...mentions power crazy HR people, getting rid of older workers, and the drawbacks of open space office concepts, among other things.
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/24/your_hr_department_doesnt_give_a_damn_how_corporate_overseers_exploit_american_workers_partner/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
Never was a fan of HR. Always seemed really nice to me, but I don’t think they were good for the company. Got married and really needed some help on benefits emailed my rep. plus two others. No reply. Luckily I had a friend in HR who eventually answered my questions. HRs hiring process was a joke. Worked as a civil outside of O&G before and the talent was much better there. Some of these kids engineers could barely use excel. Hiring of techs was even worse. HR put no technical people on any interviews. Just needed a pretty smile. Don’t get me started on HSE. Folks with no field experience, no heath safety, or environmental education background. All that being said, HR is slowing killing all companies not just SWN. It’s just the ones like SWN that give HR the most power die the fastest.
This thread in its entirety depicts sentiments of disgust among current and ex-employees toward the Human Resources group. While I haven't had any direct issues with the group, I do know people who have and I'm very much aware of the politics and the sensitivities going on in that dynamic.
It all stems from management. A poorly managed group with a history of attrition and dirty management.
It's hard to retain talent with this type of management
I couldn't agree more. Pat was a great loss, and so was Jenn Green.....and many others in the past 4-5 years. The irony is that all of them have gone to better structured environments and are now thriving in their careers.
The HR group is a corrupt and political sh--show. There are some great workers there who do the best with that they are given, but their leadership team is abysmal. It's no wonder Pat left in such a way that he did. They all call themselves by their self-applied acronyms, and the "HRLT" -- including "EDLP" and "SLR" cannot be touched. Formal complaints have all been made to the executive team, but thanks to close ties with Jenny and her friendship with Bill, nothing will ever change. The exec team likes to have little circle jerks about how great they are all doing, and the "HRLT" will not be brought down until it is phased out.
I remember a colleague of mine who was having issues with a manager and another colleague. She went to HR and put in a complaint. As a result, HR stepped in and ended up reprimanding (writing up?) the co-worker and manager who had been complained about.
I was told this by the employee after the incident had passed. The employee that had levied the complaint was not the easiest person to work with and often complained about others, but I think in this incident, she was probably justified in going to HR.
The result is contrary to what the other poster believes. In this case, the manager was not protected and the lower level employee was supported. Just because layoffs seemed to correlate with an HR experience doesn't prove that HR covers up for management. It was more likely coincidence; especially since almost half of the entire workforce was directly affected by the layoff.
I had numerous issues with HR, very pro managers, and when there is a complaint from an employee they ask you to come talk to them, but they really dont care. What they do is get enough information about the situation so they can figure out how to cover up for the manager or employee who has done wrong. Me and 4 other former employees complained numerous times about favoritism within the department and supplied evidence that supported our complaints. Only thing we were told was that they would look into it, and asked did we want to remain anonymous. When layoffs came around the ones that had a gripe with management and complained was gone, and the ones that kept quiet stayed. HR is truly out to help management stay clean of any wrong doings.
Is there an HR rep on every floor at SWN? I was just curious as to if they are part of the "team" or an outsider watching for wrongs. Do people at SWN view HR as a threat or as help? It seems like sometimes you only hear from HR when something negative happens and therefore the group is automatically viewed negatively. Do they walk around with arrogance like on a power trip? Just curious.
Nothing is truly "anonymous," particularly when details could pinpoint the employees involved. And to what end? The guilty parties will suffer no consequences as a result of being outed on this website. To those who have never encountered the problems listed here, good for you. Those who have, don't have to prove it for your personal gratification. Karma moves in its own time and in its own way. Absent leadership that sees and acts on the problems, that will have to suffice.
I never could determine from information in this thread what occurred with any VP, or how HR was inappropriate.
I on the same page with the other poster asking for details.
If you are here just to confirm a rumor you heard, provide the rumor and indicate it is something you heard and never encountered directly. If it is something you have first have experience with, share to the level of detail you were involved. This is an anonymous site. Open up with information, because for the number of years I was at SWN, all appeared good to me.
Also a long-time SWN employee here, and I'm happy for anyone who never encountered any problems with HR. But the specific people and issues listed here (not by me) are real.
"...no matter how egregious their actions and personal discretions with subordinates." Details?
My main gripe with HR is that it ignores complaints from employees and former employees about problem employees and problem execs. Those problem employees remain and it seems as though they have immunity no matter how egregious their actions and personal discretions with subordinates. It has gotten to the point where you can argue that they are now covering up for the particular VP in question.
Unless you worked in the HR group (note: past tense), HR was pretty transparent to everyone else. Otherwise, its pretty apparent that you have a more direct, personal gripe with HR.
