If you think the human resources department is there to protect you from your employer, think again. Human resources professionals are there to protect the company from lawsuits and ensure the company complies with state and federal regulations. Therefore, you need to be careful about what you reveal. Avoid making these statements to anyone in human resources, or you run the risk of bringing unwanted attention to your situation.
1. I Might Be Moving
If your spouse is looking for a job in another city, it's best to keep it under wraps until you know for sure what is happening. Otherwise, a worried human resources representative might see to it that you don't get a promotion or have the chance to handle new responsibilities. After all, why would your company promote you if you are only going to leave in a few months? Don't tell HR about a move until your spouse accepts a job offer and you know that you have to move to a new city.
2. I Have a Crush On ...
Unless your company has a policy requiring you to disclose romantic relationships with colleagues, do not share information about your romantic entanglements with the person in charge of HR. You should be judged on your talents, not your ability to form romantic relationships with other people in your company.
3. I Enjoyed My FMLA Vacation
Certain employees are entitled to unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. If you qualify for this type of leave, you can only use it in specific circumstances, such as when you are ill or when you have to take care of a parent with a terminal illness. One of the worst things you can do is tell human resources that you enjoyed your time off. Instead, focus on the fact that you are back at work and ready to move forward with new projects.
4. I Took a Second Job
If you take a second job, don't tell anyone in human resources about it. HR professionals have your company's best interests in mind, so there may be some concerns about how a second job impacts your performance. You also don't want anyone gossiping about your financial situation. The exception to this rule is if your company has a policy requiring you to disclose other employment.
5. I Sued My Former Employer
The human resource department has a lot of responsibilities, but protecting the company from lawsuits is one of the most important. If you mention a lawsuit against a past employer, your HR rep may take the comment as a threat, leaving you in danger of losing your job or being put on a performance-improvement plan.
If you reveal personal information to anyone in the human resources department, you need to be aware of the potential consequences. Human resources professionals are in charge of protecting your employer's interests, so don't reveal anything that could get you terminated.
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