How to pick HR software you’ll REALLY love

How to pick HR software you’ll REALLY love in summary:

• There’s no doubt HR software is vital for efficient and effective people management – and it’s no secret investing in user-friendly HR software can streamline processes and save time.
• However, truly great HR software solutions don’t just automate mundane tasks. With the right HR software solution, people professionals can have more time for strategy, have access to up-to-date workforce metrics, and communicate with employees more effectively.
• In addition, HR software can give HR the ability to spot workforce trends, and create a more agile workforce.

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If you had the pleasure of attending the HR Technologies Show this year, you’ll no doubt be aware of just how many HR software solutions are on the market today.

Thanks to the digital transformation of HR, the role of HR technology and HRIS platforms have become increasingly pivotal for successful businesses. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing employee engagement, the right HR software can revolutionise the way companies manage and engage their workforce.

But, not all HR software solutions are created equal. With a dizzying number of solutions on the market, finding the perfect fit for your organisation can be daunting. Plus, investing in an HRIS can be both a big investment in time, resources and of course, precious budget.

So, how can you ensure you pick the right one with so many vying for your affections?

Picking the HR software solution you’ll really love

You could argue that the HR Technologies Show was speed dating for HRIS systems. Each supplier giving it their all to entice you to be their partner and showcasing all their best bits. But, if you’re still not sure about which one could be right, how can you make sure you get the HR software of your dreams?

Here’s 6 questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge…

1. Does it make more time for strategy?

I don’t know many HR people who would want to spend their days processing annual leave applications. Or, chasing up people who’ve been off sick and haven’t filled in the necessary forms. Or checking if all employee’s tax codes are up to date… we could go on…

The best HR systems will let people professionals do what they do best: focus on finding ways to support the business in achieving its goals and helping managers get the best out of their people. The latest HR systems that include native payroll take away much of the mind-numbing (albeit necessary) admin and allow HR people to concentrate on value-adding activities.

So, less time processing paperwork and double checking data, and more time to be the key strategic partner every business needs today.

2. Does it offer seamless transfer of data?

Still using separate HR software platforms? Still downloading data and sending it by email or secure transfer when you need to update them? There is a MUCH better way…

Seamless data transfer in HRIS systems is a game changer for busy people professionals because it ensures that information flows smoothly between different HR functions, such as payroll, benefits administration, and employee records.

That seamless transfer eliminates manual data entry errors, saves time, and improves efficiency in HR processes. Better still, it enables better decision-making by providing accurate and up-to-date data for analysis and reporting purposes.

3. Does it provide up-to-date metrics?

The latest software systems are a mine of valuable information. A few clicks of the mouse and HR can provide the board with everything they need to guide their decision making: from the latest headcount and salary bill, to the cost of sickness absence, and the budget needed over the next quarter for mandatory training.

Being able to provide accurate and up-to-the-minute data helps the business ensure it is complying with legislation (such as gender pay gap reporting, for example), or provide the necessary information if it finds itself faced with an employment tribunal.

In fast-moving business environments, it also means senior executives have all the information they need to support vital business decisions immediately.

4. Does it support better employee communication?

Thanks to technology, many employees are no longer constrained to a 9-5, desk-based job. Many people now work either flexibly or remotely, and use their mobiles or tablets to access information and keep in touch.

The beauty of the latest HR technology is that it comes with native mobile apps, which allow employees to update their personal details, check annual leave entitlement or access their benefits while on the move. Generation Z employees, in particular, expect this kind of functionality. They are frankly amazed if they join a business just to find they are expected to go through a long-winded manual process to book a holiday.

Software systems like Cezanne also come with integral social portals where employees can connect with each other, share information and find answers to questions quickly and easily.

5. Does it give you the ability to spot trends?

HR systems with clever automation can provide a helicopter view of what’s happening in the business and pick out potential hot-spots. Regular reports on absence levels, for example, can show if there is a particularly high level in one department. This signals to HR professionals that they may need to look more closely at stress levels or management style in that area.

Equally, increasing staff turnover stats may indicate that the business has an issue with employee engagement, or could be losing key people to a competitor. If you’re armed with information and an early warning, you can take action to ensure there’s no long-term business damage.

6. Does it help support a more agile workforce?

In an increasingly competitive and turbulent business environment, business needs can change almost overnight. New technology can disrupt the market and you may find your organisation suddenly finds itself in need of people with new skills. Strong competition can force businesses to find ways of differentiating themselves. And, goals and priorities can shift dramatically.

Equipped with the right HR software, the business has immediate access to the information needed to act fast. Managers can see, for example, what skills are available in the organisation and where the gaps lie. They can look at staff resources associated with a new project and make an informed decision about whether to redeploy internal talent or bring in external expertise. The ability to shift direction fast can be the difference between success and failure – and if HR is supporting that agility, it stands to gain enormous kudos in the business.