What People Think HR Does vs. What HR Actually Does: The Truth Behind the Role

"Employees leave managers, not companies."

We’ve all heard this saying.

But who works tirelessly behind the scenes to create a culture where employees thrive and managers succeed?

It’s the HR team.

Human Resources is often misunderstood. Many think HR only focuses on hiring, firing, or organizing office parties. In reality, HR professionals are the architects of an organization's culture, the champions of employee well-being, and the driving force behind talent development.

This article dives into the common misconceptions about HR, reveals the reality of their impactful work, and highlights how tools like Tap My Back are empowering HR to create better workplaces.

What People Think HR Does

1. “They just hire and fire.” Many believe HR is solely responsible for recruiting employees and letting them go when things don’t work out.

2. “They’re the rule police.” HR is often seen as the enforcer of company policies—restricting creativity and fun.

3. “They organize office parties.” While HR might oversee employee engagement events, they’re not just event planners.

4. “They’re there to protect the company.” Employees sometimes think HR only exists to shield the organization from legal trouble or employee complaints.

What HR Actually Does

1. Building a Thriving Culture HR is the guardian of workplace culture. They design strategies that promote inclusivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

2. Championing Employee Well-Being HR focuses on mental health, work-life balance, and overall employee wellness to ensure teams remain productive and motivated.

3. Fostering Career Development From personalized training programs to mentorship opportunities, HR plays a pivotal role in developing employees’ careers.

4. Managing Organizational Change Whether it’s a merger, restructuring, or a new business strategy, HR ensures smooth transitions while keeping employees informed and engaged.

5. Facilitating Continuous Feedback HR helps build a feedback culture where employees feel heard and appreciated.

How Tap My Back Helps HR Create Awesome Workplaces

HR’s role is evolving, and technology plays a crucial part in supporting their responsibilities.

Tap My Back is an employee engagement platform designed to empower HR professionals to excel in their roles.

Here’s how:

1. Recognition Made Easy Recognition drives employee engagement. Tap My Back allows HR to implement peer-to-peer recognition systems where employees appreciate each other’s contributions, fostering a culture of gratitude and collaboration.
2. Pulse Surveys for Real-Time Insights HR no longer needs to wait for annual reviews to understand employee sentiment. Tap My Back’s pulse surveys offer real-time feedback, enabling timely interventions and informed decision-making.
3. Customizable Badges for Engagement Celebrate achievements aligned with your company values using personalized recognition badges. This not only reinforces the culture but also creates a fun, engaging atmosphere.
4. Anonymous Feedback for Authentic Insights Employees can share their honest opinions without fear, helping HR identify challenges early and address them effectively.
5. Analytics for Informed Decisions The platform’s robust analytics give HR actionable insights into employee engagement trends, enabling them to refine strategies and improve workplace morale.
6. Automated Celebrations Never miss an employee's milestone. Automatic birthday and anniversary reminders add a personal touch to workplace interactions.

HR: The Heart of Every Organization

HR professionals wear many hats—culture shapers, conflict resolvers, career developers, and wellness advocates. Their work often goes unnoticed, but the results are evident in every thriving organization.

With tools like Tap My Back, HR can go beyond traditional roles to create an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated. Recognitions become seamless, feedback becomes constructive, and workplace relationships grow stronger.

"Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to." —Richard Branson

Let’s Build Something Awesome Together

Is your HR team ready to break myths, create impact, and redefine workplace culture? Explore how Tap My Back can support you in building a workplace where everyone thrives.