Working in HR in London is never dull. You’d think the biggest challenge would be hiring the right people or handling tricky workplace disputes. But speak to HR professionals across different industries, and you’ll quickly learn that the job is full of surprises - some hilarious, some heart-warming, and some downright bizarre.
People Will Tell You Everything
Aditi, who works in HR for a finance firm, shared, “You become an unofficial therapist. I’ve had people tell me things in interviews that they really shouldn’t - relationship troubles, family dramas, even a full breakdown of their latest health check-up.”
HR isn’t just about policies and procedures; it’s about people, and that means handling personal issues with sensitivity. It’s also important to help people boundary their own sharing, especially in settings where their nerves may make them overshare.
The Office is a Soap Opera
Working in HR gives you a front-row seat to workplace drama. “One day, I had two employees refusing to be in the same room because of a stolen sandwich,” said Mark, who works in HR for a tech start-up. “Turns out, it was just a misunderstanding, but it nearly led to an official complaint!”
Office politics are real, and HR often has to act as a mediator. The trick is to ensure people are treated as the adults they are, without letting drama take over.
Not Every Interview Goes to Plan
Elena, an HR manager in a marketing agency, recalled a particularly memorable interview. “A candidate fell asleep mid-interview. At first, I thought they were deep in thought, but no - full-on snoring! Turns out, they’d pulled an all-nighter cramming for the interview and had to get an early flight down from Aberdeen for it.”
It’s a reminder that job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but getting enough sleep is crucial!
Finding the Right People is Everything
One thing every HR professional agrees on is the growing need for strong office support staff. “We’re constantly looking for talented staff,” said Yusuf, who works for a legal firm. “Office support jobs in London are the backbone of many industries, and finding the right people for these roles is a top priority. But the most important thing is that they fit the business culture.”
The Little Things Matter
HR isn’t just about contracts and compliance - it’s also about company culture. “Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference,” said Louise, who works in HR for a media company. “I once suggested swapping instant coffee for a proper coffee machine. The difference it made on morale was quite staggering.”
Understanding what employees truly value can have a huge impact. HR are often close enough to the action to understand what employees really want in their workplace.
Temp Staff Are Game Changers
Many businesses rely on temp workers to keep businesses running smoothly. “We couldn’t function without them,” said James, who works in HR for a corporate events company. “Whether it’s covering maternity leave or handling a seasonal influx of work, temp staff are essential. That’s why working with a great recruitment agency like Love Success is so important.”
Working in HR is full of surprises, and no two days are the same. If you enjoy variety, problem-solving, and a fair share of unexpected moments, it’s a career that will keep you on your toes.
Find out more about HR jobs with Love Success.