I've seen, and worked at, quite a few software companies that maintain they have a 'technical track' as opposed to a 'management track' but ultimately responsibility for pen pushing, people pleasing , and really anything but technical work always seemed to take precedence.

I do absolutely agree that HR is fundamentally broken, always working in favour of the company as their allegiance is company first, employees second.

If it weren't for the fact that it would be yet another bureaucratic burden I'd suggest an employee's HR ro counter the company one!

Thanks for sharing your own experiences.