Overall agree, but it IS company/institution specific.
In all companies I personally worked on, HR is... neutralish at best in good times, occasionally actively useless, but always company-focused.
In my wife's massive north american big-box retailer company though... I am ASTONISHED how friendly, involved, helpful, caring, HR managers are, from policy, culture, as well as reasonable sample of individuals. I still think it's not the norm, but it was a pleasant surprise how supportive HR can be.
In all companies I personally worked on, HR is... neutralish at best in good times, occasionally actively useless, but always company-focused.
In my wife's massive north american big-box retailer company though... I am ASTONISHED how friendly, involved, helpful, caring, HR managers are, from policy, culture, as well as reasonable sample of individuals. I still think it's not the norm, but it was a pleasant surprise how supportive HR can be.