Is it appropriate for an HR Manager to be included for feedback in a peer review?

Anonymous

June 28,2023 at 3:54PM UTC

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Is it appropriate for an HR Manager to be included for feedback in a peer review?

Recently, our HR Manager was asked to provide feedback as a part of my annual review (peer review structure), and I wanted to know how common that is at other businesses. The feedback wasn’t bad or anything, but I had the understanding that HR is typically a neutral party. Is that typical?

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AnonymousJune 28,2023 at 4:07PM UTC
Not uncommon from my perspective (HR), but depends on the specific situation. Did you work with this HR manager on any sort of project over the course of the year or an ongoing working relationship with this individual?
AnonymousJune 28,2023 at 4:24PM UTC
I haven’t, which is mostly why it struck me as odd. Thank you for your perspective!
AnonymousJune 28,2023 at 5:40PM UTC
Yeah - if you haven't had direct, ongoing interaction over the course of your work, in projects or whatever, basically - HR is viewed from a distance for you - then I'm not sure why their feedback would be included in your peer review.
AnonymousJune 28,2023 at 5:43PM UTC
I might assume that maybe there was a complaint lodged against your manager, and HR is sitting in to ensure "fairness" or that they don't do what they were accused of during the session.
If this is the case, they need to monitor ALL review sessions, not just yours.
AnonymousJune 28,2023 at 8:07PM UTC
Just because they sat in doesn't NOT make them still neutral. But keep in mind HR isn't necessarily neutral, but to be fair and consistent in regards to policies. If there's an issue on either side of the table prior sometimes having that 3rd party is beneficial, don't think it would always be the employee and not the leader either.
AnonymousJune 30,2023 at 1:58PM UTC
It depends what your job responsibilities are. For example, if you are a people manager and you worked extensively with HR over the past year on hiring or personnel issues, then it makes complete sense that the HR manager would be an appropriate peer to provide a 360 review.
Krystin MorganJune 30,2023 at 5:32PM UTC
This!
AnonymousJuly 1,2023 at 7:50PM UTC
It is not unethical because if you cross over with them or have any interaction then its valid input. HR/People Ops should remain neutral in situations where there is conflict not be completely opinionless.