“You’re way too friendly to be in HR.”
If I had a coin for every time I heard that — I’d probably still be in HR, but with a much bigger coffee fund.
The truth is, this phrase is often said with a hint of surprise — as if Human Resources must always be cold, distant, or intimidating. But in reality, friendliness in HR isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength.
Gone are the days when HR was only seen as the policy police or the department that shows up when someone is in trouble. Today, HR is the bridge between people and purpose. It’s about trust, empathy, listening, and building a culture where every voice is not only heard, but respected.
I’ve always believed that the role of HR should feel approachable. Employees should never be scared to walk into the HR cabin or drop a message. In fact, they should know that HR is their safe space — someone they can talk to when things go wrong, when things go right, or even when they just need someone to listen.
Friendliness doesn’t mean lack of professionalism. It means knowing how to handle sensitive situations with compassion, ensuring policies protect people and the company, and encouraging a culture where transparency thrives.
Being kind, warm, and approachable is not a liability — it’s the future of HR. And if being “too friendly” is the critique I get, then I wear it as a badge of honor.
Because HR is no longer about fear. It’s about trust.
“You’re way too friendly to be in HR.”
If I had a coin for every time I heard that — I’d probably still be in HR, but with a much bigger coffee fund.
The truth is, this phrase is often said with a hint of surprise — as if Human Resources must always be cold, distant, or intimidating. But in reality, friendliness in HR isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength.
Gone are the days when HR was only seen as the policy police or the department that shows up when someone is in trouble. Today, HR is the bridge between people and purpose. It’s about trust, empathy, listening, and building a culture where every voice is not only heard, but respected.
I’ve always believed that the role of HR should feel approachable. Employees should never be scared to walk into the HR cabin or drop a message. In fact, they should know that HR is their safe space — someone they can talk to when things go wrong, when things go right, or even when they just need someone to listen.
Friendliness doesn’t mean lack of professionalism. It means knowing how to handle sensitive situations with compassion, ensuring policies protect people and the company, and encouraging a culture where transparency thrives.
Being kind, warm, and approachable is not a liability — it’s the future of HR. And if being “too friendly” is the critique I get, then I wear it as a badge of honor.
Because HR is no longer about fear. It’s about trust.
