HR Only Cares About the Company…Why That’s Not True
A lot of employees believe that HR exists solely to protect the company. I’ve seen some people on social media get really angry about this!
It’s an understandable assumption—after all, HR does handle policies, legal compliance, and difficult conversations that sometimes don’t go in an employee’s favor. But the idea that HR is only looking out for the company’s best interests and not the people within it? That’s simply not true.
The reality is that HR serves a dual role: supporting both the business and its employees. A strong HR function isn’t just about protecting a company from risk—it’s about creating a workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and set up for success. When HR is done right, it creates an environment where people thrive, which in turn benefits the company as a whole.
So why does it sometimes feel like HR is only on the company’s side? One major reason is that HR often has to make tough decisions based on policies, labor laws, and business needs. This can create the perception that HR is impersonal or focused solely on protecting leadership. But in reality, those policies exist not just to serve the company, but to ensure fairness and consistency for all employees. HR professionals are often the ones advocating behind the scenes—pushing for better benefits, fair pay practices, and safe working conditions, even when employees don’t see it directly.
Good HR isn’t just about enforcing rules. It’s about listening, problem-solving, and building a culture where employees can do their best work. It’s the HR teams that prioritize trust, psychological safety, and growth that truly make an impact. When employees know they can come to HR for guidance, whether it’s about career development, workplace conflict, or personal challenges, that’s when the function is at its best.
As in any department, there is always a “bad apple” or an “nightmare HR person” but that’s not all of us!
Employees can also play a role in reshaping their experience with HR. Instead of seeing HR as an obstacle, it helps to view them as a resource. If something doesn’t feel right, start a conversation. If a policy seems unfair, ask for clarity. A good HR team will want to help, and when employees and HR work together, the entire workplace benefits.
HR’s job isn’t just about protecting the company—it’s about creating a better workplace. The best HR professionals know that when employees are engaged, supported, and treated fairly, everyone wins.
Let’s chat about how I can partner with you to support your business AND your team!
Korina