Why Doesn’t HR Get The Appreciation It Deserves?

Study finds lack of understanding and appreciation for HR in Canada

Human Resource departments are considered the backbone of many Canadian organizations, as they deal with the company’s most important and valuable resource – its people. From making sure employees are paid on time, to answering countless employee inquiries, HR plays an essential role in ensuring company success. 

While HR experts recognize the importance of this function, a recent survey from ADP Canada and Leger found that HR is often overlooked and, in many cases, underappreciated by the everyday office worker. 

More than 1,000 working Canadians participated in the survey – sharing their understanding of HR in the workplace, HR’s roles and responsibilities and even how they react when receiving a call from HR.   

The findings of the poll were interesting, in fact, our results highlighted that Canadians are taking their HR teams for granted - with one-third saying their HR person or department is underappreciated in the workplace.

So, why is HR so underappreciated? 

Feelings of under-appreciation could stem from a lack of understanding of HR’s role within the organization. Nearly two-in-five (39%) of respondents admitted they have no idea what their HR person or team does every day.

More than a third (37%) of those surveyed believe the primary responsibility of HR professionals is recruiting and hiring, while 20 percent feel HR’s primary function is to oversee payroll and benefits.

While these tasks are certainly an essential part of HR’s duties, few recognized HR’s other important functions like fostering employee morale, performance management, recognition, training and development, and implementing workplace policies and mechanisms to protect employee rights. This lack of understanding signals that there is an opportunity for organizations to do a better job at communicating the value and impact of HR’s role. 

Nearly half (45%) of our survey respondents indicated that when receiving a call from HR, they believe they are going to be told about staffing changes. Ontarians and those aged 45-54 are most likely to think they are getting in trouble, while people in British Columbia tend to think they’re getting recognized for their good work. 

Interestingly, the study also revealed that Canadian workers are keenly aware of HR’s importance, with the majority (63%) of respondents believing that if their HR person were to suddenly leave, there would be at least some impact on the organization.  In fact, 25 percent of those respondents, believed it would be a big impact. In addition, 43 percent of respondents felt the role of an HR professional has become more difficult in the last five years, while only nine percent believe it has become easier.

In today’s politically astute environment, the role of HR must address the needs of the complex workforce.  Now more than ever, financial acumen and sensitivity are a need-to-have in the HR toolbox.  As a result, the role of HR continues to evolve and becomes increasingly demanding.  

Now more than ever, it’s important to recognize the value that HR brings to an organization. 

There are lots of easy ways to show your HR rep that you value their role in the organization: 
 

Learn more about the HR Appreciation contest.