Working in HR means being part therapist, part lawyer, part referee—and occasionally, office magician. But if HR could wave a wand and make everyone instantly understand a few key truths, here’s what would top the list:

1. We’re Not Out to Get You

Seriously. We don’t wake up excited to write people up or sit through awkward conversations. We really don't care enough to spend our time thinking up ways to destroy someone's life. Our job is to protect everyone, not play favorites or be the "fun police."

2. We Can’t Fix What We Don’t Know

Telling your coworkers you're unhappy doesn’t count as a formal complaint. We need real info, not vague hints or third-hand gossip, to actually help.

3. We Have to Follow the Rules—Even If We Wrote Them

Yes, we know that policy feels annoying or overly specific. Yes, we still have to enforce it. No, we can’t make exceptions just because you “thought it didn’t apply to you.”

4. We’re Not Your Therapist (But We Wish We Could Be Sometimes)

We care, we listen—but there’s a limit. Personal problems? We’ll point you to resources. Emotional support? We’ve got empathy. Life coaching? That’s extra.

5. We’re on Your Side—Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It

We’re trying to keep the workplace fair, safe, and sane. That means having hard conversations, saying “no” when needed, and yes, sometimes enforcing consequences. It’s not personal—it’s the job.

Bottom line: HR isn’t just here to file paperwork and plan retreats. We’re here to support people and the business—and we’d love it if everyone understood that a little better.