I just started my new role, and to add some context, our HR department hasn’t hired anyone in about five years, so I’m a completely new face to everyone in the other departments. I think an announcement email was sent out introducing me, but I’m not sure if it even included my job title.
A lot of people have been stopping me to ask how I’m liking the job or saying it’s nice to see a new face around. Then they’ll ask, “What department are you in?” When I tell them HR, I’ve noticed some interesting reactions. One person literally just walked away after I answered, and other times, when I’m in the cafeteria, I’ll notice people whispering afterward.
I think part of it is that I look really young, so people seem surprised when I say I work in HR. I also have a very colorful style, and I don’t really fit the typical look of the rest of my HR department. Whether that’s actually what people are reacting to or not, it’s left me feeling pretty isolated at work.
To add I came from a payroll and compliance back ground so I had to interact with staff a lot in a friendly way, I understand it the price of working in hr😭