Being in roles that require us to be multiple things to multiple people - like disciplinarian and coach for those in Human Resources - can be challenging. HR folks have to constantly balance the interests of both the company and the employees within it, which aren’t always aligned. In fact, they are often in opposition. Pile on top of that, impressions employees have of HR, built upon negative experiences and assumptions of their motives. Employees’ mistrust of HR poses a real challenge in providing them with support.