If you run a small business, you know how easy it is to get buried in a flood of paperwork. That’s why so many businesses are switching to electronic self-service programs. Employees can oversee their personnel information while supervisors handle recordkeeping, scheduling and other HR functions online.

A self-service system streamlines operations, saves money and empowers employees, all at once. Programs such as electronic timekeeping will be even more necessary and desirable.

Self-service isn’t just for the “big guys,” either. As more affordable and user-friendly platforms hit the market, even small businesses are implementing self-service tools to streamline administrative HR processes and reduce overhead expense.

Self-Service Benefits Everyone

Online self-service software saves time and money because it automates routine tasks, something businesses of all sizes can appreciate. With self-service, the entire workforce can do everything from request days off and make schedule changes to select benefits and update personnel information.

By plugging into various functions in real time, employees feel more connected and less passive. This is good news, because engaged employees are less likely to leave than disengaged employees. U.S. businesses loses approximately $11 billion annually from employee turnover, according to The Bureau of National Affairs.

The appeal of self-service is growing for many other different reasons:

• 24/7 availability from home or work
• Increased functionality without increasing staff
• Ease of use
• Frees management from transactional work
• Cuts cost of paper forms and folders
• Environmentally friendly
• Higher manager/employee productivity
• Greater efficiency overall

A self-service system streamlines operations, saves money and empowers employees, all at once.

Training Equals Success

How can you ensure a smooth transition to self-service for your business? Like anything new in the workplace, training and follow-up are essential. Employees won’t adopt something they don’t fully understand.

Supervisors and managers need to invest the time up front to guide employees on the specifics of the various features. Self-service works because it puts control back into the hands of employees. But for the system to work effectively, employees have to know where to go and what to do.

You can make a more successful switch to self-service in several ways:

• Allow adequate time and training on how to use the system
• Be certain employees understand what the system CAN and CAN’T do
• Hold everyone accountable for managing their personnel information
• Be available to answer questions
• Make sure the system is user-friendly

Why Employee Self-Service Is a Win-Win

Self-service makes life easier for employers and employees alike if it is implemented correctly. Allowing employees to monitor their personnel information and other HR functions engages them and makes them feel as if they’re an important part of the workplace. In addition, self-service automates routine and time-consuming administrative tasks so HR staff can focus on other business priorities.

Ready to get started? HRdirect Smart Apps offer solutions that can put you on a successful path to self-service. Visit HRdirectapps.com to learn more about simplifying HR tasks and employee management for you and your employees.