Human Resources Protects the Company, Not the Employees
No matter how friendly your company’s HR representative may be, always remember that their job is to protect the company.
Not you.
Here are three ways to put that knowledge into action.
Don’t Let HR Discourage You From Exercising Your Rights.
Your employee handbook should set out the rights and benefits you enjoy as an employee.
But you may need to push to ensure those receive those rights.
If you need to take FMLA leave to care for a sick family member, or request a reasonable accommodation under the ADA, be prepared to push HR to take action and to confirm in writing that your requests have been granted.
You may need to submit paperwork and medical records. Jump through all the hoops HR puts in your path.
Document Everything.
HR reps try to avoid written communication. When you email them, they respond with a phone call.
Defeat this practice by immediately emailing the HR rep a summary of your conversation.
End your email by asking HR to reply if they think your summary is inaccurate or incomplete.
Report Harassment and Discrimination to HR, Even if You Think HR Won’t Help.
If you experience harassment or discrimination from a co-worker (not a supervisor), report it to HR in writing.
The company cannot be held liable for a co-worker’s harassment unless you can prove the company knew about the conduct and failed to take action.
But it’s not enough to tell HR that you are being “harassed” or being subjected to a “hostile work environment.”
If you think you are being mistreated because of your sex, race, disability, or some other protected status, say so clearly in your complaint.
Human Resources exists to protect the company, not the employees.
Don’t let HR discourage you from exercising your rights.
Document everything.
Report harassment and discrimination clearly and in writing.