What is an HR Business partner?

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) plays a vital role in connecting Human Resources with the business side of a company to achieve its goals. They are responsible for adding value to the organization and helping the business make decisions, especially during times of change. They primarily work with managers to ensure that HR activities align with their needs.

Line managers understand the company well, so HRBP works closely with them to set priorities and make a significant impact. Human Resources Business Partners are usually found in larger companies and may oversee many employees. Generally, the more employees they oversee, the more critical and strategic their role is.

HRBPs have different responsibilities in a company. Gartner identified four roles that show how versatile they are: 

• Operations Manager – Measures and monitors existing policies and procedures
• Emergency Responder – Provides immediate fixes to acute emergencies
• Strategic Partner – Develops and implements enterprise-wide strategies to address big challenges
• Employee Mediator – Finds solutions to individual employee issues