Are HR Roles Really as Monotonous as They Seem? How Do You Keep Things Exciting?

Dear all,

A lot of my friends say that HR people lack the entertainment value and are frustrated in life. The reason why they feel that way is that they do the same work every day, and there is absolutely no challenge. Somehow, over a period of time, even I am feeling the same way that life is becoming less challenging, and I am burning out fast.

I would like to invite your views on the topic. Is this really true? If yes, how to overcome all this?

Love you guys.

Regards,
Vishal

Hi Vishal,

I'd like to suggest to you regarding the statement that HR people are boring. The statement you made is incorrect. The major challenges faced in the organization are often attributed to HR professionals. Nowadays, HR managers are very concerned about issues such as attrition rates, workforce diversity, innovation, and various other aspects. With these challenges at hand, the key problem lies in the necessity for HR professionals to be proactive, well-informed, and adaptable, as they are not engaged in routine activities. Their role involves managing and interacting with people rather than other assets of the organization, and given the dynamic nature of individuals, the role of HR is constantly evolving.

Another point to consider is the perception that HR professionals lack entertainment value. I cannot provide a definitive opinion on this matter as I am a student and not extensively knowledgeable about it. It's important to acknowledge that the concept of entertainment varies from person to person rather than from department to department.

I hope this response addresses your question.

Regards,
Jayavel.K

I think Jayvelk has made some good points in their answer. Few top people will say that when the employees are happy in an organization, then HR is also happy. From what I have observed in the organization, I don't believe that HR professionals feel bored with their work or lack entertainment. If their job was boring, the outsourcing of HR tasks would have increased. The pressure on HR has definitely increased due to the need for more people-oriented growth in every industry for self-improvement. HR faces many challenges and experiments, and if a company is running smoothly without any people problems, it is mainly due to HR's control and influence. There are many aspects to discuss about HR and the interesting work they undertake.

I disagree with the notion that HR managers are boring. As a manager, I always try to put a smile on people's faces. Human beings are proud animals that need constant appraisal for every positive effort. So, if your employees are properly informed, they will be successfully transformed. My belief is that there is no problem without a solution; this applies to all facets of life endeavors, not only HR managers.

Thank you.

I have never heard any such statement. I second everyone... HR managers can't put up a grim face because they have to retain and motivate. I'll run away from the company if my boss is like that. 😜 And entertainment value? Lol... you mean like singing and dancing? 😂 Hihihihihi... sorry... couldn't resist. The HR manager where I worked was charming and smart. He always made it a point to say good morning with a huge smile to everyone he met while coming... and I guess was liked by ALL (I don't know about his entertainment value), but I guess there is no way that statement is true. Hey Vishal, who told you this?

No - HR people are not boring. There is plenty of diversity in what we do. In the last 18 months, I have worked on projects related to recruitment, Occupational Health and Safety, injury management, disability, as well as the routine aspects of HR practice. I love it! Previously, I worked in middle management/senior management and spent a little time in executive roles. That was all good too, but HR has been great. I don't think I'm regarded as boring, and my colleagues certainly aren't. Enjoy what you do - be proud of it!

Well, to me, it depends much on the organization itself. If the organization does not have a vision and your HR department is merely doing administrative work, then I may agree that you could get into that boring zone.

In general, I wouldn't say HR is anywhere near boring; in fact, it is the most interesting journey being an HR practitioner. For one, it is about life - the life of an organization. You know, the "people make the organization" kind of saying.

I've been involved in recruitment between 1986 and 1992. The things we learn or experience in doing these functions involve getting the 'right' people into the organization, trying to fit the right people into the right positions. This is a challenge in itself; there's nothing boring about recruitment. You need all the analytical skills to understand the job specifications and the personnel specifications before an interview. During the interview, I always look forward to meeting the next candidate to see whether the next one could be 'the one.'

From 1992 until 1996, I was involved in developing and implementing an HR system, another interesting area where we worked towards deadlines, managed data flow, and looked at how HR functions were being translated electronically.

After the project, I started training people on how to use the system. Training is another interesting area where we need to learn techniques for imparting knowledge, not just on the system but also in HR. I did this for 2 years. Then came the Y2K issue. In HR, I was involved in Business Continuity Planning where the criticality was very high - ensuring the payment of salaries and providing HR services to our customers.

In 2000, I was again involved in recruitment, which I initially thought was a boring area (having done it before), but it excited me as people were becoming more intelligent. Candidates were focusing on quality, and I started learning more about people from all walks of life.

Now, I am in the discipline section, which again is very interesting. Understanding labor law and collective agreements presents a new challenge.

