Speaking with HR

Speaking with HR

A contentious issue in the corporate world, human resources is often seen as the mortal enemy of the rank and file - and for good reason: HR works for the corporation.

But sometimes the company's interests align with your own, and that's when human resources can help you.

So when should you go to HR? Let your jurisdiction guide you, but as a rule of thumb it boils down to legality: are you being asked to engage in illegal activity? Are you being harassed? Are you being discriminated against? Lawsuits and PR problems are incredibly expensive, and like everything else in this world economics rules the day, so the company will work within that framework.

Recognize that once you engage with HR, they are legally obligated to investigate, and one way or another your days at the firm are probably numbered... soooooo before you do anything, speak with a lawyer.

Let me repeat that:

SPEAK WITH A LAWYER

A competent attorney (more on this below) can help you understand your rights and define a course of action.

For the young people in the audience, hire the best legal advice you can afford, not the most reasonably priced. I recently hired a $400/hour associate employment attorney to save a few bucks... After I fired him, the $1000/hour senior partner was a bargain at more than twice price. A competent attorney can help you get what you want i.e. a severance package, legal protection, etc. and is more than worth the price.

You might have a case. You might not have a case. You might have a case, but decide not to follow through (career implications are a bitch). Whatever your decision, make it an informed one.