There is no denying that the perceptions people commonly have about the human resources department at their company often give it a bad rap. Contrary to historical misconceptions, the role of HR is not to simply enforce company guidelines and processes, monitor employee performance levels and behaviors or hire and let people go.
In fact, most HR professionals who enter this field have demonstrated their sincere passion to focus their time on engaging and giving employees a voice while also leading important initiatives that elevate company culture and improve work-life balance. These efforts, and a seat at the table, helps them advise teams to reach their goals across the board.
When utilized to its fullest potential, HR is a viable ally for employers and employees alike. Below are tips from 12 Forbes Human Resources Council members for HR professionals who aim to debunk any negative stereotypes about their profession and provide further insight into the department's function overall.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their insights.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. Build An Effective And Healthy Workplace
HR representatives can be true partners to you, and if you seek their guidance and ask for confidentiality, you will get it. While HR staff report trends in exit interviews and employee relations to leadership, they are not there to spy or call you out but to provide the structures for an effective and healthy workplace culture for all. - Cat Colella-Graham, Employee Experience Leader, Consultant
2. Justify Initiatives To Drive Positive Change
The position of HR is to be an organization's strategic advisor, not the school principal. Strategic HR partners will recommend and justify initiatives that drive positive change using data and analytics. However, if a company chooses to ignore such recommendations and do nothing, or do the opposite, it cannot fault HR for the revolving door of employee turnover rates that it is creating by failing to listen. - JacLyn Pagnotta, Allied Partners
3. Maintain Relevant Employee Benefits
The idea that HR is only here to dole out punishment is incorrect. There is more to HR than issuing reprimands and terminations. HR departments are full of people persons who lead efforts to elevate company culture and advocate for employees. If you are still enjoying the benefits established during the pandemic, including remote or hybrid work, meditation apps, child care stipends and more, thank your friendly HR manager. - Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
4. Provide Strategic Advice To Inform And Influence
HR has historically been viewed as a transactional staff function, but the power of the human resources department, and its role in the company, has evolved. It has transformed into a strategic, consultative advisory department that has a seat at the table with proactive, forward-thinking insights to inform and influence. - Britton Bloch, Navy Federal
Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
5. Develop Fair Policies That Are Consistent
HR is often viewed as the "police" of the company, which we are not. We develop policies to allow for fairness and consistency throughout the company. We coach managers through difficult situations, and we are a resource for each employee. We implement HR initiatives for the betterment of the employees while also bringing strategic solutions to the challenges the business is facing. - Sherrie LeCheminant, Blackstone Products
6. Change The Narrative
There is a typical perception about the human resources department among those outside of HR. It's practically undeniable. I've been on a professional mission for many years to change perceptions of the HR function because the dry, uninspiring, process-driven and employee handbook-toting department is no longer. Instead, it's now a dynamic function filled with engaging, charismatic, business-savvy and revenue-contributing professionals. - Jeffrey Pietrzak, Work Exceptional, LLC
7. Advocate For Employees To Have A Voice
Some see HR as prison guards who won't allow managers to manage. Managers who feel like this are usually the managers that are not leading with positive intent, fairness or consistency. They are posing a risk to the company by disengaging the employees. HR staff members are partners that can be advisors to the business, but their number one goal is to be the advocate and voice for every employee. - Evelyn Reed, Jacent Strategic Merchandising
8. Remove Obstacles To Get Things Done
Many believe that HR’s main priorities are to enforce policies and processes, hire and fire. However, HR is not a roadblock. Instead, we remove obstacles and barriers for employees and leadership. We are your partner to help you get things done and we function to care for a company’s greatest asset: its employees. HR is a vital partner, and this is especially true during these times of redefining the workplace. - Leslie Tarnacki, WorkForce Software
9. Make Tough Decisions And Help Resolve Conflicts
A pet peeve of mine is when people say they want to get into this profession because they like people. HR is more than that. You’re a business executive that specializes in the human resources of the business. It’s not just about building engagement and planning celebrations. As an HR professional, making tough decisions and resolving difficult conflicts are also part of the job. - David Tripp, Sage Dental
10. Ensure Ethical Business Behaviors
Ethical human resources professionals do not "represent the company," but they do represent the people who work there while ensuring business continuity and risk management for the enterprise. Individuals would be surprised to know how often HR speaks up on behalf of employees' needs, especially in closed-door conversations. Also, most of us also have a sense of humor! - Alden Coffin, Forward Merch LLC
11. Collaborate To Retain The Right Talent
The belief that recruitment is the sole responsibility of the human resources department is a misconception. Recruitment strategy is an interdependent process and mission that requires strong collaboration between the hiring manager, talent acquisition staff and the entire workforce (referrals). Organizational development is not tasked to one person, and building the company requires every hand, at every level. - Nakisha Griffin, Neustar Security Services
12. Keep The Best Interests Of People In Mind
Some HR business partners (HRBPs) unfortunately believe their route to success is saying, "No!" to employees as often as possible. By doing so, they have given a lot of people the wrong idea about all HRBPs. Fact is, not all HRBPs operate that way and there are real-life mythical creatures in HR who are passionate about advocating for the best interests of an organization's people. Find them and don't let them go! - Bryan Passman, Hunter + Esquire
