There is No HR for HR – A Cry from the Trenches

"Who watches the watchmen?" Juvenal once asked. Well, if you swap out "watchmen" for "HR professionals," you’ll find we’re still waiting for an answer.

Let’s get one thing straight: HR is not just about hiring and firing. We’re the therapists, the referees, the policy enforcers, and—on some days—the office babysitters. We listen to employees' grievances, calm workplace storms, and occasionally have to explain why bringing a pet snake to work violates company policy.

But here’s the burning question: Who takes care of HR? The short answer? No one. There is no HR for HR. We are the cobblers whose children have no shoes, the umbrellas that everyone grabs in a storm but forgets in the sunshine. And, trust me, the forecast is always cloudy.

The Reality of Being in HR

Imagine this: I spend my morning counseling an employee going through a rough divorce. By lunch, I’m mediating a heated battle between two managers over who stole whose idea. And just when I think I can finally sip my now-cold coffee, my inbox dings with a complaint that the office temperature is literally unbearable. (Spoiler alert: it’s always either too hot or too cold. Never just right.)

And yet, when I’m having a rough day, who do I turn to? The walls? The potted plant in the corner? Because the truth is, HR is expected to be the unshakable pillar of the company. We must smile, nod, and keep our emotions in check—even when we’re drowning in policies, conflicts, and "urgent" emails marked with an unnecessary red flag.

As the proverb goes, “A burden shared is a burden halved.” But for HR, the burden is carried alone, wrapped in corporate jargon, and neatly filed under "Other Duties as Assigned."

The Many Hats of HR (That No One Acknowledges)


HR professionals wear more hats than a fashion runway in Milan. We are:

  • Therapists: We listen. We empathize. We nod.

  • Lawyers: We decipher contracts, policies, and employment laws that read like ancient scrolls.

  • Cheerleaders: "Yay, team spirit!" (Even when morale is plummeting faster than company stock.)

  • The Grim Reapers: When we show up to a meeting unannounced, people assume layoffs are coming. (Seriously, why do people panic when we walk into a room?)

And yet, while we spend our days solving problems, we have nowhere to turn when we need to vent. We can’t complain to employees—that’s an HR violation waiting to happen. We can’t complain to leadership—because they assume we’ve got everything under control. And we definitely can’t complain to HR—because, well, we are HR.

The Comedy (and Tragedy) of HR


Let’s not pretend HR doesn’t have its hilarious moments. I once had to explain—twice—why microwaving fish in the office kitchen was a crime against humanity. I’ve reviewed PTO requests that read like elaborate heist plans. And I’ve seen grown adults try to expense their Netflix subscriptions as "professional development."

But beneath the humor lies an undeniable truth: HR professionals are the emotional dumping ground of the workplace. We absorb everyone's stress, frustration, and grievances, all while maintaining an unshakable, professional smile. And guess what? That’s exhausting.

A Call to Action: Let’s Be the HR for HR

So, what can we do? Because if we keep pouring from an empty cup, eventually, there’s nothing left to give. Here’s a radical thought: Maybe it’s time we start caring for HR the way HR cares for everyone else.

Here’s how:

  • Acknowledge Our Existence: We do more than just send birthday emails and enforce dress codes.

  • Say Thank You: A simple “Hey, I appreciate what you do” goes a long way.

  • Offer Support: If you see your HR colleague looking like they’ve aged ten years overnight, maybe check in.

  • Advocate for Our Well-being: HR burnout is real, and we need just as much mental health support as everyone else.

Because, as the old proverb says, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” And if HR snaps, trust me—everything falls apart.

Final Thoughts

HR professionals are the backbone of any organization. We keep the wheels turning, the peace intact, and the drama (mostly) at bay. But we can’t do it alone.


So, the next time you see your HR manager, maybe offer them a coffee, a smile, or—if you really want to be bold—a heartfelt “How are you doing?” Because while there may be no HR for HR, there’s always room for a little kindness.

And remember: "Behind every successful company is an HR team that’s probably under-caffeinated, overworked, and still smiling."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

AI Candidate Screening: Revolutionizing the Future of Recruitment

A rtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the recruitment landscape, particularly in candidate screening. Finding the perfect candidate who matches a job description is a challenge for every company. With hundreds of applications to review, recruiters may overlook top talent.  However, AI-powered screening tools are revolutionizing hiring by automating key processes, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing bias. AI streamlines resume parsing, conducts initial assessments, and helps organizations identify the most suitable candidates faster and more objectively. Leading companies like Unilever and Delta Air Lines have successfully integrated AI into their recruitment strategies, significantly reducing time-to-hire and improving hiring accuracy. As AI continues to evolve, its role in recruitment will expand, making hiring more data-driven and reliable.  This article explores how AI is reshaping candidate screening, backed by real-world examples and numerical insights, and exami...
Read more

The Future of Recruitment: How AI and Automation Are Changing The Game

 Recruitment is undergoing a profound transformation thanks to the rise of AI and automation. These technologies are helping HR professionals streamline hiring, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, all while enhancing the candidate experience. Traditional methods such as print ads and in-person interviews are often slow and prone to bias, but modern approaches powered by AI and automation are leading the way for faster, more data-driven hiring. AI is now automating key recruitment tasks like resume screening and candidate assessments, which not only improves accuracy but also reduces manual effort. Technologies like VR interviews and AI-driven talent pools are helping make recruitment more inclusive and diverse. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest recruitment trends, the impact of AI, and actionable strategies to stay ahead in this digital transformation. The State of Recruitment Today While recruitment practices are evolving rapidly, challenges remain. According to Glassd...
Read more

Job Hunting 101: How to Get Hired Without Losing Your Mind!

Image
Dear Freshers, Here’s How to Get a Job Without Losing Your Mind! (A Survival Guide from Your Friendly HR Who’s Been There, Done That, and Lived to Tell the Tale!) Stepping Into a New Beginning! Congratulations, freshers! You’re about to enter a world of opportunities, learning, and endless coffee refills. Yes, the corporate life may seem overwhelming at first, but trust me—once you get the hang of it, it’s an exciting adventure filled with growth and success. But before you get to experience the joy of team lunches and salary credits, you need to land that first job. And let’s be real—it can feel like an extreme sport. The applications, the waiting, the interviews (and the existential crisis in between)—it's a rollercoaster. But fear not, dear job seeker! I, your friendly HR with two years of experience (translation: I’ve survived my fresher days, so you will too!), am here to help you crack the “Get a Job Without Losing Your Sanity” code. So, take a deep breath, grab some coffee, ...
Read more