10+1 Features That the Best HR Software Must Have
“Where there is technology, there is progress.” When we talk about the HR sphere, the results of technological advancement over the years have been commendable. The entire employee lifecycle that includes hiring, joining, training, promotions, and exit is streamlined using the automated HR solutions. And what makes an HR management software the best is its all-inclusive features which make the processes faster, easier, and more efficient.
Let’s have a detailed look at the 11 must-have features of HRMS that can make any HR software the best of its kind:
Core HR Functions
Without the mechanization of the core functions of HR, what is an HR software? The best HR software is the one that simplifies and optimizes all the operations revolving around the HR domain and helps to handle cumbersome functional structures with completely configurable workflows. Some of the core HR functions are as follows:
- Organization Structure
This includes the layout of different departments, groups, offices, and teams in the organization. The hierarchy of working professionals is also a part of the company structure.
- Employee Categorization
This is about dividing the workforce on the basis of the nature of employment. There must be a line drawn between the full-time employees and the ones working on a contractual basis.
- Access Control & Permissions
The HR software must clearly define the “who gets what access” in order to ensure the privacy and security of the confidential information of the company and its employees.
- Employee Data Management/Validation
This is one of the most important core functions of the HRMS. It is used to store and organize employee data using cloud, keep it centralized, and safe from unauthorized outside parties.
- Roles/KRAs Allotment
This one involves assigning roles and responsibilities to the employees and defining KRAs for them to achieve on a daily basis as per their respective job descriptions.
Recruitment & Hiring
In the age of digitization, half of the processes involved in hiring and placement of the employees is automated/online. The HR software helps to shortlist and select from numerous applicants through the following steps:
- Job Posting
- Resume Screening
- Applicant Tracking
- Candidate Sourcing
- Interview Scheduling
- Online Tests and One-on-One
- Referrals & IJPs
Onboarding Management
Once the best employees are recruited and the offer letters are sent, comes the stage of introducing them to the organization and its workflow. Those who accept the job offer have to perform certain formalities to get acquainted with the colleagues and other aspects of the employment. The HR software facilitates onboarding through:
- Virtual Joining Formalities
- Background Verification
- Auto-sync Employee Information
Talent Management
Next comes the need to manage the talent that you have hired to work with your organization. This process mostly includes devising plans and formulating strategies to proceed further in the hiring process, thereby providing them with the right platform and environment to grow. The steps are as follows:
- Succession/Merit Planning
- Career Growth Strategizing
- Talent Profiling
Time & Attendance Management
Another important feature that comprises the best HR software is the time and attendance management, abbreviated as TNA management. The automation of the functions mentioned below makes the whole workflow quick and streamlined.
- Flexible TNA Policies
- Biometric Recording
- Check-in/Check-out
- Timesheet Management
- Mobile App Attendance
Performance Management
When we talk about HR, i.e., human resources, tracking and assessing their performance is a must otherwise the whole point of an organizational set-up is a waste. This is where HRMS software comes into play. The following features of the PMS module of an HR solution make it outstanding:
- Continuous Feedback
- Goal & KPI Approvals
- OKR Framework
- Evaluation & Review Cycle
- Manager & Team Dashboard
Employee Engagement
Employees are considered as the most important assets of a corporate establishment. Therefore, it is important to keep them satisfied and feel empowered to work with you. Now, some employee engagement features of an HR software can help you achieve the same such as:
- Employee Self-Service
- Enterprise Social Platform
- Rewards & Recognition
- E-Notice Board
- Pulse Surveys
- Mood Bots & Chatbots
Payroll Management
Now comes the one and only HR software feature that is always in the limelight due to its intricate and elaborate functionalities – Payroll Processing and Management. Although this part of the HR management maneuver has numerous other processes involved, mentioned below are the top functions of the payroll management module of an HRM software.
- Salary Structure and Verification
- Audit Trails
- Tax & Compliance
- Travel & Expense Management
- Auto-processing of Payroll
Workflow Management
It is not only significant to keep the individual HR functions working properly but the coordination and synchronization of the processes with each other is also necessary. To ensure that the entire workflow is streamlined and there are no process breaks, the HR software has a feature of workflow management which controls the alignment of the chain of HR operations. The seamless automation and execution of business processes is a benefit of workflow management. It involves:
- Custom Workflows
- Highly Configurable Forms
- Digitized Separation & Movements
Reporting & Analytics
For the sake of employees’ understanding, the HR-related reports and records must be elaborate, clear, and insightful. The best HR software is the one that can take information and use it for beneficial purposes. The in-depth reports created through the HRMS have a 3-D view consisting of vertical, horizontal, and drill-down options. So, these reports can be used for analyzing business growth, patterns of each process separately, and give users the ability to study the same thoroughly for future use.
- Insightful Reports
- AI-based Analytics
- Role-wise Dashboards
Helpdesk Management
Lastly, this is something that no one talks about while discussing the features of the best HRMS. Automated help desks are a perk of HR software that give a wonderful customer experience. All the tickets are raised and resolved in no time. The reviews and ratings by the HR software users are also taken to improve the overall performance of the business.
- Configurable SLAs
- Categorization & sub-categorization
Bottom line :
Ultimately, it is true that not every part of the process can be 100% automated and employees have to interfere. So, it is best to invest in an HR software and integrate it to enjoy the benefits of the HR automation.