Letter to Amazon Board from Fired Ad Exec
Looks like Kivin was surprised when HR told his manager that he requested to be transferred.  His manager then used this information against him, by putting him into a 'performance improvement program' which blocks transfers to any other group for some period of time.Let me let Kivin and any one else working for a company in on a little secret. HR is not your friend.  HR is not there to protect you and your career.  HR is there to protect the company AGAINST you.To the extent that your goals and the company's do not conflict, HR can be helpful.  (Need some help with your health insurance or your 401k?  HR is awesome!)But if you're going to HR about an issue that could be damaging to the company, HR will gladly listen to you sharing confidential information while quietly working with the leadership to build a case against you or protect themselves.   If you're caught in a situation that could potentially lead to a legal dispute with the company (serious conflict with mgmt as seen here, discrimination, etc), make sure you document EVERYTHING, put as much in writing/email as possible and tread carefully before sharing too much info with HR.  They won't be in your corner when shit hits the fan.