Employee self-service (ESS) portals allow employees to perform numerous HR tasks themselves without the need of an HR employee. Employees can access and update some information, such as a change of address or contact information. Employees can also access information about their benefits, complete onboarding tasks, and complete wellness surveys. Significant changes may still require HR’s approval, but giving employees self-service options frees up HR’s time to focus on more rigorous tasks.
ESS provides several other advantages that can benefit small businesses. These include:
- Improved efficiency. HR departments juggle numerous jobs. Allowing employees to complete the more menial HR-related tasks allows HR to focus on the pressing aspects of their work without frequent interruption. It’s also faster, as employees only need to enter the information once rather than submitting the data for HR to re-enter. Fewer steps also reduce the likelihood of incorrect data entries.
- On-demand services. Employees value immediacy. Their schedules may not align with HR’s, and completing necessary tasks that must route through HR can become a significant challenge. ESS allows employees to access their portal whenever and wherever they choose to suit their time constraints.
- Empowerment. ESS gives employees more control over their information without the need to wait for HR. They can update their timekeeping logs, update tax withholdings, or submit PTO requests. Employees can also use ESS to access information about training, continuing education, and advancement opportunities.
Small businesses may encounter some challenges while transitioning to ESS software. Protecting employee data, addressing cybersecurity risks, and training employees on how to use the new system—all while complying with state regulations—can be daunting. Windermere Insurance Group can provide expert guidance on implementing regulation-compliant programs that benefit both your employees and the organization. Contact us to learn more.