Why Self-Service HR Systems Are Ideal Right Now

If you run a small business, you know how easy it is to get buried in a flood of paperwork and manual HR tasks. Especially now, as more businesses are shifting to remote work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, managing these responsibilities is challenging. That’s why many employers are switching to self-service HR systems. Business owners and managers can easily oversee recordkeeping, scheduling, attendance and other HR functions online, while enabling employees to enter their own personal information and participate directly in certain features.

Self-service HR systems streamline operations, trim costs and boost productivity, all at once. Even better, self-service functionality isn’t just for the “heavy hitters.” As more affordable and user-friendly platforms hit the market, the smallest of businesses can implement self-service tools to update HR processes and maximize efficiency.

Self-Service Software Benefits Employers and Employees Alike

Online self-service software saves you valuable time and money because it automates routine tasks, something businesses of all sizes can appreciate. With self-service, the entire workforce can engage in various functions in real time — from requesting days off and adjusting schedules to updating personal information and participating in training.

This type of engagement isn’t just “nice to have,” but something that more and more employees eagerly embrace. In fact, a 2018 Paychex survey revealed that 73% of full-time U.S. workers expect their employers to provide self-service benefits, which allows them to independently complete HR-related tasks.

The appeal of self-service is growing rapidly, particularly during these COVID-19 times when more workforces are remote and operating with reduced staffs. The benefits include:

• 24/7 availability from anywhere with an Internet connection
• Increased functionality
• Frees management from transactional work
• Cuts cost of paper forms and folders (which is also environmentally friendly)
• Higher manager/employee productivity
• Greater efficiency overall

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

HR Software Guidance Equals Success

How can you ensure a smoother 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.

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 every step of the way

Make Self-Service a Win-Win for You and Your Staff

Self-service HR systems make work life easier for both employers and employees if they’re implemented correctly. Ready to get started? HRdirect Smart Apps offer solutions that can put you on a successful path to self-service. They provide the benefits of HR software without the need for software. Each app is a web-based solution to an HR need. Begin with the FREE Employee Records Smart App to centralize employee information and keep it current, organized and secure. And true to the theme of self-service, employees can enter or update their personal information when necessary.