Surprise meetings with Human Resources (HR) can evoke significant anxiety among employees, primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding their purpose. One employee shared their experience of receiving a vague calendar invite for an HR meeting without any explanation, leading to fears about possible disciplinary action or layoffs. This sparked a broader discussion online, where many shared their own experiences with unexpected HR encounters, often resulting in feelings of powerlessness and anxiety about job security. Commenters emphasized the importance of staying calm, listening carefully, and avoiding emotional reactions during such meetings. Suggestions included taking notes and requesting clarification on the agenda to buy time for a thoughtful response. While some HR meetings may involve serious discussions, others are routine and not necessarily indicative of negative outcomes. The current job market's instability and the impersonal nature of automated hiring processes have further fueled employee anxiety regarding job security. Ultimately, preparation and composure are viewed as crucial strategies for handling unexpected HR conversations effectively.