In our latest blog, we discuss the common misconceptions of HR. For many employee’s, HR are often feared, viewed as unfriendly and met with negativity. It is true to say we get a bad press. In reality, sadly, there are some horror stories out there, and everyone will have a story about an awful experience, a terrible HR Manager and a poorly managed exit from a business.
We can’t speak for all, but we do speak for us, and the proof is in the pudding. The success of us, is intrinsically linked to the success of our clients. The success of our clients is down to their people. Their most valuable asset that we want to nurture, develop and protect.
Here’s some common misconceptions of HR we challenge in our practice –
- We protect the company and not the people –It is absolutely impossible to do this. We cannot protect our clients, without protecting their staff and promoting best practice. It is our job to be fair, compliant and commercial.
- We don’t interact with staff and sit in a glass office – that isn’t how we work. When we visit clients, we are on the floor, among the staff, getting to know everyone and engaging with conversations. Believe it or not, we even get invited to their Christmas parties – ‘fun police’ we are not!
- We don’t get it – Believe us, we do. We are human, but sadly, HR don’t get ‘HR’ themselves. We too have child care issues, family bereavements, sickness, mental health issues, and anxiety. We also have the skills to help your people navigate through difficult times, and assist clients in how to support their staff in doing so.
- HR don’t know what they’re doing – HR is some organisations is so undervalued. Often with no department, it sits with an over stretched Finance team, or a busy office Manager. So if that is the case, then this theory may well be accurate. We are different, it is what we do day in day out and with our CIPD qualified team who have studied for years – it is safe to say we know exactly what we’re doing.
- Policies over people – Let’s be real, Employment Law is HUGE. Policies are needed, for everyone involved. They protect us all. That doesn’t mean to say we lose sight of the human factor. As a HR consultancy firm, we strive to ensure we promote inclusivity, diversity and positivity.
- They are stuck in the dark ages, we don’t need HR – This is perhaps the biggest misconceptions of HR we challenge. If that is how you think, then I really think you do need HR. We pride ourselves on challenging ideas, promoting change, and encouraging Employer’s to think outside the box. We are ahead of the game with issues that haven’t even hit statute yet and we drive the change to help our clients and there staff. We champion the inclusion of neonatal leave, increased rights for individuals on maternity/adoption/parental leave, and promote a change to those undergoing fertility treatment. We are passionate about changing working culture, and helping organisations get it right.
For more information as to how we can help you and your staff, get in touch today.