My work has made me an interesting person with so many things to talk about. Sometimes I may seem boring to certain people because all these years in HR have allowed me to 'know' people much more. I have become a better judge of people by their looks.

So, hop on the wagon, join HR, learn about ourselves. It's worth it, and most of all... have fun!

Hi,

I have also come across people from other departments who say that HR is 'Unproductive,' but I have not heard it being described as boring. If a person is judged as boring or a snob, it is due to their personality and not the influence of the job.

I am not very sure about HR in the resourcing department, but I can definitely talk about myself in Core HR. Here, whether you like it or not, you have to be good to people and put on a smile.

I have a lot of respect for HR, not just because I am in the HR department, but for the kind of personality they are required to have. I always compare the job of HR to the role of a MOTHER.

A mother, even before giving birth, has to be pure. In the sense that she feels that any negativity in her actions or thoughts might affect the baby. She has to be careful because her baby's security is at stake. Similarly, an HR professional has to maintain a pure mind because any negativity towards the company will reflect in their work, affecting the overall environment.

Day in and day out, HR professionals have to resolve issues, make the workplace a better environment, ensure everyone is happy, and their needs are met – just like a mother cares for her children.

A mother should strike a balance between her true self and the role she is expected to play. She might feel like partying or going out with friends, but she realizes that innocent eyes are waiting to see her, play with her, and love her. Similarly, an HR professional may have thoughts like confronting their superior for a raise or breaking the rules, but they must remember that others look up to them as mentors since HR is responsible for people's careers.

One common aspect between them is that while they may have many people in the world, they are the world to somebody.

I am sorry if I am being too emotional, but I couldn't control it.

Regards,

Soumya Shankar

Dear Soumya,

Thank you for your effective views and the encouragement for people who are burning out. My views were based on what I felt on the job and some of my friends who commented on it. I still have a long way to go to fully understand HR. Keep up the good work by posting such nice comments.

Regards,
Vishal

Hi!

It all depends on how you tend to perceive a person as a professional. I may seem boring to you; I may be pleasant and exciting to somebody else.

You may wish to analyze:
(1) Your Perception,
(2) Your Expectations,
(3) Your Learning & Experience,
(4) The Environment,
(5) The Work life,
(6) The Various Pressure Groups,
(7) The Psychological and Behavioral aspects of 'HR Professional,' etc., before concluding if someone is 'Really' boring or if it is a question of 'Perceptions' and personal points of view.

I am just giving you example cases. Please try to compare these professions with that of HR. Accountancy & Finance Control, Civil Engineering, Molecular Biology Research... can't you find 'boring' professionals in other fields by your own yardsticks?

Well, if you have noticed, we are 'Human' Resource professionals. At times, one can tend to be really boring. I agree! They exist in all other professions.

Have you read articles of Sunayna (She's in HR)? Hey Sunayna, can you forward your Sardaar jokes page please? 😏

Dear Soms, I could not resist differing on just one aspect. I fully agree with you, but beg your pardon for saying that an HR Professional could be a 'father' also (like me). 😄

Heartiest regards,

thesysthink

Dear Vishal,

You have already received several contradictions. But my focus is somewhat different. Challenge-seeking is an unhealthy predisposition. Instead, cultivate:

1. Maturity,
2. Wit,
3. Humour,
4. Creative intelligence, and
5. Diffusability (ability to diffuse tension, within and without).

Second, birds of the same feather flock together. You have boredom-susceptible friends too. Join those who are contradicting you here.

Regards,
Jogeshwar

Hey all,

Hi thesysthink, thank you. I guess Vishal should check out the humor section. There are some really fun stuff by HR people. 😄

Hey Soumya, it's okay. Even I couldn't stop being emotional. 😉
And Soumya and thesysthink, let's settle. HR people are like parents, rather guardians. 😊

Hey Vishal, HR, according to me, is the best among all. Compare it with finance. Though marketing seems glamorous, it's real hard work at the start (or so I've heard, and it's vast).

IT, I like too, but then again, it has its own downfalls. So unless you get to be the boss, HR is pretty good. What say?

Dear Sunayna,

Thank you. Even I posted a Humor Article today. (Till now, I was just a silent visitor in Humor)!

And Dear Soumya, that was just a joke. (I really understand how it feels when we try to do something good and are treated always as second citizens in the organization.) But I always try to start any post with a smiling face. Yes, Sunayna - We are Guardian Angels. 😈 😱 ❓ 😄

Marketing is not at all glamorous. This I heard from my good friends who are marketers now. Yes, one aspect is there that I wish to point out - HR is often underpaid compared to their counterparts.

