For those of us that live and breathe HR, it can be frustrating to constantly defend the importance of what we do. I frequently hear “Oh, we don’t need HR, our Office Manager handles that.”
Then there are those that think HR is nothing more than maintaining files and making sure payroll gets submitted. The truth is HR is much more than paper pushing and file maintenance. It takes great dedication, commitment and knowledge to be a true HR Professional.
I’d like to share just a few Myths and the Realities about HR in hopes of educating our followers just a bit.
Myth: Anyone can do HR.
Reality: HR activities are based on theory and research. HR professionals must master both theory and practice.
Myth: HR is full of fads.
Reality: HR practices have evolved over time. HR professionals must see their current work as part of an evolutionary chain and explain their work with less jargon and more authority.
Myth: HR is staffed by nice people.
Reality: At times, HR practices should force vigorous debates. HR professionals should be confrontive and challenging as well as supportive.
Myth: People go into HR because they like people.
Reality: HR departments are not designed to provide corporate therapy or as social or health-and-happiness retreats. HR professionals must create the practices that make employees more competitive, not more comfortable.
These are just a few examples of the misconceptions we deal with daily. I am fortunate that the team we have built at HR Advisors is willing to take on those challenges and despite the perception, is truly dedicated to the task at hand…being knowledgable, patient, persistent and flexible in handling all HR issues, pleasant or not, for our valued clients.
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. Knowledge is best utilized when shared.
Best regards,
Lorraine Reafsnyder
Tags: Compliance, employee files, HR, HR Practices, Outsourced HR
