Can you describe your role as HR BP?
I am responsible for the entire HR cycle of two ‘cells’ within Highberg: I&A (Innovation & Agility) and PAR (People Analytics & Research). From Employer branding to Offboarding and everything in between. My focus is mainly on tactical/strategic level. I am currently working on the following themes: Absence management, performance cycle and rewards management, strategic personnel planning, recruitment, learning & development and employee engagement.
I also work on ‘hub’ or cross-organization projects, such as: the Partner Development Track and the Consultancy Skills program, but I am also Highberg Recruitment process owner.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I can plan my day myself. I often have a moment at the beginning and end of the day to deal with ad-hoc matters and questions.
At the moment, the rest of my day consists of meetings, conversations and (project work) blocks. These are meetings with my HR team, but also with the Partner Team or the Management Team for various projects, cases and challenges. I also have conversations with employees, coaches and mentors.
I use the project work blocks to work out initiatives such as improving the eNPs, preparing a people (business) update, performing absence analyses, preparing a performance review session or facilitating an internal transfer of a colleague.
Every day I try to ensure that the organization and the employee perspective come together and to give the right direction to this. This is done by involving the right stakeholders at the right moment and providing them with appropriate advice on the question, situation, or challenge.
Do you have any morning routines or must-dos?
Yes, I start with checking my email and setting the day’s priorities.
How much of your work is done remotely versus on-site?
I often work 1 and sometimes 2 days a week at home. The other days I work at our office in Amsterdam, Utrecht or Zoetermeer. On Thursdays the O&S HR team tries to work together at one of our Highberg locations.
What motivates you to do this work every day?
The people around me – consultants, partners, and my HR colleagues. They are smart, sharp, eager to learn, driven, and great to work with. I learn something every day!
What advice would you give to someone interested in a role as an HR Business Partner?
Just start by meeting people and getting to know them. That way, you’ll quickly find out if Highberg is the right fit for you.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your role?
That you are given and have all the freedom within this role to develop yourself in a direction that suits you. We are building a new organization and you have a great responsibility in this within your role.
HR Business Partner at Highberg
Do you want to work as an HR Business Partner, just like Marleen? Apply now here.
