Human Resources (HR) is a key department in any business. Although it is typically viewed as just an administrative necessity, this department does so much more. It actually functions as a strategic partner. Hiring top talent. Ensuring legal compliance. Managing employee performance. These are all vital tasks HR representatives must succeed at.
But there’s so much more to HR than is on the surface. The responsibilities of this department span the entire business and go deeper than you’d ever imagine. If you’re struggling to believe this, do not fret. This blog post has outlined three key tasks you might not expect when undertaking a career in HR.
Acting as the “Unofficial Office Therapist”
Offices don’t usually have therapists. And yet, some situations or workers require this sort of treatment. When that need arises, HR representatives need to stand up and take over. This isn’t a duty that’s listed in the job description, but the HR department has been dubbed the “unofficial office therapist.”
It is believed this change has occurred as a result of high workplace stress and lacking in-house menta health resources. Not only that, but a HR representative is often trusted more by workers than managers. This will not be the same in all workplaces, though, with some HR staff being viewed as unapproachable.
However, there are things that HR shouldn’t do with this new role. They do not have the experience or license to diagnose mental health conditions, for example. In these cases, HR should facilitate access to professional mental health support.
Conducting Complex Investigations
When workplace misconduct occurs, HR must act. They need to conduct high-risk and sensitive investigations. Such investigations are crucial for protecting employee well-being, maintaining organizational integrity, and ensuring compliance with legal standards. As they are so important, it isn’t uncommon for these investigations to last weeks or even months.
The issues HR are responsible for investigating vary. Bullying and harassment. Discrimination allegations. Fraud. Senior staff disputes. Whistleblowing cases. HR staff do more than just administer the investigation process – they serve as the lead investigator. This is more common in small to medium-sized businesses.
Some investigations will be outsourced. This typically happens for conflicts of interest, high-stakes scenarios, and lack of internal resources. External experts – specialized HR consultants or attorneys with experience handling workplace legal disputes – will be brought in when necessary.
Shaping and Cultivating Culture
If the first two points didn’t show how essential HR roles are, then this one should. A HR representative plays a pivotal role in shaping and cultivating organizational culture. Leadership might define the vision, but HR acts as the primary driver. They translate these values into daily experiences. As a result, culture will not just be a slogan on the wall.
They do this in many ways. Candidates are screened for alignment with core company values, not just skills. Policies are created to reinforce the desired culture. The health of the organization is monitored through exit interviews and surveys. In some cases, the HR department will even model behaviors – leading by example – that they want to see across the organization.
To conclude, if a job in HR is what you want, you’ll be wearing a lot of different hats. Not only will you need to be an unofficial office therapist, but you will also be in charge of complex investigations and shaping organization culture. With so much responsibility, it is sure to be a rewarding role.
