Communication about people-related matters is a critically important function of human resources (HR), being one of the most effective ways to foster employee engagement and well-being. However, HR communication is currently not well understood. As the custodians of the employee-employer relationship, HR professionals and similar leaders walk a tightrope between the diverse needs and aspirations of the workforce and the strategic goals of the organization. In this qualitative study, we delve into the complex dynamics of this balancing act, by conducting 32 in-depth interviews to better examine the challenges, approaches, and implications of HR communication. Drawing on signaling theory, this paper also aims to explore the unique role and perspectives of HR professionals in crafting communication. By crossing goal orientation (organization or employee-focused) with the signal strength dimension (strong or weak), we develop a typology that organizes HR communication as sent out to employees. This paper contributes to HR scholarship and practice by providing a framework for academics and practitioners to better understand and guide effective HR communication with employees.
