One of the things that strike me most in many organizations is that there is always a Us vs Them mentality between the staff and the HR department. Whenever, the employees speak of the HR department, it is always 'them. The opposite is also sometimes true.
Employees should realize that HR is for them and with them AND they too function in the confines of organizational objectives and restrictions. The HR department is not a policing department ( I sincerely hope no HR manager in this country is still playing that antiquated role!). Employees will have a better chance of getting what they want if the keep the following things in mind:
1. Be reasonable
2. Know that the grass is always seem greener the other side
3. Working with HR will take them further than antagonizing them
4. Take a keen interest in the workings of the HR department
5. Make it know to the organization that they expect nobody less than a world-class HR manager.
In the same breath, I also sincerely hope that HR will view their role in a different light. HR is often the first point of contact for the staff in dealing with higher management. Inevitably, HR is viewed as the gatekeeper of the higher management and trust becomes an issue. HR should be seen on the ground with the staff. Be with them, lunch with them. Be visible and be at close range.
It was never easy for the HR and it will never be with a workforce diversity that is mind-boggling. But don't for a moment negate the functions of HR. Companies will have to do that at their on peril.
