HR is many things though, and I think this article focuses solely on the HR-BP (Business Partner) role. That's the person your org/division reports to for matte

HR is many things though, and I think this article focuses solely on the HR-BP (Business Partner) role. That's the person your org/division reports to for matters of policy and disputes. Of course they will always side with management, that's their job. If you go into it knowing that, having a good relationship with them can be beneficial to your career. Besides, they really can't be your friend, and I'm not sure when anyone was lead to believe that was the case. There's this thing called conflict of interest, still, that doesn't mean they can't be friendly to you and offer you advice.