Communicate With HR Without Raising Red Flags

Communicating with your human resources department can be tricky. There’s a lot of uncertainty about how and why to communicate with them without raising the eyebrow of your supervisors. Whether you are looking to be at the forefront of the latest internal job leads or just looking to establish a working relationship with your HR department, communicate effectively — and safely — with a few of these techniques.

Keep it professional and light

Just like with any professional relationship, keep the conversation light and work-oriented. Discuss the company and how you could be a better employee. Suggest small changes or refer an acquaintance to a job listing posted in your company. This will gain a level of trust and integrity between your relationship with your HR department.

Don’t gossip

Gossiping about your boss, other co-workers and the company’s performance is one of the worse things you could do when communicating with your HR department. Although they might seem like regular co-workers to you, they still have a job to do, which is to continuously uphold the structure and values of the company. Gossiping about others or your disgruntled attitude about your position could raise a red flag.

Ask pertinent questions

Keep in touch with HR and ask questions about the company itself and what you can do to be a better employee. HR monitors the intentions and desires of company employees. The department can note your interest in certain areas, your suggestions, and your ambitions, which will keep you top of mind if something great comes along.

Don’t communicate just for job leads

One of the biggest mistakes employees make when communicating with HR departments is reaching out only for job leads. HR might have an open spot to consider an inside employee, but if you are only contacting them for a lead on another job in the company, this could raise a red flag that could potentially make it to your boss.

Keep them aware of your progress

Keep HR aware of your progress on the job, particularly when you’re handling a major project. It’s something to be noted in your personnel file. Advancing on the job short-term could produce long-term results.

HR will not override your boss

In most matters, like layoffs and probationary periods, your supervisor will always have the upper hand. Human resources monitors the goings-on in the department, but cannot override many of your supervisor’s decisions, unless there is a big issue at hand, like sexual harassment or illegal practices. So don’t go running to them to force your boss’ hand on something because it’s probably not in their jurisdiction.

Remember to give and take

Part of the job of an HR professional is to find great candidates for the company to hire. By referring a friend or co-worker to a job and helping HR with complete their job, this could get you on the right side of their radar. Remember, every working relationship should be give and take.

Give company accolades

Human resources departments love to hear that employees value their time at the company and are in agreement with what the company is doing. When communicating with your HR, praise the company on its performance and how you enjoy your time as an employee there.

Don’t assume confidentiality

When talking to HR, don’t assume that all of your issues will be kept in confidence, especially if you are discussing your grievances with your boss. Before taking it to HR, air out your concerns with your supervisor first, unless it’s something more serious like sexual harassment in the workplace. For these matters, human resources shouldn’t be your first stop.