When you are sick, you go to the doctor who prescribes medicine. You need to submit your prescription to the pharmacy; the pharmacist dispenses it to you. Sounds simple, right? HR seldom gets a bad rap for being only on the company’s side, and not on the staff’s side. Sometimes, the HR function is seen as the department that hires, disciplines, or enforces rules. It’s often thought of as purely administrative or just another cost to the business, and mostly – “nah, anyone can do it”. Or, what is it that keeps you so busy in HR? But the role of Human Resources goes much deeper —and is an essential part of how an organisation functions and grows. It makes me think of a pharmacist who receives your prescription and issues you your medicine. There is much more to it: It is understanding the human body and functions, drug interactions and dangers, legislation around prescription, advising you on the correct usage of the medicine, and ever so often catching a doctor where they made mistakes on scripts…. HR plays a strategic role in helping the company achieve its goals by supporting one of its most valuable assets: its people. This means taking the organisation’s mission and vision and translating it into people plans that align with operational needs. HR practitioners need to understand the business environment, anticipate challenges, consider the financial impact of people-related decisions, and ensure that policies and processes comply with legislation and support company objectives. HR also works closely with management to plan workforce needs, support project teams and managers, and assist in developing talent within the business. This includes everything from recruitment and onboarding, to learning and development, to ensuring fair and consistent practices are in place across the company to name a few. It’s true—HR works for the organisation. But so does everyone else. HR is part of the team, working alongside all departments to offer support, guidance, and perspective. We often assist in navigating complex situations, resolving issues, and supporting both individual needs and companywide priorities… like the pharmacist whose role is more than just dispensing your medicine… HR does not make final decisions on matters such as promotions and increases. Our role is to advise, recommend, and ensure decisions are made responsibly and fairly. So next time you say“ssshh...HR is coming,” think of it as an opportunity for collaboration, support, and a shared focus on helping both people and the business thrive.