Legal Question in Employment Law in New York
I belong to a temporary job-placement organization. I had a job-related problem that I e-mailed my HR representative about twice, but she has not answered me. I left a message on her voice mail and even resorted to e-mailing the president of the company for an answer to my problem. But neither has answered. Now the HR department is nearly 70 miles away from where I live and work, or I would have visited there in person.
I always thought HR departments were set up to help its employees with a myriad of work-related problems. All I want is the courtesy of an answer to my query; even a bull**** answer would do. My question is this: are companies not obligated to address certain problems and/or individual employees if they choose? What may I do to encourage a response?
1 Answer from Attorneys
HR is generally not there to help employees. They are the gate keepers. In other words, they keep you away from management. I am not being sarcastic. You should take up your issue with HR at the site where you are located after you try to resolve it with your immediate supervisor. Caution: if this is something that arises under the laws against workplace discrimination you should make sure that you document your concern as you attempt to resolve such (e.g. send a memo or e-mail as a follow-up to any conversation).