Now that we are in the digital and information age, many jobs and work processes (including HR processes) could be replaced by machines and automated programs. Work can even be done online or through telecommuting – especially for employees who live far from the Irish capital (Dublin), for example.
If employment can be done through the wires today, several Human Resource (HR) processes can also be done in the same way. This ranges from attendance-checking, annual leave approvals and payroll processing. Several stages of the screening and hiring process can even be done with the help of programs that can automate the whole process.
Some people might argue that automating HR processes takes out the human interaction and engagement in the company culture. However, automation actually has more benefits than negative ones, such as:
1. Smaller HR Team to Maintain
This is good news for aspiring and startup entrepreneurs who are short on capital funds. With programs and apps that can automate several HR processes (such as time & attendance, leave management, payroll processing and email automation, there is no need to employ a large staff. Some can even make do with just two to five people in the HR department – and tasks are still manageable, thanks to automation.
2. Simplicity and Consistency For All Processes
As long as you set-up all your processes in just one platform, there will be less confusion among employees and from the HR staff themselves. The HR team can easily reach an employee with the use of automation or an HR program where personal profiles can be stored.
This can be done even if the employee is from the other side of the world, or is travelling out of the country. Jumping from one department and/or point person to another is a thing of the past; queries and concerns can be channelled immediately from one employee to another HR staff.
3. Frees Up Time For Actual Employee Engagement
Now this is where some naysayers are wrong. Since many HR processes are said to be automated, the general conclusion is that, there will be less human and personal interaction between the company and the employees. Well, the opposite could actually happen.
By automating some processes (especially the menial ones like Payroll), this leaves the HR team with more time to plan and come up with new ways to engage the employees in the workplace. The HR staff can exert more energy in organising team buildings, outings, events, company perks and monthly recognition that can boost employee confidence and productivity in the upcoming months.
4. Lesser Paper and Documents to Stock
Since employees’ profiles, work schedules, attendance, leaves, compensation and other kinds of record can be kept through digital platforms, the company will need less papers and documents to keep stacking at the office.
Managers and HR staff can also reach or search for any information quickly and more efficiently (compared to sifting through voluminous documents that could get lost, especially when the company moves to a new office space). Using less paper is a win for Mother Nature.
5. Ease of Finding Good Talent
Although quite small in population, Dublin can boast of a young and highly-educated populace – with over 40% belonging to the 29 years or less bracket. However, finding the right person that is the perfect fit for the company still won’t be easy.
With certain HR platforms, the screening process can be programmed to automatically shortlist applicants who manage to check every initial qualification. These programs can also store an applicant’s information and retrieve it later if a new job position is much more fitting for his/her credentials.
Welcoming a fresh hire is also easier when the process is automated. With automation, the HR staff can make sure that every new employee has the complete welcome kit. This also ensures that the materials that are given to every newbie is consistent across the board. This reduces the confusion and stress that usually comes with the lack of clear objectives and expectations for new hires in any company.
The greatest challenge however when it comes to HR automation is the need for data privacy and security. Remember that these programs or apps store information of the company and all its employees in its database. Any breach (whether done by third-parties or rogue in-house employees) could have dire consequences.
Author Bio:
Gemma Reeves is a seasoned writer who enjoys creating helpful articles and interesting stories. She has worked with several clients across different industries such as advertising, online marketing, technology, healthcare, family matters, and more. She is also an aspiring entrepreneur who is engaged in assisting other aspiring entrepreneurs in finding the best office space for their business. Check out her company here: FindMyWorkspace
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