Head of HR annoys employees into quitting, becomes the HR problem herself: ‘She comes down on me for basically everything. Nitpicking little things, micromanaging…’

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Etai Eshet • Editor
Mar 26, 2025 9:00 AM EDT

HR is supposed to be the guardian angel of the workplace, the department that steps in when things go wrong—fostering fairness, accountability, and keeping toxic behavior in check. But what happens when HR isn't solving problems but creating them? When the person tasked with holding the workplace together begins unraveling it with micromanagement, favoritism, and bad emails, you get a department that's less moral compass and more spinning tornado of dysfunction.  

Imagine working under someone who treats every minor detail like it's a federal crime, while rewarding employees whose performance peaks at barely meeting expectations. Now throw in passive-aggressive emails, denials of promotions based on random excuses, and a track record of alienating coworkers who actually try.

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  • Resignations pile up, morale tanks, and still, those higher-ups, what are they good for? 

    absolutely nothing uhh. 

    It’s like watching a team of firefighters casually roast marshmallows while the building burns down. Meanwhile, employees are stuck either suffering under leadership that couldn’t care less or throwing themselves into a brutal job market, where ghost jobs and polite rejections are everyday hurdles.  

    When the toxic head of HR is somehow immune to accountability, you’re left navigating a workplace that feels like a never-ending obstacle course of frustration. The worst part is wondering how long it will take for someone, anyone, to notice that the person with the title "Head of HR" is actually heading the charge for causing everyone’s headache.

  • "When HR is actually the problem"

    "Multiple employees have resigned under this head of HR"
    via mediaphotos

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • I am doing my best to navigate my toxic workplace but I'm not sure even what to do anymore.
    via SendHalp664
  • I work for a midsized organization in the HR department for over 10 years and have performed above expectations
    via SendHalp664
  • throughout the years. Our new head of HR joined a few years ago and has made my life a living h_II.
    via SendHalp664
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    via aldomurillo

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • She and my direct manager (her manager) do not get along so by association, she comes down on me for basically everything. Nitpicking little things,
    via SendHalp664
  • micromanaging, favoring other employees that underperform but kiss a, sending ride emails (that I do keep), and lastly denying promotional advancement for me the
    via SendHalp664
  • last couple of performance reviews. Claiming that expectations are higher even when my manager and other advocates have vouched for a promotion for me.
    via SendHalp664
  • In the last few years, multiple employees have resigned under this head of HR and it baffles me that there's no recourse which stems from the systemic accountability issues at our institutions.
    via SendHalp664
  • Cheezburger Image 10485708032
    via SHOTPRIME

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • I've been applying to pretty much every role I can outside the company and have been getting rejected, the runaround, and sometimes even ghost jobs. The market
    via SendHalp664
  • has been tough and my mental health has taken a nose dive. I believe in myself that I will find something but it's getting really hard to navigate
    via SendHalp664
  • this toxic workplace in the interim. I'm on the verge of handing in my resignation with nothing lined up but I know that I'd be giving into it and giving up.
    via SendHalp664
  • Any best practices for navigating a toxic manager's manager would definitely help in this case
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  • TL;DR: toxic work environment, actual head of Hr is the problem. Not sure how to continue navigating it until I find a new job.
    via SendHalp664
  • rendar1853 Sometimes your health needs to come before a job. Can you use an employment agency to get casual work if you leave without another job.
    via rendar1853
  • I had to leave a toxic employer because my health (mental and physical) was being affected. Thankfully I had a new job within 3 months but that was 10 yrs ago, I know the market is different now.
    via rendar1853
  • Cold_Register7462 You are in a tough situation. HR is for the company, not you so don't expect help there. If you can find someone above her and her boss that can help, talk to this person. Above all, take care of yourself. No job is worth your health. IF you
    via Cold_Register7462
  • think it's going to get worse, go on medical/family leave/temporary disability to rest and look for another job. You have 12 weeks. I also did this as mentioned and felt great. Never returned to that job so I got
    via Cold_Register7462
  • fired and enjoyed unemployment for a short while. When i rejoined the workforce, it was a better job, better pay and nice people. Keep your chin up.
    via Cold_Register7462
  • semiotics_rekt if you have no experience in other divisions it would be tough to get a lateral move out of hr - the problem here is this toxic person will always be above you no matter where you are in the company and they have sufficient authority to chime in on your moves. they have denied you promotions.
    via semiotics_rekt
  • the writing on the wall is you have to leave the company - even if that person leaves on monday they have damaged your reputation by denying you promotions -
    via semiotics_rekt
  • so next manager comes in, it will be difficult to sway them from what was written in your file by the toxic manager vs what you will say.
    via semiotics_rekt
  • good luck in your job search hopefully something sooner than later for you.
    via semiotics_rekt

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management boss workplace-stories hr toxic-workplace manager bosses work PTO managers supervisor workplace Horrible Bosses work-life balance
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