How do you deal with unprofessional HR?

Asked by: Ozella Hand  |  Last update: November 21, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (75 votes)

What if HR is the problem?
  1. Inform yourself. The best thing to do before taking any actions or making decisions is to ensure you have all of the necessary information. ...
  2. Gather evidence. ...
  3. Make a formal complaint. ...
  4. Speak to the head of HR. ...
  5. Consult your manager. ...
  6. Reach out to others in the organisation. ...
  7. Consider outside options.

What is unprofessional behavior in HR?

Descriptions of unprofessional behaviour should be included in organisations' human resource policies as misconduct or serious misconduct and treated accordingly. Unprofessional behaviours include: • bullying or intimidation. • sexual harassment. • threats of violence, revenge or malicious legal proceedings.

What happens when you complain to HR about your manager?

HR may ask you to change specific things to help resolve issues. Keep in mind that it's possible your manager only gets a slap on the wrist, and nothing changes, or it's only temporary. You might regret saying anything to HR. Some managers will hold a grudge and treat you poorly afterward.

What to do when HR is unethical?

What to Do If the One You Need to File a Complaint Against Is HR
  1. Follow your company policies.
  2. Determine whom HR reports to.
  3. Gather as much documentation as you can.
  4. Investigate making a claim with the EEOC.
  5. Consider whether you should speak with an employment attorney.

What should you not say to HR?

1. Never tell HR about your long term career plans. 2. Never tell HR about your interest to pursue higher studies. 3. Never share any information about your efforts to attend other interviews. 4. Never share your opinion about your colleagues or superiors. 5. Never share your family problems with HR.

How to Deal with Difficult People | Jay Johnson | TEDxLivoniaCCLibrary

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What is illegal for HR to do?

It is illegal to harass an employee because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

What words does HR not want to hear?

General negative words – These include words such as words such as “no”, “can't”, “couldn't”, “didn't”. It really is true that hiring managers do not want to hear the word can't.

What does bad HR look like?

HR Never Says, “We need to ask the lawyers” HR sends you unqualified or inappropriate candidates to interview. HR gives you blank stares when you talk about the business. HR always seems to agree with you.

What is misconduct in HR?

Misconduct is when an employee's inappropriate behaviour or action breaks the organisation's rules.

What to do if HR is treating you unfairly?

If you are being treated unfairly in the workplace, there are a number of steps you can take in order to protect your rights:
  1. Document The Unfair Treatment. ...
  2. Report The Unfair Treatment. ...
  3. Stay Away From Social Media. ...
  4. Take Care Of Yourself. ...
  5. Contact An Experienced Lawyer.

Can complaining to HR get you fired?

You may not be fired for making a complaint (whether to your own HR department or to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) about harassment or discrimination in the workplace; for participating in an investigation of these issues; or for exercising your rights under these laws (by, for example, requesting a ...

How do you tell if you are being treated unfairly at work?

Some common signs of employment discrimination include the following:
  1. Unequal treatment. ...
  2. Offensive comments or jokes. ...
  3. Exclusion and isolation. ...
  4. Retaliation for reporting discrimination. ...
  5. Disparate impact. ...
  6. Lack of diversity. ...
  7. Inconsistent application of policies. ...
  8. Harassment.

Who is above HR in a company?

What Is Above HR in a Company? In a larger organization, HR managers and administrators may report to the HR Director, Vice President of Human Resources, or Chief Human Resources Officer. These senior HR executives support a company's growth through its personnel and oversee HR department functions.

What is negligence in HR?

It refers to actions by the employer that lead to loss, theft, injury, death, or other kinds of harm. Good examples include: Failure to conduct background checks on violent employees. Providing employees with faulty equipment. Management politics that cause injury or harm to workers.

How to deal with unprofessional conduct?

How to deal with unprofessional behavior
  1. Set clear expectations. ...
  2. Give clear feedback. ...
  3. Try to find the root of the problem. ...
  4. Explain the consequences. ...
  5. Treat all employees the same. ...
  6. Create a plan of action. ...
  7. Monitor progress. ...
  8. Listen to employee feedback.

What is an example of disrespectful communication?

For example, cutting people off as they speak, dismissing ideas without listening to them, facial expressions that express contempt and even eye rolling. Disrespect is communicated in all of these subtle, nonverbal ways (and more). It doesn't take words and it can be just as damaging.

What is unfair disciplinary action?

Unfair disciplinary actions are those that are disproportionate or unjustified given your employee's behaviour or performance. They fall outside your established, documented procedures for disciplinary action, or are inconsistent from how you've dealt with similar cases in the past.

What does insubordination look like?

However, here are some common examples of behaviors and actions that could be classified as insubordination: Refusing to follow a direct order from an authority figure. For example, an employee might refuse to complete a task assigned to them by their manager. Disobeying company policies or procedures.

Can I terminate an employee due to lack of work?

Yes, employees can be laid off due to a lack of work if the company cannot provide sufficient opportunities. In such cases, an in-person discussion and layoff letter should be given to the impacted employees, outlining the reasons for the termination and any relevant details.

What scares HR the most?

When faced with employee misconduct issues such as workplace discrimination or harassment, even the most sensible HR practitioner can feel vulnerable or uncertain.

What are the illegal HR practices?

What Employment Practices can be Challenged as Discriminatory?
  • Discharge, firing, or lay-off.
  • Harassment (including unwelcome verbal or physical conduct)
  • Hiring or promotion.
  • Assignment.
  • Pay (unequal wages or compensation)

What to do when HR is the problem?

What if HR is the problem?
  1. Inform yourself. The best thing to do before taking any actions or making decisions is to ensure you have all of the necessary information. ...
  2. Gather evidence. ...
  3. Make a formal complaint. ...
  4. Speak to the head of HR. ...
  5. Consult your manager. ...
  6. Reach out to others in the organisation. ...
  7. Consider outside options.

What can HR legally say about you?

Employers cannot make statements that are malicious in any way. They cannot provide unsolicited information about you or your job performance. They cannot make statements about your beliefs, such as politics or religion, or make statements about your union activities.

Can a manager override HR?

The head of HR usually reports to the CEO, so unless it's a position high enough that the CEO is personally involved in the hiring process and can override HR, there's nothing you can do.

How do you tell HR you are struggling?

It's entirely up to you how much you want to disclose - you don't have to "name" your condition but be careful about words like “stress” which can mean many different things and is often misinterpreted. If you have seen your doctor, and have a diagnosis, then let your employer know you are ill.