Self-service applications

 Author: Soniya Bhakodia

More dynamic, self-service capabilities materialize as an option later in the HRM-intranet’s life cycle. Employee Self-Service (ESS) and Manager Self-Service (MSS) applications technically became a possibility when originally static HTML applications were enabled to communicate with and affect databases. At that point, HRM service-consumers no longer needed to interact directly with HRM service-providers to update their individual records, register for training, or record performance evaluations. Users are allowed to access differentially configured service bundles based on the organizational position they hold. Web-based and self service applications have been hailed as a solution to one of the oldest criticisms of the HRM function-lagged response-time due to bureaucratic delay. For example, PeopleSoft’s collaborative applications offer more than 140 self-service transactions grouped into ten HR content areas: e-Benefits, e-Development, e-Pay, e-Equity, e-Recruit, e-Compensation, e-Profile, e-Recruit Manager Desktop, e-Compensation Desktop, and e-Profile Manager Desktop (PeopleSoft website).

   Manager self-service

·         Manager Self Service gives managers online, real-time access to the tools and information they need to oversee almost every aspect of their employees' careers, including pay, time off, performance, and professional development. By streamlining managerial tasks, eliminating paperwork, and minimizing the need for HR involvement, you can control costs, improve productivity, and provide greater access to important business data and processes.

·         When learning management applications, the HR department will get a better insight into the company's talent pool from information on skills and training submitted by the employees themselves, and will be more proactive in identifying potential skills gaps.

·         Training every member of staff to use the applications and providing extensive hand-holding simply isn't an option - we have far more pressing issues to deal with, And employees expect every application to be as easy to use, and as effective, as Google. Anything too complicated is a turn-off.

 Features & Benefits

·         Streamlined performance review process includes automatic notification of upcoming reviews and online performance appraisals.

·         Competency review and gap analysis capabilities give both managers and employees a clear idea of strengths and weaknesses.

·         Compensation management tools simplify compensation review by providing managers with approved pools of money for salary increases and recommendations for distribution.

·         Web-based management of organizational structure, vacation requests, and employee information eliminate paperwork and improve efficiency.

·         Automated workflows streamline the new-hire process by initiating tasks, such as ordering computers and phones and creating user IDs and passwords.

    Employee Self-Service

·         Employee self-service (ESS) is a web-based application that provides employees with access to their personal records and their payroll details. The most common features of ESS allow employees to change their own address, contact details and next of kin. Often included with ESS is the ability for employees to apply for leave and have that application directed to the employees’ manager for consideration. Some applications enable employees to change their bank account details and provide details of pay slips, both current and historical. ESS can operate as a feature on an employer’s intranet or via a web ASP service.

·         ESS is increasingly popular in the tertiary sector where there is a high proportion of the workforce with computer and internet access. The principal advantage for employers providing ESS is that it is a more efficient means of collecting changes to employee’s details and distributing payroll related details to employees. This is particularly true for organizations dispersed over a number of physical locations. Additionally, because employee self service technology eliminates the need for postage and paper printing of these forms, substantial monetary savings can be realized. Examples of employee self service uses include electronic pay stubs, electronic W-2s, emergency contact forms, employee policy signoffs and many more. HRM professionals increasingly value ESS as a means of empowering employees and reducing paperwork errors and cost. ESS is becoming increasingly popular as more companies 'go green' in an effort to reduce paper waste.