When HR Goes Silent

It can be incredibly frustrating when you're in need of assistance and Human Resources goes silent.

Whether it's due to being swamped with other tasks or unclear about your expectations, navigating the lack of responsiveness from HR is challenging for most leaders.

HR professionals are often juggling multiple responsibilities and priorities critical to the business—from recruitment and onboarding to policy implementation and employee relations.

However, this doesn't excuse a lack of responsiveness when it comes to addressing your needs or concerns.

So, what can you do when you find yourself in a situation where HR is not as responsive as you'd like?

Here are proven strategies to consider:

1. Clarify Expectations:

Sometimes, HR's silence stems from miscommunication or maybe you were unclear about expectations. Take the initiative to reach out and be specific about what you need from HR.

For instance, you could say, "Hi [HR contact], I'm writing about my request for information about the new benefits package. I need to specifically understand the impact on XYZ on my current employees. Could you please provide an update on when I can expect to receive this information?"

2. Follow Up:

If you've reached out to HR and haven't received a response, it's crucial to follow up. Politely remind them of your request and emphasize its importance.

For example, you might send a follow-up email saying, "Hello [HR contact], I’m writing about last week’s request regarding the company's remote work policy. This is now urgent. Would you prefer a quick call to discuss, or is there another method of communication for follow-ups?"

3. Seek Alternative Resources:

If HR continues to be unresponsive, don't hesitate to seek assistance from other resources within the organization. This could include reaching out to your manager, a trusted colleague, legal, or another department.

As a leader, it's your responsibility to get resourceful and find solutions to move forward effectively.

4. Provide Feedback:

Consider providing constructive feedback. Be specific about the challenges you've faced and offer suggestions for improvement.

For instance, you might say, "Hi [HR contact/manager], I've noticed last minute due dates and then inconsistent or no communication from HR recently, which has made it challenging to keep my team on task. This has a tremendous impact on my team’s productivity. Open to discuss alternatives to improve collaboration."

And let's address the elephant in the room—complaining won't get you anywhere! Many leaders may feel dissatisfied with HR but opt for gossip over direct communication. It's time to put an end to unproductive complaint sessions and request the service you need to excel in your role—whether it's from HR or any other department.

I recently experienced this firsthand with a client, where endless complaints led to the loss of a great employee due to a failure to provide a timely counteroffer.

Ultimately, dealing with HR silence requires persistence and effective communication on your part.

You’ve got this.

With love,

Mari Carmen

P.S. Do you want to step up your persuasion and influence at work and beyond? Download the Ultimate Persuasion Blueprint, my free guide to mastering persuasion techniques and unlocking your full potential.