Time and time again, reports have shown that human resource (HR) managers spend most of their time on paperwork and administrative tasks. In a 2020 study conducted by Emplicity, HR advice and recommendations provider, it was even shown that 33% of an HR manager’s time is devoted for payroll and administration, while only 9% is devoted for strategizing and for training and development. Needless to say, when they are overburdened with administrative tasks, paperwork, and compliance requirements, HR managers tend to set aside the core functions of their office — employee development — to the detriment not only of the workforce, but also of the company.
According to studies, employee development upgrades not only employee productivity, but also organizational sustainability. If HR managers are overwhelmed with tasks that are merely incidental to their core functions, the more important aspects of their job are likely to be disregarded. As a result, companies may suffer from disengagement of employees and in the long run, unproductivity.
To avoid this situation from happening, an effective employee self-service (ESS) tool may be adopted.
What is an ESS Tool?
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, ESS tools are web-based portals that allow employees to access pertinent information and conduct certain transactions from a centralized online site. Simply put, it enables employees to do various HR-related tasks on their own, without needing to file paperwork or directly contact HR managers.
Features of ESS Tools
- Accessible and convenient
ESS portals can be used as part of or in conjunction with an employee intranet. Aside from that, it is commonly available through web and/or mobile services, with some providers supporting both iOS and Android platforms. With this, employees will be able to access the portal and conduct various HR transactions at any time and from any device.
- Integrates all transactions in a single platform
An ESS portal allows employees to submit requests to and transact with HR managers regarding pay slips, loans, leaves, travel and expense claims, attendance, and benefit claims. In the same way, HR managers will be able to monitor these requests on a single platform, and timely approve or reject these requests.
- Alerts all interested parties of any changes or updates
ESS portals notify HR managers as to requests submitted, and allow them to immediately act on such requests without the need for manual interaction with the concerned employee. Employees, on the other hand, will be able to receive automatic updates on the status of their requests or inquiries.
The Main Advantage of Using ESS Tools
Using ESS tools allow HR managers to focus on the core functions of their office. With the consolidation of transactions in one user-friendly portal, they will be able to reduce the time they spend on paperwork and administrative tasks. In the same way, employees will be able to fast track their requests as necessary information will be made available to them in a timely manner, reducing the bulk of manual transactions HR managers encounter.
With these, HR departments will be able to shift their focus away from tactical duties and toward strategic efforts for employee development, resulting in cost savings in terms of time and efficiency. This will allow them to devote more time in the development of plans that will align their employees with organizational goals, improving employee engagement and increasing workplace productivity in the long run.
For more information about these tools, you may reach out to the experts at BSH Soft, a provider of ESS portals in Dubai.
