I was asked, “Aunty, I’m planning to pursue an HR degree. What should I expect from this line of work?”
Ngl, HR is not an easy career.
You will quickly realise that HR is actually a very unpopular job.
Employees will sometimes accuse you of being biased towards the company.
And honestly… they’re not entirely wrong.
After all, HR is employed by the company.
But… to protect my employer, I need to make sure we are treating employees fairly, following the law, and doing things properly.
In fact, one of the pivotal SMART goals I’ve given my HR team is this: ZERO ESCALATION to Industrial Court.
At the same time, HR is also responsible for making sure the company remains sustainable and profitable because if business fails, nobody has a job anymore, right anot?!
I mean… it’s really a tricky place where HR constantly has to balance between people, business, and compliance.
Employees want empathy.
The business needs results.
And compliance demands consistency.
If you do decide to pursue HR, expect to become a problem solver, a mediator, an educator, and occasionally… even a punching bag!
Yes, it’s an unpopular job, but it can also be an incredibly meaningful one if you do your job properly.
You can create opportunities for people.
You can protect someone from unfair treatment.
And you can build a positive work culture.
So despite all the headaches, I’d still say go for it!
Happy weekend, everybody. Be fair to the employee.. Be fair to the employer too. But remember, a company made up of unhappy employees is a company with bigger problems waiting to happen.
Think about it.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
