Helicopter Parents from an HR standpoint
In response to NPR piece titled “Helicopter Parents Hover in the Workplace”, found here .
The concept of “helicopter parents” is a new term, first creeping its way into college campuses and now into the American work force. Coming into prominence as Millennials in their early 20s are starting to enter the workplace, these types of parents (typically Baby Boomers) are more than ever likely to show up in their children’s place of work, “sometimes even phoning human resources managers to advocate on their child’s behalf”. In response, some companies have created policies where they are only allowed to speak to a prospective employee or a current one, while others have adapted to the change in culture.
Additionally, as the article states, channeling the parental energy is a good direction to go in. My question to employers is that unless you specifically train your recruiters/HR hiring specialists in this area, you open yourself for potential problems. My word is one of caution here. Explaining the company and the company hiring process is OK, but leading close to HOW the company makes a hiring decision is dangerous. Many of these parents are more well-versed in management and leadership than many inexperienced recruitment staff. Be cautious and if not qualified, do not have recruitment staff engage with parents. It is simple – you are NOT hiring the parent.