An HR Business Partner is a strategic expert who works with business leaders to understand their goals and challenges, then develops and implements HR programs and initiatives supporting those goals. They are a trusted advisor to business leaders, advising them on HR best practices, helping them solve HR-related problems, and offering them insights into the impact of their decisions on employees. They act as a link between management and employees, bridging the gap between their needs and expectations and developing solutions that meet the needs of both parties.
HR Business Partner Tasks
Talent Acquisition:
- Creating a positive image of the company as a desirable employer through effective communication with potential candidates.
- Highlighting the company's culture, values, and benefits through various channels such as social media and the company website.
- Using modern tools and technologies like applicant tracking systems and AI programs to assess candidates.
- Using objective assessment tools such as skills tests and behavioral interviews.
Talent Development:
- Reviewing the company's goals and strategic plans to identify future skills required.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs through performance tests and feedback from employees.
- Selecting training content that is relevant to employees' needs and the company's goals.
Talent Retention:
- Providing a safe and healthy work environment.
- Offering competitive salaries and attractive benefits.
- Providing open communication channels with employees.
An HR Business Partner has different types of tasks according to the company's needs. What we mentioned above are some of the key tasks they may perform to add value to the company.
They can perform tasks related to the strategic aspect, preparing the company for different types of business challenges. They also ensure all activities within the company align with company policies and procedures.
They provide advice and solutions to fix problems faced by managers at various levels whenever needed.
Also read: 10 Essential Tips for Building a More Engaged Workforce.
HR Business Partner Skills
Communication Skills:
- Using positive and appropriate language for the audience.
- Drafting professional emails and documents with accuracy and clarity.
- Listening attentively and understanding others' needs.
- Creating a positive communication environment through verbal and non-verbal communication.
Analytical Skills:
- Gathering data from various sources such as reports, surveys, and interviews.
- Identifying problems and determining their root causes.
- Making decisive decisions based on data analysis and advice from others.
- Identifying key stakeholders affected by the problem.
- Selecting the best solution that meets the needs of all parties.
- Monitoring implementation progress and making necessary adjustments.
Of course, he needs to have many more skills, like:
- Knowing when to use automation to make his job easier and when he needs to do it himself.
- Understanding people in his company, and means both managers and employees and the relationship between them.
Also read: 10 Essential HR Roles and Responsibilities.
Using AI in Human Resources Business Partner Work
As we said before, an HR business partner needs to know when to use automation or technologies to make their job easier, and when they need to do it themselves.
So, in order for that to happen, they need to make sure the automation technologies used in the company are working well and the results they get are aligned with the company standards.
To do all that well, they may need to have many meetings with the tech company they work with and the managers in the company to ensure they get the expected results from the automation software. They can also help them with any problems that may appear in the process.
AI is not a threat to HR or an HRBP, but it is an opportunity that should be used in the right way to make life easier for both HRs and managers.
Also read: The Future of Human Resource Consulting.
HR Business Partner Role in the Remote Work Environment
In the world of remote work, many problems can appear for HRs to solve, and they may need help from HRBPs. So, as a human resources business partner, you need to take care of problems like:
- Communication: When it comes to communication, it may be hard for employees who are working remotely to keep their communication with the team at the same level as if they were working from the office. So, the HR business partner needs to ensure that employees communicate well through alternative ways like video meetings, instant messaging, and emails.
- Performance: It may be difficult for HR to measure the performance of employees who are working remotely. As a human resources business partner, you can suggest KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure employee performance and make the process easier for HR.
- Company Culture: Any employee who works remotely may find it hard to align with the company culture. An HRBP can find solutions like defining the company culture and sharing it in the form of files. They can also maintain regular communication with employees or their managers to make sure they understand the company culture.
FAQs:
Is an HR business partner higher than an HR manager?
An HR business partner and an HR manager are two different roles, and each one has its own responsibilities. An HRBP works as a connecting role between HRs and other business units. On the other hand, HR has responsibilities like hiring, recruiting, and more.
What is the next role after HR business partner?
After gaining experience, you as a human resources business partner have two main paths to choose from:
Leadership Track: Become an HR manager, who is responsible for the entire HR function. They manage a team of HR professionals.
Specialization Track: Here, you can go deeper into a specific HR area, such as Talent Management, Learning & Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or HR Operations. These are all choices for you as a human resources business partner to choose from when you try to scale your role up.
This is the end of our article on human resources business partners. In this article, we discussed the definition of a human resources business partner, the role of AI in this industry, their role in the remote work environment, and the future of HR business partners.
We hope you found the information helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