Sunayna, what about Pic Humor's like this one?

Regards,
thesysthink

Ya, that's what I meant. Marketing looks glamorous from the outside but isn't really well. Cheers and welcome to the active Humor section. We are looking forward to more articles and fun stuff. I think picture messages are real fun; after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. However, it takes a lot of time to upload, so I stay away from them. Vishal, do tell us your worries; there are a lot of people who will help.

Hi Vishal,

Those individuals who work in the HR area focus on human issues as they confront the interface between human beings and elements of a company. How could that be boring? We confront as many opportunities as we do humans; we're all different, aren't we?

I often counsel new MBA candidates on areas of opportunity.

I have maintained for the last three years or so that the pursuit of HR—especially in areas of both Organizational Development and Organizational Behavior (or Behaviour, if you choose the alternate spelling)—offers a true, longer-term, stable, and focused future with a fairly well-defined career pathway.

Within the next 10 to 15-year horizon, any type of HR position in which there is to be a moderated or modulated interaction between humans and companies, humans and company departments, or humans and other humans, offers great opportunity.

Burnout? In Organizational Behavior, we study a variety of methods to avoid/reverse burnout, and not only counsel others in those methods but utilize them ourselves!

One caveat I would offer is this: anyone active in HR areas must be what we used to call a "people person"—an individual who appreciates and embraces the human elements of interaction.

To have someone in an HR position that does not immediately appreciate human foibles, instantly and correctly assess human opportunity, and consummately enjoy human interaction demonstrates poor positional placement on the part of the employer.

As to being boring, I don't see myself as boring at all. Others don't call me boring. Friends don't call me boring. Clients don't call me boring, and they pay my fees—generally on time. I know a host of HR people, and I don't think I've ever thought of them as boring.

Hm. I'll take a poll of my friends and see if anyone thinks I'm boring. I'm sure that will be a truly scientific poll. I'll get back to you and let you know the result. Or perhaps I should publish it as a study and sell the results.

All kidding aside, no, I vote that HR people are not boring.

Alan Guinn, Managing Director (not a boring MD)

The Guinn Consultancy Group, Inc. (not a boring company)

Dear Alan,

Well said. I think HR is the only perceivable arena of management in which we (HR) professionals are expected to show respect towards human dignity, understand and respect individual differences, have some element of ethical perspectives, and be expected to have a sense of justice. 'On the record,' these are parts of our KRA. It's just my opinion.

I do a lot of grievance counseling, and it's really satisfying to hear from people that, "alright, this fellow is unable to solve my problems as of now, but at least he's trying to share my burden." It pays for itself. If I'm boring, who will care?

Also, if you are an HR person, your behavior will be noted even outside the organization. This may not be true for a finance guy or an engineer.

I was just wondering, can we get any such lab in any other profession where we learn so much about human behavior - the most unpredictable facet of life!! (Alan, do you use T-Groups and Grid OD's?)

Regards,

Thesysthink

Dear Alan,

Please get back to me with the results. I am very happy that people are giving their point of view on the topic. Thanks to all the participants of the discussion.

Regards,
Vishal

Hi Vishal,

This is not true. Burning out has nothing to do with the HR function. Neither is the generalization that people in HR are boring.

Interestingly, the amount of networking HR does these days is higher than or close to that done by Sales.

Difference - Sales does it with a vested interest; HR does it to share and learn. We need to bring in a culture of networking aggressively and for a reason, keeping relationships and deriving value from the other while giving value as well.

For example, I have written this email to you. You have the opportunity to find out what I do, and for me to know what you do. There could be a job opportunity waiting for us on either end. There could be a piece of information that we need which is urgently required, etc., or there could be something as simple as friendship or a long-term association.

Being boring is down to the individual.

HR activities may seem mundane - there are issues here. 60% of HR time goes into HR Admin activities. This needs to stop. For this, HR has to improve processes and take aid of software which allows them to then focus on strategic activities more.

Keep in touch and rejuvenate yourself by seeing if there is a better approach. The greatest people are those who adapt to the changing environment and tackle it likewise.

Dear Friends, Namaskar.

I am unable to find consistency when Vishal says that there is no challenge in his life, and on the other hand, he says, "that is the problem I am the boss...so I have all the worries in the world."

However, boredom susceptibility is one of the four components of Sensation-seeking personality. The other three are adventure-seeking, disinhibition, and experience-seeking. Boredom susceptibility may also be due to a brainwave anomaly, predominantly desynchronized theta (4 to 8 cycles per second).

