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HR Isolation....Anyone?
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
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Hi there,
I've worked in HR now for 12 years and have made it to the so called "top job" in the field. I guess, I should feel happy, but I don't. Most of the time, I feel that no matter how cordial
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Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » HR Isolation....Anyone?
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/14/2007 5:29 AM EST
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Posts: 6
First: 2/8/2007 Last: 7/10/2007 |
Hi there,
I've worked in HR now for 12 years and have made it to the so called "top job" in the field. I guess, I should feel happy, but I don't. Most of the time, I feel that no matter how cordial, firendly and emphathetic I am, employees and managers alike still have a sense of distrust, because they ultimately know that I will do what's best for the company at the end of the day. The interesting thing that most employees don't understand is that my goal is to find a win-win scenario for both the company and employee. Most of the time, I'm successful at finding a happy medium. It's interesting that lately I have just been feeling this great sense of isolation that I haven't felt before in my career. And, as I reflect back, I think that I'm just noticing it more now, than before. I'd be interested in hearing from other HR professionals who have felt this way and what strategies have they used to overcome this feeling. Thanks in advance for your help! |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/15/2007 1:22 PM EST
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Posts: 80
First: 12/4/2006 Last: 3/12/2007 |
In that I have no workplace relationships that are "non-professional" I guess I don't understand your problem.
Work is for work and I have cultivated non-work relationships that cause me not to worry about the things you address. Perhaps this is something that may work for you. |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/19/2007 6:27 AM EST
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Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
I think it also helps to get involved in a local professional group (possibly only HR)where you can find business peers. I am in a great group and I can't tell you how many times they have helped with knowledge and a listening ear.
I know that CEBS has programs throughout the country as does SHRM. Might be worth pursuing. Some churches/denominations also have business group breakfast/luncheons. It will make you feel less isolated anyway! rr |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/19/2007 11:53 PM EST
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Posts: 7
First: 11/12/2001 Last: 2/19/2007 |
There are times when I recognise that employee and even managers do not understand the purpose of HR. The key for me is that my immiedate boss understands. This is generally enough, perhaps you might consider some kind of education/awareness sessions for maangers/supervisors to help them understand the role of HR and what their role is in continuting to the process. Ultimately if they cannot see the connection to the business, you are beating a dead horse! |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/20/2007 12:16 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 2/20/2007 Last: 2/20/2007 |
At my current employer (heavy industrial/manufacturing), HR is not a business partner. The manufacturing process is expensive, equipment-intensive and dangerous. We don't have much to contribute (except for the safety group that is a subset of the HR department) - when employees screw up, we lecture them; when they really screw up, we fire them. In the meantime, we say "This is your health card and this is your dental/vision card. No, the one that says "Dental and Vision" is the dental and vision card. No, this one - see where it says "Dental and Vision?"
It's a very isolating experience - we have little to offer regarding the most important issues facing the company. At a previous employer (non-profit, health care), HR was much more of a player. We were involved in testing and recruiting the health care workers, maintaining licensures and obtaining certifications, along with the usual HR stuff. HR contributed more of value. So, I'm wondering if the issue is the type of company one works for, and the reality that in some environments (whether it's the company's products or philosophy or economic constraints), HR just isn't a business partner, isn't involved in the things that matter most to the company on a day-to-day basis. |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/20/2007 1:25 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 2/20/2007 Last: 2/20/2007 |
Good morning. I have read all of the replys to the original question and all make good points. I have been in the 'top position' in HR for the last 8 years of my 20 year HR profession. The culture of the workplace DOES make a diference as well as the industry. Geographical location can make a big difference too. And while it is important that YOUR boss understand the HR function, it is important that others, even hourly do as well. YOU have got to make the difference. Get out on the 'floor' and talk to people. Learn their names. Find out some personal info--especially about children. All parents want to talk about their kids. Make connections, you aren't paid to make everyone happy or 'make friends at work', but there is a difference in that and the feeling of isolation. Don't let yourself become isolated. YOU will be surprized when you make those efforts and connect, people will come to you when they need you. That is a wonderful feeling. Most of us got into HR because we liked and wanted to help people and/or make a difference in the first place. While you do have to harden a bit, don't become disconnected from your employees. It is not easy to find the time to do all this connecting, but you have to find time. I promise, it will help that feeling of isolation and do wonders for the company as a whole with the "trust issues" most of us have to deal with. |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/20/2007 1:33 AM EST
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Posts: 36
First: 4/4/2006 Last: 1/27/2009 |
Boo hoo, you're not invited to play. Well, you're HR and that means that you will rarely be popular. Popular isn't the goal of HR just as popular isn't the measure of success for a parent. Like parenting, HR's biggest contribution to an organization is ensuring ethics, justice and a healthy environment for growth in the workplace. That, as you've noticed, will bring you into periodic disfavor with employees and management alike. Neither of these "kids" will always get what they want because you settle their squabbles and guide them to that middle, ethical ground where real progress happens. So you're feeling isolated? Congratulations, you are doing a good job. If you ever get feeling popular, it's time to reassess your effectiveness or move into another career path. |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/20/2007 1:56 AM EST
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Posts: 2
First: 5/14/2002 Last: 2/20/2007 |
I can relate to HRDev. As HR Manager, it does feel as though the room goes silent when I come upon employees talking. I believe they see HR as the rule enforcer. It goes with the territory. Managers of other depts. (if they are doing their job), also can feel isolated from their staff. I understand HRPros position, but with all the time we spend at work, it is difficult to handle being the odd one out. |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/20/2007 2:07 AM EST
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Posts: 2
First: 3/5/2001 Last: 2/20/2007 |
JMcQuaid, I think you have been doing this too long. When you can be that cold about being disliked, there's a problem. I can understand HRDEV's situation, and while I am not condoning being everyone's best friend, it does make it easier to do your job when others understand and appreciate the work that you do. They may not like it, but there is a difference between liking and respecting someone's position within the company. HRDEV, you can only do what is right for you, and if you feel isolated maybe you can take the advice of some of the others out here who have given constructive and feasible options. |
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HR Isolation....Anyone?
posted at 2/20/2007 2:08 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 2/20/2007 Last: 2/20/2007 |
I can relate to your issues. Rather than pull away from relationships at work as some have suggested, I would encourage you to build stronger, deeper relationships at work.
If we truly want to be trusted (which is different from popular) employees, co-workers, etc. need to know us on a more 'real' level. Pulling futher away from co-workers will only itensify your feelings of isolation. Professional groups are great, but that doesn't really help your situation at work where you spend the bulk of your time. Best of luck with your situation. |
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