Why HR (and Employee Relations) Equals Public Relations

HR is a public relations role.

Yes, I realize that most people disagree with me on this thing. They see PR as the people who send out press releases to try to get a new product promoted and to offer hapless executives as guests on podcasts. But, what is public relations other than dealing with the public?

Some directly and some indirectly.

Recruiters work with people outside the company every day. Remember, it’s not just about “talent acquisition” where you just pluck a new candidate off the shelf and slot him into the job as an accountant; it’s about representing the company as a place that this person would want to work. It’s about showing non-employees (AKA the “public”) that your company is a great place to work. It’s brand-building at its best!

But what about other HR jobs? An employee relations specialist or a business partner meets with internal people only. They don’t need to worry about what the public thinks, right?

To keep reading, click here: Why HR (and Employee Relations) Equals Public Relations

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4 thoughts on “Why HR (and Employee Relations) Equals Public Relations

  1. This is so true. I never thought I’d be in sales, marketing or PR, but here I am trying to build and market a brand to make my company a top choice for candidates. It helps that we have flexible schedules, a good work/life balance, and hire teammates, not just employees.

  2. This is so true. I never thought I’d be in sales, marketing or PR, but here I am trying to build and market a brand to make my company a top choice for candidates. It helps that we have flexible schedules, a good work/life balance, and hire teammates, not just employees.

  3. I think the World would be a far better place if everyone assumed — at all times — that they were being recorded, and acted accordingly.

  4. I have never thought about Human Resources as a Public Relations position, but that is exactly what it is. From the moment a potential employee discovers a job opening to the day that employee leaves the company, they will interact with HR. I agree that it is so important to have an employee that not only represents the company well while at work, but also on their own time. I work for a small private Christian Liberal Arts university that is located in a small town. My parking sticker and license plate displays the name of my employer and even when I am not at work, I feel that those in public expect me to act a certain way. I probably shouldn’t flip someone off when I am cut off in traffic (I wouldn’t anyway) or steal someone’s parking spot at Walmart because a quick glance at my back window will tell them I work for a religious institution. To some extent, every employee should feel they are part of the Public Relations department.

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