Regards, Jogeshwar

Dear Dr. Mahantha,

I am very thankful to you for following through the discussion. May I request you to please post your views on the topic in simpler language? I am finding it difficult to comprehend your views. Please allow me to grasp your knowledge so that I can find solutions to the issues.

When I said that I felt burnout, it was just an expression. I wanted to know what others thought about the issue. As human beings, people tend to lose focus, so I think there is nothing wrong with me losing a little bit of focus. That's the reason I actually started the debate - to know what people thought of my views. I hope you got my point. We can still discuss the issue as the forum is open.

Regards,
Vishal

Dear friends and Vishal,

Namaskar.

The above quote is from a post of CHR. So, those who have not noticed and think that citehr is merely a discussion community are missing the real goal, the altruism. My posts are always prepared keeping this goal in mind, and I shall continue to do so within the limit of my capability.

However, to be helped, one needs receptivity as well. The qualities required are the ability to comprehend, memory, intuition, tenacity, and non-complacency.

Vishal, if you are unable to comprehend any of my posts, you are most welcome to seek any number of clarifications, but you must be sure that you really need help. Otherwise, it will just be a waste of time and energy for both of us.

In this thread, I have posted only two messages. One is remedial, and the other is descriptive. Without altering the messages, I can clarify them as lucidly as you like. That is absolutely not a problem, but are you sure you want to be helped?

If you are certain about seeking help, I will ask just two questions in the next post. Please answer honestly.

Regards,

Jogeshwar

Dear Vishal,

Here are two questions. Please answer honestly.

Q. No. 1. Between the following two desires, which one are you inclined to choose?
A. Let God descend to my side.
B. Let me ascend to the side of God.

Q. No. 2. Reviewing your life till date, by and large, do your inclinations resemble which desire in question No. 1?

Regards,
Jogeshwar

Dear Dr. Mahantha,

My simple request was that you use simple English and not technical jargon so that I am able to understand what has been posted by you and, if applicable, benefit from that. There was nothing else to it other than that. So please use simpler language so that everyone benefits from your views.

Regards,
Vishal

Dear Vishal,

Can you find a simple word for brainwave? Can you find simple words for brainwave frequencies? Can you find simple words for sensation-seeking?

I have told you that I can clarify things for you as clearly as you like. It seems this offer is not acceptable to you. So, I am disappointed. Goodbye.

Regards,
Jogeshwar

Let's try to keep things pleasant on the board. Remember this is a knowledge base, and messages will be read by many in the future. Keep discussions focused on the topic and do not retaliate with contempt regarding any query.

An appropriate reply to this would have been asking Vishal what he's finding difficult to understand.

I personally do not see any reason to get mad or hurt over a simple request. Again, we need to clarify what exactly is difficult to understand.

Please try to be a little more polite with other members. We are not here to prove anything; rather, we are here to share whatever knowledge we have.

Thanks and regards, CiteHR Admin

Dear HR Admin,

I was finding it difficult to understand the lot of terms used in the discussion by Dr. Mahanta, so I just requested for a simpler version of his views, so that the discussion I started proves profitable to me. I am sorry if he is offended, as he seems to be a valuable contributor.

Regards,
Vishal

Dear Vishal,

I was finding it difficult to understand the lot of terms used in the discussion by Dr. Mahanta, so I just requested for a simpler version of his views so that the discussion I started proves profitable to me. I am sorry if he is offended as he seems to be a valuable contributor.

Honestly speaking, I am not at all offended nor was there any reason for you to feel sorry. It was a question of getting something going. You wanted it in a way that could have been convenient for you, which I found was not possible for me. So, I suggested an alternative. This was not convenient for you, so I expressed my inability. That is all. So where is the question of offending and feeling sorry?

So far, I do not think that I am a "valuable contributor."

Regards,
Jogeshwar

Dear Manager,

Namaskar.

Thank you for your interest in the psychology of boredom. I shall discuss the topic here in detail. We may have email communication on the areas that do not come within the purview of these forums.

Regards,
Jogeshwar

Hi all,

"Do you agree with the notion that H.R. people are boring?"

Answer to the above: No, I don't think they are boring. I have noticed, though, that some people are making personal remarks about other members on the board. I believe that should not be done. Instead, if you want to address something personally to a member, it would be better to send a personal message.

Oh ho, I sound more like a legal person by the post I drafted—not at all like an H.R. guy, right? 😈🤣

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I have corrected the spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in the provided text. I have also ensured proper paragraph formatting and line breaks for better readability. Let me know if you need any further assistance.

