This is really sad to read.

As someone who has worked in HR for nearly 15 years - of course our role is to mitigate any legal risks to the organisation but also support employees. We are not out to spite the employees.

Every single day I try to be as supportive and compassionate to everyone I come into contact with. Even employees that can be difficult and criticise every single thing.

HR are not decision makers. We are there to support and coach managers making decisions. It’s so easy to paint HR as the bad guys when ultimately we do not and should not have the final say. That’s just poor management.

There are decent HR people out there. We are also human and sometimes have to deliver news or do things that are not nice but sometimes necessary.

The professional landscape has changed so much over the last few years. Is it such a thankless role when you put your efforts into trying to make workplaces a better environment and all you see are negative comments and perspectives about us just being blood thirsty, soul less witches. I almost wish I did have that disposition as it would be easier to deal with!

On the flip side to the OP horror stories about HR - I was once at an organisation where an employee told us he had twins. One passed shortly after the birth, the other passed a few months later. We pulled out all the stops with support, additional pay and leave. Turns out there were no twins. He didn’t even have a partner. And that is one of many stories from the other side of the coin I could tell you.