There are many persistent myths about organizational human resources. Whether they breed resentment toward HR reps or simply discourage employees from reaching out, the impact is often detrimental.
Professionals who work in HR know that these false perceptions can make their jobs more difficult, so it’s important to work toward ending these perpetuated misconceptions within your organization. Below, 11 members of Forbes Human Resources Council debunked some of the most common HR myths and shared the reality behind them.
1. 'HR Is A Substitute For Communicating With Your Colleagues'
When I take on new HR roles in organizations, it continues to amaze me when employees and managers believe HR's role is to tell someone when they aren't performing or are irritating someone that sits next to them. We're happy to coach people to help them have the right conversations, but managers and employees need to establish relationships with others in the organization and talk to each other. - Tracy Bittner, SPHR, Ionic Security Inc.
2. 'We're All About Enforcing Process'
There is often a view that HR is there to tell you off for not sticking to a process, or that you have to be "PC" in front of HR. HR people are still people and often, very commercially aware ones. We enforce processes that get business results or enforce a respectful culture. We don't create work for the sake of it. We also realize there are sometimes gray areas where processes can be bent. - Karla Reffold, BeecherMadden
3. 'HR Makes The Decisions'
HR makes recommendations, not decisions. HR should be the key strategic department, but that is rarely the case. Operations are determined by ownership. That line between the recommendation/decision-making is often misunderstood by staff. Obviously, if a company is not profitable, it must downsize or close. - Patricia Sharkey, Sharkey HR Advisors
4. 'HR Is Just A Personnel Department'
HR no longer exists as a personnel department. It is a highly strategic function within an organization and when effectively managed and utilized, it can help an organization thrive. Our greatest assets are our people, so who better to help you develop and execute on the best strategy to maintain and engage your greatest asset than HR? - Lotus Buckner, NCH
5. 'We Exist To Punish You'
One myth about HR professionals is that we manage a "police state," and that we focus in a punitive manner on making sure rule-breaking is corrected. This myth creates environments where people tend to fear HR. In fact, our focus is really liability mitigation which really has roots in enabling people for success, developing people and creating environments for people to be their best. - James Banares, Valimail
6. 'HR Only Cares About Compliance'
One myth about HR I'd like to end is we're just here for legal compliance. Compliance for HR is table stakes — the most basic service we can provide. True HR professionals have mastered the art of pushing organizational performance by leading or influencing people, projects and processes. We are consultants, confidants and coaches who integrate talent into the full scope of business operations. - Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Cantata Health
7. 'If HR Is In The Room, Someone Is Getting Fired'
There is a stigma that if HR is in the room, it's not going to be a pleasant conversation. This couldn't be further from the truth. At many companies, especially smaller businesses, human resources is involved in business operations and is not always in the room for potential terminations. HR is there to be part of the team, foster a positive environment and advocate for the company and the employee. - Tiffany Jensen, Pure Grips
8. 'HR Always Takes The Company's Side'
HR is often viewed as a pure agent of the company that never advocates for the employee, and in less enlightened companies and HR circles, that thought is accepted and perpetuated. This, however, is not the ground truth. In its highest form, HR endeavors to uphold the values of the company and take compliance, budgetary needs and strategic goals in mind when navigating opposing views and needs. - Angela Nguyen, Ad Exchange Group
9. 'We're Going To Make Life More Difficult For You'
Many people misconstrue HR as the team who's building policies just to make life more difficult for the employees, when in reality, it's quite the opposite. HR is the strategic partner to the business that is focused on building an organization that attracts and retains top talent. Policies are only created to protect the interests of the employees, so that the business can function smoothly. - Heather Doshay
10. 'HR Doesn't Really Understand The Business'
Although HR is now invited to the table as a business partner, often times we are expected to be "silent business partners." HR is viewed as not understanding the business. In some cases that is true, but it's not true across the board. Just as there are both operational and strategic business leaders, there are operational and strategic HR leaders. - Bridgette Wilder, Wilder HR Management & EEO Consulting
11. 'HR Is Always A Roadblock'
I am tired of employees and leaders assuming HR is a roadblock to be avoided at all costs. We here to enable, amplify and ensure organizations leverage talent. We can be your greatest partner when building teams, scaling the organization, shaping culture and solving sticky problems. Let us show you how we can help. - Jennifer Marszalek, Havas Chicago Village
