I've worked in organizations, large and small, private and public and come to believe a simple fact that when you get into some trouble with supervisors, colleagues or subordinates......

HR is not your friend.

HR is there to protect the smooth running of the organization, and the organization's best interests.

If you have discovered fraud or abuse that can get the ORGANIZATION in trouble, then HR may "want" to know about it.

If you have a problem that accrues to you, and you alone, then, (return to top), HR is not your friend. You may be confusing HR with your own lawyer, your mom, therapist or friend.

I'm sorry if I've offended anyone on this board but I see -- over and over-- tales of employees who got dealt a rotten hand of cards whose first step is to go to HR.

But HR is not your friend. And moreover, I think it's best to remember not to ever love something (an organization) that cannot love you back.