Tips for Talking to HR People

[SpokaneCY]

I had a completely different experience which based on CF precedent makes me uniquely qualified to opine.

I was trying to effectuate change in leadership (moral and ethical failings of my direct boss) which I thought was a slam dunk as it would increase productivity, yadayadayada... What became clear to me is that a "me" problem would only be addressed if it was in the sole benefit of the company brand.

While every company says every employee matters and is important, it's the NFL adage of "protect the shield". I took some lumps and haven't stuck my neck out since.

Best of luck!

 

[Gorm]

Do folks talk to their HR reps often? In my 12 years here at my position I've only had to talk to them once. - That situation was an employee theft issue which I was a direct witness to.

 

[coolerifyoudid]

HR departments vary greatly depending on the size and nature of businesses. The larger the business, the more segmented it becomes. I have two sisters that are HR directors. One spends a ton of time with employee/legal issues while the other is much more involved with the benefits end of things.

Most HR departments worth their weight have heard all of the normal BS and can smell it a mile away. It's best to be forthright and friendly with them so you can get as much help as possible. There could be options they can suggest that may not be common knowledge. And they might forget to mention all of those options if you act like an asshat.

 

[coolerifyoudid]

Do folks talk to their HR reps often? In my 12 years here at my position I've only had to talk to them once. - That situation was an employee theft issue which I was a direct witness to.

I'm in a family-run business and our HR dept consists of essentially one person. My work isn't exactly the most PC, and incidents are handled on a case-by-case basis. I have been pulled into my fair share over the years and have had to fire people for various reasons. I am probably much more careful than my boss about certain things because I've heard some of the things my sisters have dealt with.

My wife works for a large corporation and talks to HR maybe 2-3 times times a year for random stuff. She had to talk to them yesterday for an issue with her security badge.

 

[Clonefan32]

::30 minutes into the conversation:

"I really don't see what's so difficult to understand. I'd like for you to continue to pay me, but I'd like to have the option to not come in to work."