As the former Microsoft VP of HR I can assure you that HR is not your friend. Here’s where you should go instead if you’re having workplace issues.

• Chris Williams is a former VP of HR at Microsoft and podcaster, consultant, and TikTok creator. 
• He says it’s important to remember that HR will always prioritize the company’s interests. 
• Williams shares where you should turn instead when you have the urge to go to HR. 

When you have a conflict at work, it can be hard to know where to turn. Whether it’s a personal disagreement with a colleague, problems with a micromanaging boss, or even fear of looming layoffs, you may feel like unloading your worries to someone.

I’m the former vice president of human resources at Microsoft and I can tell you it shouldn’t be HR. 

HR is not your friend

Do not see your team’s HR representative as a friend. It’s easy to see them as one — they’re right there, they are a people person, and they will listen. But simply put, HR is not your friend.