Having HR services available is essential for a productive and efficient workplace. And now you no longer need to wait on HR staff availability to get help or answers to questions. Modern HR technology gives employees access to what they need, when they need it, without being dependent on a specific person being present. Moreover, it frees up time for HR staff when they don't have to answer how many holiday days Peter in Accounts has left! Let's have a closer look at this exciting development!
Self-service HR portals: Take control of your HR needs
One of the biggest advantages of modern HR technology is the introduction of self-service HR portals. Such portals give employees the opportunity to deal with many HR-related tasks on their own, without waiting for assistance. Employees can easily update personal information, request days off, check payslips and even sign up for courses and training. This means that the individual employee can take control of his/her own HR needs and save time by avoiding unnecessary waiting. What’s more, the fact that the services are available 24/7 really means that employees can get answers to what they’re wondering about at the very time they are wondering.
From the employer's perspective, there are several advantages to this type of HR system. One of the strongest arguments for giving employees access to the HR system is data quality. An employee changing address or account number is not unusual, but it is infinitely more efficient that the person concerned just does it themselves, so that the information is updated seamlessly to the HR system, payroll and accounts. This provides data that the company can rely on. It means it’s always updated across systems and ensures that the company complies with safe storage of personnel information, privacy and GDPR regulations.
Being able to automate processes in HR is a potential gold mine for many companies. Some of the operations for which HR is responsible are pretty much the same from one time to the next. Whenever a new person is hird, a number of things need to be done. A modern HR system can ensure that all points are seamlessly checked off and that nothing is missed in the process. This saves the company time and money, and the new employee, in the example of an appointment, finds the whole experience just plain sailing.
Mobile Apps: HR on the go
Today, almost everyone is equipped with smartphones that follow us everywhere. Modern HR technology has kept up with developments by offering mobile apps that make it possible to access HR services anytime, anywhere. Whether you're in the office, at home or on the move, you can easily check your HR information, request an absence or contact the HR department through the app. This provides flexibility and simplifies the working day for employees.
Make better decisions
If you have a good HR system, you’ll be able to extract a lot of value in the form of numbers. This gives HR and management a much better starting point for making well-founded decisions. Being able to produce reliable analyses can be a huge support for companies and reveal aspects of one’s own company that one was not perhaps aware of. Being able to measure parameters such as turnover, diversity and skills development is a crucial key to creating the company you want!
We have written a little about how to work strategically with HR. You can read it here: How to create an HR strategy!
Companies being data-driven, measuring development and taking good care of personal information is about more than just making sure not to break the law. It can potentially make the company a better place to work, making more money and attracting talent that would otherwise be lost to competitors. In the Nordic countries, there is generally a very high level of education, and many skilled potential employees have several employers to choose from. Being able to attract the best candidates, develop the employees you have and work more efficiently and automatically with personnel administration can strengthen your entire company, ultimately showing up again on your bottom line.
Or, to put it briefly: Back your people! They’re what’s most important in the company!
To sum up then
Modern HR technology has revolutionized the availability and usability of HR services. Employees have the opportunity to obtain answers to questions and deal with HR-related tasks anytime, anywhere. This development leads to increased efficiency and reduced waiting time. Developments in HR technology, moreover, don’t just have positive effects for employees but for the HR department too, freeing up time and resources by automating routine tasks and focusing on more strategic tasks. At the same time, employee commitment and satisfaction increases when employees are given immediate access to important information and services.
To put it simply, modern HR technology puts employees in the driver's seat when it comes to their own HR needs. It provides a more efficient, accessible workplace, where employees can get answers exactly when they need them. So the next time you have a question about vacation, benefits or HR procedures, you don't have to wait for someone to be available – modern HR technology is always there to help.
It's important to remember, however, that not all HR systems are the same. We have written a little about what you should look for when choosing which solution is best for your company: 6 reasons your SMB needs HRIS Software (and how to choose the right one)
