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Why You Should Be Friends With The HR Department

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The typical perception of HR is, unfortunately, based on little more than that we hire and fire.  Don't get me wrong, my profession does have its fair share of being the bad guy - when we are in "grim reaper" mode, or have to enforce the dress code policy, or push managers to enforce disciplinary actions when needed.  But there's something important for any employee at any organization to know: We do so much more!

"HR professionals have evolved from the behind-the-scenes administrative role of the 20^th century to active involvement in shaping company policy." - Society for Human Resource Management's handbook, "Choose a Career.  Choose HR."

Many people that choose to make their career in HR do so because of their interest in people and how employees relate to a business' success.  I know from experience that at MCPc, our HR department is genuinely interested in the people who work with us and what makes them tick.

Rather than talking to the HR team only when you have a question about your benefits, I recommend that you "make friends" with the department.  Here are three reasons why:

• One of the key functions of an HR department is to act as an advocate for the employees. We are the messengers between management and "the people." If you want your opinion to be heard, give us some feedback. We want to hear from you and for you to help us understand how to make the workplace a more productive, enjoyable and welcoming environment.
• HR has the ability to change things. We write the policies, correct? So, if you can articulate how a flex-time policy would benefit the company or think a particular manager needs to work on their delivery, tell us and we'll make sure the right people hear about it.
• We tend to be quite honest. HR representatives are fortunate enough to be privy to company information that some people don't have the opportunity to hear regularly. Join us in the lunchroom or stop us in the hall for a quick chat and ask us about what you want to know. By learning more about the company and its goals, you may find new ways to advance your career and the business.

My first manager out of college used to scoff at new graduates who would answer "I like people," when asked why they chose a career in HR.  I mean, with all the millions of personalities out there, people can be challenging, complex and even a little crazy. 

But what I've learned throughout my career is that at the core, people are interesting and truly are the greatest asset that any company has.  By giving your HR department a chance to get to know you and understand your needs and goals, they'll have the opportunity to make new policies that improve company culture and provide more value to employees at all levels of the organization.   

The MCPc HR Team on Tropical Hawaiian Friday

Now, I realize some of you reading this may not be used to an HR Department like ours at MCPc that knows how to have fun and even be silly at times but we are a reflection of our culture (or maybe our culture is a reflection of us).  Sure, we know how to adhere to policy and play by the rules but we're not your average HR Department. We are truly interested in the well-being of every single person who works here and we try to have fun every day in addition to working hard. 

It's like my Dad always says, "If you can't have a few laughs, it's not worth getting up in the morning."     (Happy Fathers Day Dad!)

Ok, so before I get too off track... when are you going to take that trip to the HR office and reintroduce yourself?

Beth Stec is VP of Corporate Communications and Human Resources at MCPc, and is responsible for the development and management of personnel programs and policies. Connect with Beth on LinkedIn.

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