Holiday Planner
Absence Management
Performance Management
Staff Management
Document Management
Training Management
Pay and Benefits
Reporting
Health and Safety Management
Task Management
Security Centre
Self Service
Mobile
Bob Teasdale, General Manager of myhrtoolkit gives us some insights into the world of online HR software systems.
Online HR gives small and medium sized organisations a great opportunity to benefit from what until recently had been the preserve of only large corporations. Recent research from Constellation has highlighted that online human resources systems are one of the most popular cloud-based apps businesses are adopting.
How does online HR work?
Essentially, HR packages are a database of employees with some added tools. At its best, an HR system offers easy-to-use functions for managing simple data and records. HR software also offers reporting tools and management tools. For instance, employers can partially supplement performance management with online tools.
Most systems over “self-service” functionality, so that employees can manage (at least some of) their own data.
Generally such systems offer a “hosted” service. With the application sitting on the cloud, there is no need for the user to store or manage data. This ‘always on’ environment ensures ready access from anywhere, at any time. It allows your system to be up and running far faster than conventional deployment. This is particularly useful if your organisation has multiple locations.
Most of the newer packages follow a “Software as a Service” business model (known as SaaS) - the software equivalent of “pay as you go”. Instead of having to buy the software outright, you buy a user licence based on the size of your workforce, typically on a monthly basis. Generally there is often no upfront cost; if you choose to leave, you are able to just give notice and walk away.
The key benefits of online HR software
- Empowering and personal: You deliver seamless self-service tools to your employees. They get to control their own data. It also allows tasks to be completed at the most appropriate level, saving you time and effort.
- Powerful communication channel: It streamlines communication between management and employees, allowing accurate, timely and tracked workflow.
- Access: Your workforce are never far from being able to access vital records - not just within the office, but from home and out in the field too.
- Costs: It offers you costs that are both flexible and scalable. You will be paying only a fraction of the cost of the development and infrastructure costs. This is in comparison to doing it for yourself or buying in a bespoke system. As your staff levels change, so do your costs.
- Reliability and Security: With someone else focused on the development of the system, infrastructure and backup, you can focus on what you need to do.
Sheffield based employment law solicitor Jon Curtis designed the key features of myhrtoolkit. He is optimistic about the future of online HR software: “The future looks good for systems like myhrtoolkit and clearly the market is developing quickly.”
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Written by Bob Teasdale
Bob is Sales and Marketing Director at myhrtoolkit. You'll find posts from him on the myhrtoolkit blog about business practices, partnerships, and exhibitions.
