I went to university for HR and one of the biggest concepts they emphasized was the importance of remaining neutral, since HR guidance can affect the entire workplace. We were also taught that part of our job is to protect the organization from lawsuits, so always do the right thing. But as soon as I entered the workforce, I learned very quickly that companies will ignore your advice and order you to do illegal shit. Miserable, toxic workplaces.. I have worked for good workplaces as well but moved on to social work as I find it much more fulfilling.

As an employee, the only time HR is on your side is when you are the revenue stream and your skills are rare.

Why are we disparaging rats in such a grotesque manner?

Always remember: HR is there for the company, always the company, never for you the employee.

A free rat? I feel better already

But remember if you ever use those rights we'll look for any reason to fire you then no one will hire you because you'll be known as someone that sues your employer (I have no anecdotal evidence, I just feel like I've heard people talking about it before. Might just have been online conspiracy)

Unions are the only helpers in the corporate system

I know this is a typical meme, but to be fair,
In the 6 companies I've worked in so far, I never saw the case of HR pretending to be anyone's friend in order to screw you.

It was always clear HR is there to enforce procedures and legal compliance, occasionally organize trainings, and not much more than that.

I had a boss say the line 'we're a family here' and I could not contain myself. I laughed so hard. He ended leaving for another job that paid more so who's laughing now. He had literally no idea what my job title was or my role. We were a department of four. That guy was fucking awesome.

This is why I'm in a union. I don't always find it entirely helpful, but at least they have to toe the line.

A family is a group of people you're forced to be a part of that expects you to drop everything at a moment's notice and help them with minimal compensation if any.

That's exactly how your boss wants you to view the company.

Human resources? is this a cannibalism thing?

I mean, that boss is based.

During the hiring process at one of my old jobs I asked about a line in the contact/policy that said we can't talk about our salaries with our colleagues, which is a right protected by labour laws, and the HR woman literally said "wow are you really gonna be that guy" And this was a medium sized business. Fuck HR.