Remember when SWN was $50+ per share... now $5? HR is probably last in terms of problems at SWN due to their importance and actual contribution to the company as a whole. They certainly have no relevance whatsoever in this downturn. They are like a luxury item similar to a gym membership. The pocketbook gets tight and the membership is the first to go. There are many smart people at SWN. Many are engineers, geologists, and landmen and are top of the line. They aren't there because of HR recruiting. Their managers and fellow staff recruited them...trained them...got them up to speed. When it comes to benefits I don't need someone to explain. I can do my own employee evaluations in my head and don't need a computerized evaluation system that the company probably spends money on...more than a rig move I'm sure. There are probably inhouse attorneys who would suffice when it came to specifics relating to employee contracts, job function, pay, I am sorry if I sound like a "Bob" but what exactly is it that you do here HR?
HR response:
We recruit, facilitate, and empower the employees of SWN to deliver highly productive results while staying within R squared boundaries.
Bob:
So you recruit, facilitate, and empower the employees?
HR response:
Well...no the managers and other disciplines do that.
Bob:
so you deliver the highly productive results from the R squared employees?
HR Response:
(Frantically) Well... No! We are people persons. We deal with the Damn people. Why can't you idiots understand!!!
It's the same person making post after post about HR. You can tell by the crappy writing style and consecutive posts. I've been at SWN 10 years and have never had, nor known anybody who has ever had any significant problems with HR and I know A LOT of people in every division of the company. If it wasn't for the annual compliance meeting, the employee survey and the occasional HR partner dropping by for a random meeting, you'd hardly notice HR exists at SWN (which isn't a bad thing).
The person continuously trashing HR on here needs to get a life.
There are definitely some problems and problem people in HR. However, there are a few truly caring professionals left who are doing the best they can with the hand dealt them. Kudos to those hard-working HR employees who are doing a difficult job under very trying circumstances. I hope you get better leadership at SWN or can find a better employment situation elsewhere.
SWN left it's "Arkansas rural mentality" in the dust years ago. The problems in HR are all "born" in Texas now with no chance of improvement as long as the present leadership remains in place.
I never had any qualms about HR, but never had to deal with them. So all of this observation being posted about HR is a mystery to me. Maybe more detail or specifics would open my eyes. But I never saw HR as a problem; at least not more than anywhere else.
Keep in mind, SWN still has an Arkansas rural mentality. If they continue to stay in business, the H/R Dept will improve. Very similar to Anadarko when they left Western Kansas.
Cleanup time, I guess. But, it will never happen. What a dichotomy .... HR is "caustic" !! Ha Ha
I suspected that department had issues, but didn't think the sentiments were this negative. I can see why though.... I've had very little to do with HR, but do think they can improve on the quality of the professionals there.... it is not a strong professional group... it's like the leftovers and not the brightest... Very sad. Hopefully, someone will see this and make the necessary changes.
I think that is a true statement. The Human Resources professionals should probably be the epitome and embodiment of professionalism, supporting and caring attitude. EDLP is awful as a person. I'm not surprised to hear that there have been documented complaints about her on the ethics line. I know a couple of folks who would have wished they did that.... but at the end of the day... what for ?? The smog comes from the top .... and until that smog is not cleared you will continue to have contamination and unprofessionalism.
It is very clear to us why this department has had deep attrition for along time. It has always been a revolving door, and it stems from it's management. EDLP and JM handle that group with their own personal interests at hand. I heard also that EDLP has been complained about but probably has never been approached about her abrasive and condescending and unhelpful approach. I don't think these are attributes that any Human Resource professional should display. I think this is a true statement.
I'm amazed at what I'm hearing here..... I never thought there could be such a big issue with this group !
It does seem to be an important group for the company though..... fix it !
I have heard SO much negative publicity about the Human Resource function at SWN... it's not even funny anymore. If upper management hasn't even addressed the very critical high level issues, never mind streamlining a functional group that like a decoration there ......
That department at one time worked, and had some talent.... what's left is trash.... the buddies...
You wonder who is in charge.. and why !!
The woman named Elizabeth who is also someone who worked with her in the past is the most rude and condescending person we have every known. She is responsible for a lot of the turmoil in that department. She needs to go ......
Unless you are a professional who wants to add value, be fair and work for the company and NOT your personal interests... you shouldn't be there.
This company is going through a huge transition. Some functions in the company are instrumental is making these transitions smooth. Not the case here.
Something extraordinary needs to happen here.
The HR Department at SWN definitely can use an overhaul. There are just a group of mediocre performers. All clicks for the older lady that was just promoted because she is Bill Way's friend from the past. Some things will never change....!