<aside> 👉 Who is this written for? I created this guide for early stage companies that have not yet launched an HRBP function (or may have recently chartered one).

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<aside> 🚧 As part of my ‘building in public’ approach, you’re seeing a draft. This reflects my initial thoughts. I may have overlooked some things or need to develop some ideas further. Comments are welcome.

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<aside> 🍎 Related reading: a primer on People Manager Strategy.

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Why set up an HRBP function?

As a company grows, what it needs from the People function changes. Early on, it may be sufficient for just one person to wear all the hats. But, with more complexity and people, it’s difficult for just one person to do all of the things.

You continue hiring and building out the team - maybe hiring an HR Generalist or Coordinator - but then you hit another stall point. The function is mired in tactical work. Yet you desire to have more of a strategic impact. You’re left out of important conversations.

<aside> 👉 Further reading: Here’s a deep dive on what the buildout of a People team typically looks like (from 0-500 employees).

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Business leaders aren’t often intentionally saying, “let’s leave HR out of this.” Rather, the issue is that the People function isn’t deeply embedded in those business units. Whether from lack of bandwidth, depth of understanding of the function, or pre-established relationships, HR is inadvertently left out.

The solution is to have People-team bandwidth that is dedicated to specific business units. The manifested role being HR Business Partners (or, People Partners). By establishing consistent contacts that have depth of understanding, you build channels that help keep you aligned.

What exactly is an HRBP function?

(And how is it different than what you’ve been doing)

As early-stage company People people, we’re used to doing lots of things. Though, as a company grows (in headcount and complexity), it’s difficult to do all of the things. But it’s also good to specialize and reduce what’s on your immediate plate.

<aside> 👉 Further reading: Guide to the typical functions of a People team.

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When exactly you introduce an HRBP (or People Business Partner) function is going to differ widely based on a few factors: