First time for everything…

HR here; it happens to us, too.

After 3 years of pouring myself into a company, I was shown the door yesterday. While there, I created Employee Resource groups, handled benefits for over 600 employees, helped employees get raises when they were desperately needed, got two employees enrolled in university and fully paid for, started a recognition program, hosted mental wellness seminars… yadda yadda.

On Friday, there was a huge HR meeting where the team got together and talked about all the good that happened this year. I was “shouted out” several times during the meeting for work I’ve done. Even the CEO made comments about how my ideas were helping to shape the way we do things. I received glowing reviews from my peers and management.

And first thing Monday morning, I was exited for “restructuring”. Me, the lowest paid person on the HR team, the one that everyone went to for questions. Completely took me by surprise.

Anywho, all of this to say-

I’m HR and I am HEAVILY suggesting:

1. Take your PTO. If you have vacation time, don’t let it go to waste. It’s part of your total compensation.

2. Get everything regarding your employment in writing. If someone wants to talk to you on the phone, say something along the lines of, “Thank you for reaching out! Could we please move this conversation to email, as I don’t want any parties to have potential misunderstandings or miscommunication. Thanks!”

3. There are a few of us that you can trust, but generally HR is not to be trusted. They are there to protect the company from legal action. Some of us remember that “human” is part of our title and we’re there to support them, not the org.

4. Do not put anything in writing (email, chat, teams, etc) that you wouldn’t say in front of the CEO of your company. While it’s true that many companies really don’t watch your daily computer (there’s so much work involved), sometimes they’ll do spot checks and run messages through a program. Any words that prompt the program will prompt IT.

5. You do not have to give reasons for your PTO and/or medical leave. (This is a big one). Many people believe that you need to explain your short term leave or disability paperwork. You don’t. That’s between you, your doctor, and the leave administrator. Paperwork is filled out by your doctor, that’s good enough.

6. Do not walk out or leave a company under the assumption that you’ve been let go. ALWAYS have them put in writing that they are the reason you’re being let go. Without that, they can argue your UE case and try to say that you abandoned your job.

7. Please remember: no matter how good you are at what you do, you are an employee. A number on a sheet. Some (people) at companies genuinely do care, but the org itself does not. If they need to cut costs, they do not care who they’re cutting.

If anyone has any US, CAN, or UK HR questions, I’m happy to talk. It’ll break up the monotony of not having anything to do while I look for work.

Stay safe, everyone. And try and have the best holidays you can. Love and blessings.