It used to be that all employment was "at will." The Boss could hire and fire "at will."
But then an increasing number of laws emerged. Anti-discrimination laws concerning race, sex, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender presentation, disability, veteran status, body size, hair style (e.g., the Crown Act), etc. And laws concerning family leave, grievance leave, pregnancy, emotional support animals, hostile work environments, etc.
Hiring, firing, promotions, office attire, work schedules, holiday parties, conversations among employees ... everything is a potential lawsuit.
HR is needed to navigate the minefield that employment law has created.
“””””HR is the result of Employment Law.”””””
That is the way I have interpreted it since the government took it over in the 1960s, as the government rules grew, it took it farther and farther out of the bosses hands.
HR is used to exacerbate the minefield that employment law has created.
Ever notice that laws are made by lawyers, prosecuted by lawyers, and judged by lawyers ... with lawyers defending those who run afoul of the laws? We have government of the lawyers, by the lawyers, for the lawyers.
I know that but they got too much power and have abused it. When it comes to hiring they are inept, unqualified and unethical.