HR Is Not Your Friend: 66,000 Reddit Stories Reveal Corporate Nightmares

Over 66,000 comments flooded in after a simple question was posed on Reddit: "What's the worst 'HR is not your friend' story you've witnessed/experienced?" The thread, posted by user u/ceowin, has garnered more than 24,000 upvotes, sparking a massive global conversation about the toxic reality behind human resources departments.

The Dark Reality: Reddit HR Is Not Your Friend Stories

According to Forbes contributor and former Fortune 500 HR specialist Liz Ryan, the primary role of HR in many organizations is not to advocate for employees, but to keep the company from getting sued. The stories shared on the platform illustrate this conflict of interest vividly. From employees being framed for reporting illegal wage theft to victims of sexual harassment being fired just days after filing a report, the consensus is clear: HR's loyalty lies with the company's bottom line and upper management.

• Breach of Confidentiality: 'Anonymous' surveys frequently reveal identities, leading to retaliation for honest feedback.
• Exit Interview Tactics: HR reps pressuring departing staff for their next employer's details to potentially sabotage them.
• Weaponized Gaslighting: Employees reporting issues often find themselves labeled as 'hostile' while abusers are protected.

The original poster, u/ceowin, explained that the idea for the post came after an uninspiring job interview. They noted that HR often feels like an 'unfortunate necessity' that exists solely to ensure compliance with upper management's desires and legal regulations. This sentiment resonated with thousands who shared experiences of being low-balled on raises or being ignored during legitimate health crises.