diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/Admin/HR/EmployeeController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/Admin/HR/EmployeeController.php
index db9a35ed..69b1939b 100644
--- a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/Admin/HR/EmployeeController.php
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/Admin/HR/EmployeeController.php
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ public function index(Request $request): JsonResponse|Response
      */
     public function searchUsers(Request $request): JsonResponse
     {
-        $users = $this->employeeService->searchTenantUsers($request->get('q', ''));
+        $users = $this->employeeService->searchTenantUsers($request->get('q') ?? '');
 
         return response()->json([
             'success' => true,