HR Business Partner

What is an HR Business Partner?

An HR Business Partner is defined as a Human Resources professional who is responsible for integrating a business' strategy with necessary HR practices to meet set goals. The business partner serves as the link between HR and the business' executives, as they advise and support managers with issues related to people management and employee growth. 

The HR Business Partner also maintains an effective level of business literacy about the business’ financial position, its midrange plans, its culture, and its competition.

What is the role of an HR Business Partner?

The activities of an HR Business Partner mostly vary depending on the size and scale of the company. Those working in SMEs would likely be more involved in HR operations, leading the strategy and setting strong foundations for the company's HR department.

In larger corporations, HR Business Partners are more likely to directly drive strategies for people development in their areas of expertise, with a team of specialists ready to support them.

Generally, the larger the HR Business Partner’s span of control, the more strategic the role.

Here are some activities you can expect from an HR Business Partner:

• Meeting key stakeholders to advise them on the biggest people challenges
• Advising proven restructuring methods to improve productivity and growth of people and culture
• Influence and build relationships with people in and around the business
• Acting as an advisor for teams that are in need of new people-focused initiatives
• Questioning and challenging others to get to understand issues fundamentally, and solve them constructively

Conclusion

An HR Business Partner is mainly customer-facing which means that they are in direct touch with line managers. A good HR Business Partner can deliver value to the organization and drive decision-making processes. 

These individuals are responsible for setting priorities and creating business impact based on people-focused initiatives. Aside from being administrative experts and a champion for employees, Human Resources Business Partners should also be change agents and strategic partners.