When workloads increase, HR hears about it. When managers avoid difficult conversations, HR is pulled in. When change is poorly communicated, HR is left to manage the fallout. When people lose trust, HR becomes the place where the pressure lands. This is the reality for many HR teams: they are expected to hold culture, risk, wellbeing, conflict, policy, employee relations and leadership support. Often with limited time and resource. But HR cannot be the shock absorber for the