To truly benefit from HR software, you need to include payroll and recruiting software. Fully integrated human resource systems will have all relevant aspects of human resource operations and management, however you can purchase software in modules that are most relevant to you and in so doing avoid spending money unnecessarily. The most time consuming aspects of the human resource function are payroll administration and the recruitment and selection process. Good HR software can save a substantial amount of time in the performance of these activities and consequently save money. It can also improve the quality of decision making because of better access to relevant, reliable and up to date data, which can inform decisions.
Payroll software does more than simply administer the payroll. It records all relevant aspects of employee service and income including income tax withholdings, vacation days available, holiday pay, child support, garnishings, loans and retirement savings. Payroll software can allow direct bank account deposits online, the printing of statements and other forms, online transfer of electronic payment slips and easy printing of reports. Payroll software can also be linked to other financial software for easy and accurate updates of information. All of these aspects of payroll HR software can save your business time and money and improve employee productivity.
Recruitment software includes applicant tracking software. If you regularly recruit staff, recruitment HR software can save you a great deal of time sorting through applicants and following them through the interview and selection process. Some recruitment software even includes a scanning capability for keywords in resumes. This software creates a database of applicants that you can use for future positions to save on advertising costs. It can also provide quick feedback on effective and ineffective advertising because you can record the sources of your applicants. Recruitment HR software can also save you time on interviewing previously unsuccessful applicants for future positions if your comments deem them unsuitable for your organization.
If you purchase no other HR software, payroll and recruitment software can make a huge difference to the running of your organization. You can improve productivity, reduce labor costs and improve the quality of decision-making by simply purchasing payroll and recruitment software. You can use trial versions at first just to make sure that the software is doing what you expect it to and that it is user friendly. This way you can change software at no cost and try again if your HR software is not delivering according to your expectations.