Many people hold major misconceptions in the strategic Human Resources. According to Simon Constable who had years of experience in the field, those misunderstanding are just as likely in giant corporations, such as Google, Microsoft, or a smaller one.

Let’s learn how to speak “Human Resources”.

1. “WE HAVE GREAT HEALTH INSURANCE!”

When HR says: we have a great healthcare insurance. That may be true, at least on paper.

What they won’t tell you: The rules and paperwork required to successfully make a claim will likely change so frequently that you will have trouble keeping up. If you don’t keep up you will lose money.

Solution: Crowdsource from your colleagues on how to get paid.

2. “WE HAVE COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PROGRAMS!”

When HR says: we have a comprehensive benefits program; yes they probably are telling the truth.

What they won’t tell you: Taking advantage of it will take deep knowledge that you probably won’t have. Want to get that matching contribution for you alma mater, well first find the form, if you can.

Solution: If you are easily frustrated, forget those benefits exist.

See: Does your organisation have a language strategy?

3. “WE ARE HERE TO HELP!”

When your HR rep says: “We are here to help,” that is true. The real question though, is whom are they here to help?

What they really mean: We are here to help the company. If they do help you, then that is great, but it is not mandatory.

Solution: Keep this idea central in your mind when dealing with HR.

4. “THIS TRAINING IS IMPORTANT!”

When HR says this training is very important, it is, but overwhelmingly the benefits are to the company.

What they won’t tell you. Most mandatory training programs are primarily to protect the company. When you get trained on the government’s anti corruption laws (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.) that keeps the company out of trouble. If you slip up, they will say: “he/she knew it was wrong. S/he’s just a bad apple.”

Solution: Bump tricky decisions up to your boss.

5. “THE PERFORMANCE PLAN IS TO HELP YOU IMPROVE!”

When HR says you are being put on a performance improvement plan to help your performance improve. That may be true.

What they won’t tell you: It’s just as likely to be an exercise in gathering evidence to fire you.

Solution: Find a new gig.

See also: Is Google to be Blamed for a Portion of the Unemployed?