Dear Colleagues,

This issue of boredom seems to me to be a very relative thing. I think it depends on the disposition of the personality saddled with the task of Human Resources within the system.

I strongly believe that HR is one of the most versatile careers/professions anyone can take up. This is because it involves human beings, who are expected to be dynamic in everything they do.

In line with the above, it is the duty of the HR person to ensure that he/she is not boring in the first place, let alone affecting others with this feeling.

Most times, I advise HR practitioners to get involved in seemingly related tasks around the office. They could serve on the Marketing Committee, Project Coordination Committee, Event Management duties, and more.

In addition, HR tasks are so interesting on their own that if they are well understood, the HR department would be the envy of every employee in any given company. These tasks range from Welfare through to Diversity Management, Compensation Administration, Alert Scheduling, Employee Development/Training, and Employee Relations/Arbitration.

The bottom line, I believe, is that whoever occupies the position of HR at any particular period will determine the rhythm, velocity, and tempo of how it affects the general pool of staff. For me, I am a very vibrant practitioner.

Thanks.

Dear Vishal,

There is boredom in every function and in every discipline. It is up to the concerned person to make his/her profession exciting and interesting. Boredom is not in the profession but within the self. Let me give some examples.

A salesperson may feel that his profession is the most dull and boring job as it involves a lot of travel and interaction with people. Now, look at the other side of the coin. Another individual may feel that traveling provides an opportunity to visit different places, and interacting with various people is like reading different books, which is quite interesting. It is only the perception of people who don't understand the true value of the profession.

I don't know whether I conveyed the message to you or not, but I hope you will get it.

With regards,
Amar.P

Well, I certainly think that the role of HR is most challenging. People in other departments may perceive the role of HR as a mundane job, but there's much to it. Firstly, I believe that HR represents the people of an organization; hence, it's the duty of HR to mind his/her behavior and attitude. So if people perceive an HR to be boring, it's the HR's duty to project himself/herself in a livelier and more positive manner.

Secondly, the roles of HR are changing. HR is moving more towards attaining a strategic role in an organization. This means it's not enough for HR to have good communication and people skills; they need to clearly understand the business. If you do not know what business your company is in, how would you attract skilled people to join your organization? Therefore, HR professionals have to understand the business, attract talent, retain critical employees, train them, instill enthusiasm about their jobs, and establish a connection between employees and the end customer.

I do believe that the role of HR in many companies is restricted and not well tapped into, but things are changing in favor of human resources. Any business, whether explicitly stated or not, is always people-centric.

Hi Vishal,

The question posted by you has probably been worded wrongly - does "BORING" refer to the work content or the professional individually?

Terming the HR profession as boring isn't right by any means because with HR gaining importance as a Strategic Business Partner in today's knowledge-centric technological era, the avenues and scope for work have increased tremendously. Gone are the days when HR used to be a dull and boring profession. I see it as the most vibrant and creative area of work today. I'm not saying this just because I'm passionate towards my profession and my job, but that's what I've experienced and seen. The difference this function can create in the lives of people is beyond measure. A well-led, strategically functioning, highly charged-up, and talented HR team can bring an upturn in a slow-moving organization, and on the other hand, a poorly managed HR department can be the cause of the debacle of an organization too!

With such stupendous power, do you still feel HR as a profession is boring?

You could probably say that P&A activities that are part of HR are boring, but not the entire HR. And if we talk about today's robust HR, it's by no means boring.

But it depends to a great extent on the kind of organization you're working in, the team around you, the scope for HR, support by top management, and your own passion and love for the profession.

Regards,

Swati

Hi Swati! 😂

My views are not towards HR profession, but towards the people who practice the profession. Moreover, dear, it was just an expression which might have turned into a belief if people like you and others had not posted their precious views.

Keep up the good work! 😂

Regards,
Vishal 😎

Dear All,

I do not agree with this, as boredom can be denoted as a personal trait of HR professionals who deal with the functions of HR in an unpleasant manner. Otherwise, HR people are the most pleasant individuals, as they are the ones newcomers, existing employees, and employers feel comfortable with when they face a problem or issue and discuss it easily.

Since the role of HR is not limited to hiring, firing, or recruitment only, as HR professionals are the ones who develop the culture of an organization that is acceptable, adaptable, and flexible, how could such people be boring when change is involved at every stage and in every role they take on?

In keeping with the above, HR professionals understand the psyche of employees and employers, so it is their way of tackling matters while knowing the business strategy and being a partner in the solutions of an organization in a positive and productive way.

So, I do not agree with the notion that HR people are boring individuals.

Regards,

Anjum Saba