The role of HR, more advocate than a friend

So what is the role of HR? They aren't your friends, but your advocates. It's a provocative statement, but is there any truth to it?

It’s a common misconception that role of HR is solely to protect the company’s interests. While HR does play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and mitigating risks, the role of HR is very far from being an adversary to the employees. In fact, HR serves as a vital bridge between employees and the organization, striving to balance the interests of both parties.

The notion that HR isn’t employees’ friend stems from a misunderstanding of their role. Yes, HR professionals are not your typical after-work buddies, but their responsibilities extend far beyond mere friendship. They are advocates for fair treatment, employee well-being, and fostering an open and friendly workplace culture.

But let’s take a step back and consider this – in the traditional sense, no department in a company, whether it’s Marketing, Sales, Operations, IT, Finance, etc., can claim to be employees’ ‘friend’. Each has its own set of responsibilities and objectives that may not always align with all individual employee interests.

HR professionals often find themselves in the unenviable position of being the bearer of bad news, from minimal pay raises to budget cuts and layoffs. They are frequently the face of breaking the news of these decisions, leading to misconceptions about their role.

Some might point out the old frustration about HR leaders’ lack of commercial knowledge. Many HR leaders, when they started their career in HR, they too were very critical of the rigid, bookish, and lack of interest in understanding the core business and its commercials approach that they encountered from their fellow HR colleagues in the industry. In today’s scenario however, it is absolutely essential for HR to understand the commercial side of the business, enabling them to develop strategies that aid in strengthening the company’s growth, bottom line to ensure its long-term viability but balance it with the right people and culture strategy.

Today, many HR professionals have since then broken through these old thought processes and emerged as excellent leaders.

One must grasp the intricate role HR plays within the broader business context. This involves navigating a myriad of regulatory requirements, attending to employee needs, and delicately balancing the demands of profitability alongside effective people management strategies.

So, the next time they hear “HR is not your friend,” remember the intricate balancing act they perform every day. While they may not be employees’ friend in the traditional sense, they are certainly advocates for the organization and its people.

About Beyond Borders HR

When you partner with us, we take the time to understand your business, its goals, and challenges. This allows us to provide practical and effective guidance.

We then tailor HR solutions for your organisation, offering strategic guidance on mergers and acquisitions, employment contracts, HR policies, HR administration and outsourcing and change management. Our expertise also extends to employee benefits, ensuring that you can attract and retain top talent in the global market.

We also provide guidance on employee relations, global workforce reduction advisory, global mobility and immigration, as well as HR compliance and risk management.

At Beyond Borders HR, we pride ourselves on being trusted advisors to our clients. Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has earned us a strong reputation in the industry. We prioritize building long-term partnerships with our clients, acting as an extension of their team.

The role of HR, more advocate than a friend