4 Benefits of HRMS Software Self-Service

Technology is all about streamlining procedures, saving time, achieving more with less resources. When it comes to the endless tiny detail queries that people have about terms, conditions, salary, leave entitlement, and so on, the days of going to a human being in HR for an answer are almost done. The continuing rise of automated HRMS and payroll systems with self-service functionality have largely removed the HR middle-man/woman, giving the employee direct access to their personal records. In a real sense, this is a process of devolving (or ‘insourcing’) the HR helpdesk function to the people asking the questions. So, other than giving HR staff an easier life (hah – unlikely!) what are the attractions to implementing HRMS self-service software in your organization.

HRMS Self-Service Benefit #1: Enhanced Accessibility

When done well, HRMS self-service (for both employees and managers) is rolled out with that other workplace tech trend in mind: mobile. When the HRMS portal is accessed via a web browser then it doesn’t matter where you are or what time it is – if you have an internet connection then you can log in to the corporate HRMS. Booking flights for your next vacation and need to check your available paid time off allowance? Easily done. Working on your household finances after dinner and need to check your last few payslips? No problem. Anytime, anywhere access is convenient and will drive up usage of the HRMS self-service functions because they are offering something that is genuinely helpful.

HRMS Self-Service Benefit #2: Reduced Costs

Firstly, self-service in itself is not usually a big expense, coming bundled as it does with the HRMS package you’re buying anyway. Secondly, every time an employee or manager uses their direct access to answer a question that they’d otherwise be asking a member of the HR team, that’s time saved. Both that of the HR expert and of the inquirer who will probably spend less time getting their question answered. And of course, time is money. Over time, real and measurable savings will emerge.

Recommended Reading: HRMS Self Service - Steps to Success

HRMS Self-Service Benefit #3: More Satisfied Employees

If you measure employee engagement and satisfaction then over time, HRMS self-service should have a beneficial impact, at least in terms of employee opinion of the support services on offer. Easy access to information regarding benefits packages, open enrollment, or even pensions statements – all issues that tie up HR staff with lengthy and/or complicated inquiries – leads to less frustration with the HR department and a better-informed workforce. What’s more, it also tends to result in more accurate records being kept: when each person is responsible for their own employee record, mistakes and errors of fact become less common.

HRMS Self-Service Benefit #4: A More Strategic HR Function

This may seem a bit of a reach… but consider that even now, a common cry from HR is that it does not have a strategic role in the organization; that compliance work and administration take up too much resource to really focus on more strategic, longer- term issues. HRMS self-service frees up HR resources and this ‘freedom’ does not have to be translated in a headcount reduction. Alternatively, the HR department can redeploy and focus on becoming the strategic partner to the business that it always wanted to be.