Croatia Debates: Is HR the Most Useless Job? Reddit Discussion Sparks Outrage
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A Reddit discussion in Croatia identified human resources (HR) as the most useless job, with many employees viewing it as a corporate function that protects the company rather than workers.
- Other frequently cited
A lively debate on the Croatian Reddit forum has pinpointed human resources (HR) as the most useless job, sparking widespread agreement among users who feel the department primarily serves the company's interests over employee well-being.
The discussion, initiated by a Reddit user asking "Which job/department do you consider totally useless and not worth existing?", quickly resonated with many. The original poster suggested HR, a sentiment echoed by numerous commenters. In an era of increasing AI in recruitment and company layoffs, employees often perceive HR as a detached corporate entity rather than a resource for workers.
Beyond HR, the thread highlighted other perceived redundancies. One user pointed to "Assistant to the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality" and similar "uhljeb" (a term for public sector sinecures) positions as entirely pointless. A humorous, yet telling, comment about a "worker at the BMW factory who installs turn signals" also garnered attention, leading to witty exchanges about the driving habits of the brand's owners.
Other professions drew criticism. Real estate agents faced flak for charging commissions from both buyer and seller, while notaries public were described by some as a "fusion of a quasi-state body and private business without any responsibility." Even teachers were debated, with some deeming them unnecessary in a system where parents have taken a more active role, while others passionately defended the profession, attributing educational shortcomings to systemic issues.
While the conversation touched upon various roles, the initial focus on HR reflects a global trend. The evolving function of human resources, with its emphasis on legal compliance and automation, can sometimes overshadow the "human" aspect of the job. In Croatia's often formal and hierarchical business culture, HR's role in conflict resolution and performance management can be particularly sensitive, contributing to the perception of its limited utility.
Which job/department do you consider totally useless and not worth existing?
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.