Navigate Workplace Challenges: When and How to Involve HR

Every professional encounters problems at work, but knowing when and how to escalate an issue to Human Resources (HR) can be complex. This comprehensive course, "Dealing With a Problem at Work: When and How to Involve HR," is your essential guide for employees, managers, and anyone seeking clarity on HR's role within an organisation.

You may have a vague idea of HR's administrative tasks and their general purpose to support employees, but this course will answer key questions: What can HR help you with? When should you escalate issues to HR? And crucially, when should you not involve them?. Understanding when to involve HR starts with understanding the role that HR serves.

Uncover the multifaceted role of HR, from staffing, employee benefits, and internal relations to enforcing compliance with workplace safety and labour laws, and providing professional development and training opportunities. Understand that HR ultimately supports employee needs and happiness as a function of supporting the greater health and well-being of the company.

This course clarifies specific situations where HR involvement is appropriate and beneficial:

• Questions about Compensation, Job Descriptions, or Benefits: Get clarity on your 401k, the process for requesting time off, or other employee perks.
• Reporting Illegal Conduct: Immediately report cases of discrimination, sexual harassment, non-compliance with safety regulations, or any other dangerous or illegal behaviour. HR will investigate the claim and take appropriate action. Be prepared to share details like who, what, when, and where you witnessed or experienced it.
• Needing Special Accommodations: If personal or health issues impact your work, HR can work with you to find solutions, such as shifting working hours to accommodate doctor's appointments.
• Seeking Professional Development: Explore resources for training, educational opportunities, conferences, or even work with HR and your supervisor to create an action plan for pursuing internal promotions.
• Unresolved Issues with Co-workers or Managers: If you've tried everything within your power to resolve a significant issue that is negatively impacting your work, then it might be time to approach HR. However, approach HR by asking for strategies you can use to handle the situation more effectively, focusing on what you can change rather than complaining about or badmouthing the other person.

Equally vital is understanding when not to involve HR:

• Minor Complaints: Avoid complaining to HR about other people if the issue isn't illegal, such as a co-worker's tardiness or a boss's communication style. It's better to talk to the person directly first; HR should be your last option for mediating disputes.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Don't go to HR expecting them to take sides, solve all your problems, or always do what you want. For example, if asking for a raise, you should back your request with strong reasons, specific examples, and research.
• Before Helping Yourself: As a general rule, always try to find solutions on your own first. Consult your employee handbook, consider how your own actions might contribute to the problem, and ask yourself if you've tried to resolve the issue independently.

Finally, master the best practices for approaching HR when you do need to involve them:

Empower yourself to navigate workplace challenges with confidence and effectiveness. Enrol now to gain the knowledge and strategies to optimise your interaction with HR and contribute to a more positive and productive work environment!