The three A’s of Cloud based HR software… and why it’s essential for offsite working in summary:
- Cloud-based HR software enables flexible, remote access to key people processes—ensuring HR teams and employees can stay connected and productive from anywhere.
- Improved data security and compliance come as standard, with cloud systems offering robust protection, regular updates, and GDPR-ready features.
- Real-time collaboration and automation reduce admin and errors, helping HR teams focus on strategic tasks while supporting a seamless employee experience.
If anyone still thought of Cloud-based HR software as just a ‘nice to have’, COVID-19 firmly cemented it as a ‘must have’ – essential for businesses to operate outside the confines of normal work environments.
Many areas within a business can reap the benefits of working in the Cloud—from sales and marketing to recruitment, finance, and procurement. But HR often stands to gain the most. Why? Because HR teams are at the heart of managing people, processes, and compliance across the entire organisation.
Cloud-based HR software enables them to work more flexibly, securely, and efficiently—whether they’re onboarding a new hire, updating policies, or supporting remote teams. It breaks down location barriers, keeps sensitive data accessible yet protected, and helps HR stay agile in a world where change is constant.
So, is your business making the most of Cloud-based HR software solutions? Here are the three A’s of using the Cloud.
Accessibility:
As the UK – and much of the world – went into lockdown to manage the pandemic, companies with Cloud solutions had the best set up for home and flexible working. Cloud systems were a godsend in avoiding workers having to download older programmes that would take up valuable storage space. Employees just needed an internet connection to login to their software and they were ready to go.
For HR teams, Cloud-based HR software solutions put employee data, processes, documentation, and the ability to easily communicate with their people at their fingertips. Sales and marketing could access prospect lists, email templates and website platforms via the Cloud. Invoices could be processed, payroll run, and new suppliers set up… all from home via Cloud-based systems.
Accuracy:
Most modern Cloud-based HR software systems systems update files and data regularly if not instantly. Because they are accessible to multiple users, version control on documents can be easily maintained, data kept up to date, (especially where self-service is enabled) and results fed back on activities, such as sending out email communications, straight away. This makes Cloud-based work far more reliable and accurate.
The accuracy of Cloud systems goes hand in hand with security. Maintaining a single source of truth, that can be easily amended and kept current, helps businesses hold reliable information all in one place. Gone are the days of storing data in Excel files on individual computers – and worse, sharing it via unsecure channels. For people working from home, with electronic channels and HR portals being the only way to share information, Cloud solutions are the obvious answer.
Accountability:
Cloud systems keep users and platform providers accountable. Work performed in the Cloud can be logged and tracked, so if an error is made it’s much easier to see where things went wrong. This provides employers with reassurance that they’ll still have oversight and accountability of their workforce even when working remotely. On the provider’s side, they’re motivated to maintain the system to a high standard to keep their customers happy and their product competitive.
Looking at how Cloud solutions help finance departments illustrates why the Cloud is so valuable in terms of compliance and accountability. Greater transparency (allowing for confidentiality) drives more attention to detail – reducing incorrect payments, poor paper-based record keeping, lack of due diligence etc. And if something goes wrong, it’s easier to find out why, and offer training and remediation as needed.
Time to move into the cloud?
The 3 A’s above are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the benefits businesses can derive from Cloud-based systems. Any remaining nervousness felt about ‘working in the Cloud’ is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Businesses and their workforces have relied on Cloud solutions as never before to manage the new ways of working brought on by COVID-19.
Even purchases from local stores are being shifted to the Cloud with retailers asking people to order and pay online before picking up goods face to face. Now the onus is on providers to maintaining a high level of functionality and security: being diligent about keeping their systems up to date and well-defended against hackers. So, Cloud solutions – especially Cloud-based HR software solutions – can continue to make working from home, and our lives in general, easier.
Maisie Truong
Maisie is an experienced digital marketer who's been climbing the career ladder rapidly! She's been with Cezanne for over 4 years now, and has a keen interest in all-things digital marketing - especially in the world of HR.
