4 — Policy Overreach and Infantilization

HR Dysfunction and Reform · 4:09

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Started with good intentions, keeping workers safe and sound
But HR found a reason to expand their sacred ground
Every policy they're writing means more work for them to do
More compliance, more positions, more control over me and you

[Chorus]
Permission, supervision, correction every day
Treating grown-ups like children who can't find their way
Policy overreach, infantilization's grip
HR's growing empire on a power-hungry trip
Permission, supervision, that's their game
Making adults ask for help and feel the shame

[Verse 2]
Dress codes for the office workers sitting at their desk
Social media policies invading what you text
Mandatory training sessions with no proof they work at all
Some studies show they make things worse when push comes to shove and fall

[Chorus]
Permission, supervision, correction every day
Treating grown-ups like children who can't find their way
Policy overreach, infantilization's grip
HR's growing empire on a power-hungry trip
Permission, supervision, that's their game
Making adults ask for help and feel the shame

[Bridge]
Manager wants to make a call but needs approval first
Workflows piling higher, bureaucracy's the worst
Every new rule they create means someone has to check
HR justifies their growth while putting us in beck

[Verse 3]
Structural incentives drive them to expand and grow
More policies mean more positions, that's the way it goes
What started as protection became control instead
Adults turned to children, managed from their bed

[Final Chorus]
Permission, supervision, correction every day
Treating grown-ups like children who can't find their way
Policy overreach, infantilization's grip
Time to recognize HR's power-hungry trip
Permission, supervision, break the chain
Give adults back their power, end the shame

[Outro]
When every choice needs permission
Adults lose their own volition
HR's grip grows ever tight
Time to bring this truth to light

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