is obligated to report certain issues to management, especially if they involve legal implications, policy violations, or potential risks to the company.

  3. Disciplinary Actions: HR is involved in disciplinary actions, terminations, and handling complaints. This involvement can create a perception of HR as an enforcer of company policies rather than a supporter of employee interests.

  4. Policy Enforcement: HR is responsible for ensuring that company policies are followed. This means that even if an employee feels that a policy is unfair, HR's role is to enforce it rather than challenge it on behalf of the employee.

What HR Truly Is

Understanding that HR is not your friend does not mean that HR is an adversary. Instead, recognising the true role of HR can lead to more effective interactions and realistic expectations.

  1. Resource and Support: HR can provide valuable resources and support for career development, training, and benefits management. They are knowledgeable about the company's policies and can guide employees on how to navigate them.

  2. Mediator and Facilitator: While HR's primary loyalty is to the company, they do facilitate communication between employees and management. They can help mediate conflicts, ensuring that both parties are heard and that issues are resolved in line with company policies.

  3. Compliance and Protection: HR ensures that the company adheres to labor laws and regulations, which ultimately benefits employees by promoting fair treatment, preventing discrimination, and ensuring safe working conditions.

  4. Strategic Partner: HR plays a strategic role in shaping company culture, developing organisational structures, and implementing policies that can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.

Navigating the Relationship with HR

To navigate the relationship with HR effectively, employees should approach HR interactions with a clear understanding of HR's role:

  • Be Informed: Know your company's policies and understand your rights as an employee. This knowledge empowers you to have informed discussions with HR.

  • Communicate Clearly: When raising issues with HR, be clear and concise. Provide factual information and document your concerns.

  • Seek External Advice: For serious concerns, consider seeking advice from external sources such as legal counsel or employee advocacy groups.

  • Build Professional Relationships: Foster a professional relationship with HR based on mutual respect and understanding. Recognise that while HR is there to enforce policies, they can also be a valuable ally in navigating the workplace.

Conclusion

HR is not your friend in the traditional sense, but understanding its true role can help you interact with HR more effectively. By recognising that HR's primary function is to protect the company's interests while also supporting employees within that framework, you can set realistic expectations and use HR as a resource for navigating your career and workplace challenges.