There is a lot of hate for HR out there, and rightly so. However, each person dealing with HR is sometimes at fault for not realizing how to deal with HR correctly.
Remember that HR has another person that you are speaking to, and everyone is different. Some are a major pain, others are truly trying to help, and others are just doing a job. So, take your 1 size fits all response of “HR is not your enemy” and cram it.
2nd. Did you read your employee handbook? Seriously, go read the thing and take a few key notes. Late to work, maybe not some companies have leeway on actual tardiness. Find the numbers you can call. Due diligence is your friend. You can always ask clarifying questions too.
3rd. If you make a complaint against anyone, did you keep your own records? Did you let HR know every single time? Problems do not get fixed without the company actually knowing, and HR is supposed to be nuetralish ground.
4th. How to document. Copy emails to yourself. Back up any text messages. Take pictures of grievances against you, or those that you make. Record audio and/or video when you can. Write down immediately the date, time, what was said, and who said it of comments that are directed at you or maybe another coworker.
5th. Don't keep all your records at your place of employment, get a copy somewhere else.
Not everyone is going to have the same results with HR. I've had mixed bag results. Lost out on an interview because the posting was on the inside of the bathroom door for at least a week, not a place I went for a while. Helped keep myself from sexual assault charges by going to HR immediately because I was the one groped; she is a documented lesbian, and likely would've accused me.
Why did I do this? 2 main reasons. Attempting to reduce the sheer amount of hate in the world. The second, “Hr is your enemy” pops up way too often whenever the advice of talking to HR is brought up.
HR is a tool if you know how to use it.