When we hear HR, we assume that it is only surrounded by human resource practices, but it’s more than that. It also includes HR Business Partner Skills, where human resource experts have a deep knowledge of the business and ensure that HR helps the companies to grow. 

The average HR business partner salary in the US is $86,631, but it is also generally between $62,263 and $76,044.  The business partner's role is constantly evolving and driven by the emerging trends in the world of work and changes in the job market. 

These significant changes reflect the shift towards strategic HR management, employee experience, talent management and effective collaboration to help businesses succeed. Here, a Certified HR Business Partner is advantageous for you. Let’s explore the skills required for hr business partner to become an expert in it. 

What is an HR Business Partner?

An HR business partner is the human resources expert who contributes to aligning a business’s people strategy with their business strategy. Every successful business needs an HR business partner. They partner with senior leadership via specialised knowledge that supports the creation of policies and programmes in line with a business’s goals and objectives. To become an HR business partner, it's essential to have a basic understanding of its roles and responsibilities. 

Role of an HR Business Partner

There needs to be a common understanding among HR business partners regarding the role and capability. Their role is a strategic position that connects human resources with the business side of an organisation to achieve its goals. 

HRBPs are responsible for ensuring that HR activities align with the requirements of the business and their managers. They work closely with the senior executives, directors and business leaders to develop HR strategies that support the business's growth, performance and objectives.  Here, you will also learn about the HR business partner tools that make their work easy.  

Importance of HR Business Partner

As discussed earlier, the role of HR business partners is crucial in modern businesses as they bridge the gap between the Human Resources and the business side of the company. They are essential for several reasons. They have a deep understanding of the business and its operations, which allows them to provide strategic support to senior executives and department heads. 

They develop and implement HR strategies that address the business challenges and support business objectives. Human resource business partners are also responsible for analysing the trends and matrices to develop solutions, programs and policies that drive business results. 

Skills Sets Required for HR Business Partner

Technical Skills 

These skills are crucial for HR business partners as it include the incorporation of advanced technologies and tools. 

• Organisational Development Mindset: HR business partner should think systemically and holistically, considering relationships, groups, culture and capabilities in their work. 

• Agility: They must be able to spot opportunities and threats quickly and act to implement change effectively. 

• Data Analytics: They need to be able to analyse the data to inform future strategies, evaluate job candidates, assess staffing requirements and monitor productivity and job performance metrics. 

• Project and People Management Skills: Business partners should be able to manage projects, resources, and stakeholders effectively, as well as communicate in more significant and small groups and lead teams with remote and international contributors. 

• Cross-Cultural Competence: With multinational businesses competing globally, human resource business partners need to have a keen sense of cultural awareness and understanding of various labour laws, business practices and compensation structures across the different regions. 

• Digital tools and artificial intelligence: They must be comfortable with the strong use of digital tools, such as business intelligence, decision support, data visualisation, and online communities, to develop and communicate HR strategies.

Soft Skills 

These skills represent the personal attributes of human resource business partner professionals to interact effectively with others. 

• Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal communication helps in conveying ideas, policies, and feedback effectively.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others to build strong relationships.

• Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and understanding one's own emotions. Building and maintaining healthy working relationships

• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyse complex situations and data to make informed decisions

• Leadership Skills: Persuading others to follow a particular course of action, Inspiring and motivating employees to achieve their best.

• Adaptability: Adjusting to new conditions and responding effectively to change. Recovering quickly from setbacks and maintaining focus on long-term goals.

• Coaching and Mentoring: Offering constructive feedback to help employees grow and improve. Assisting employees to develop their skills and career paths.

HR Specific Skills

Here, professionals must have human resource-related skills that contribute to aligning the HR strategies with the business goal. 

• Talent Acquisition: Develop and implement effective recruitment methodologies.

• Employee Engagement: Create programs to boost employee morale and satisfaction.

• Performance Management: Designing and managing appraisal systems to enhance employee performance.

• Training and Development: Facilitate continuous learning and skill development. 

Business Acumen Skills

Here, professionals must have a strong understanding of business operations, strategy and financials to align HR practices with business goals and assess the impact of external business environments on internal decisions. 

• Strategic Alignment: Link HR initiatives with overall business goals.

• Financial Literacy: Understanding and interpreting financial statements and metrics. 

• Market Awareness: Keep up with industry trends and market conditions. 

• Operational Understanding: Gain insights into key business processes and workflows to align HR practices better.  

How to Develop HR Business Partner Skills?

Developing HR Business Partner skills requires a multifaceted approach. You can attend industry events and webinars to stay updated on trends and network with professionals. YouTube channels and podcasts such as HR Happy Hour offer valuable insights and real-world scenarios. Enrol in courses on platforms such as GSDC to deepen your understanding of strategic HR practices.

Certification is a rock-solid approach to skill development. Fulfilling certifications not only enhances your knowledge but also significantly improves your job prospects by demonstrating your dedication and proficiency to potential employers. This structured learning path ensures you are well-equipped to meet the demands of the HR Business Partner role.

Become a Certified HR Business Partner with GSDC

GSDC is a reputable platform that provides certifications for professionals who want to excel in their professional careers. They have a wide range of certifications that meet industry standards. They will help you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a Human Resource Business Partner.

Following are the steps to enrol for full-stack development certifications:

• Register for the program and complete the payment.

• You will get LMS access which will give you access to e-learning materials and more.

• Create an account on the GSDC website.

• Take the exam and pass!
  

  Luna, who completed this certification, said that The GSDC Certified HR Business Partner certification has enhanced my credibility and marketability in the HR industry. I have already received a promotion with a higher salary. I am grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend it to other HR professionals. 

  Final Thoughts 

HR Business Partner Skills are crucial factors for becoming excellent in this field. The above information will help you to understand the HR business partner technical skills and soft skills that are needed for an HR business partner. As they are responsible for driving the human resources of the company, they need to know business acumen. Make sure to read the blog throughout.
FAQ’s

Is HR Business Partner a promising career?

Yes, it's a rewarding career with opportunities to influence organisational success and employee well-being.

What skills does an HR Business Partner need?

Essential skills include communication, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, leadership, and strategic thinking.

What is the future of HR Business Partners?

The future is promising, with increasing emphasis on strategic alignment, data-driven decision-making, and employee engagement.

What are the best ways to increase my HR Business Partner skill set?

Enhance your skills through reading relevant books, attending industry events, watching educational videos, listening to HR podcasts, taking online courses, and obtaining professional certifications.