Does a small business need HR software?

The short answer is yes. HR software helps you to manage your most valuable resource - your people. So while it may seem unnecessary to many small business owners, the opposite is true. Even the smallest of businesses can benefit from HR software; at the very least, it can save you time and money.

What is HR Software and why is it important to small businesses?

HR software often referred to as a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) or Human Resource Management System (HRMS) helps you to effectively manage your employees, especially administration processes and compliance.

It’s the key to streamlining your HR and running an efficient small business. When let’s face it, time and resources are already limited. So, if you’re currently drowning in a pool of spreadsheets you may want to reconsider your HR administration processes.

What are the benefits of using HR software for a small business?

There’s no denying that a business of any size will benefit from some form of HR management software and ideally your chosen solution should be one that scales with your business as it grows.

According to PwC HR Tech Survey 2020, 74% of companies plan on increasing their HR technology spending over the next few years.

So, how can a good HRMS help your small business? Let’s explore some of the key benefits of implementing HR software below.

Reductions in HR administration and manual processing errors

By using an HR software solution and negating the need for paper information, you can reduce administration and finally get rid of those filing cabinets and multiple spreadsheets. By automating the most basic of processes you’ll free up valuable time for your employees so that they can focus on what matters most. 

What’s more, with cloud HR your employees can keep required information, such as bank details, emergency contacts, or place of address up to date through Employee Self Service (ESS) and access it from wherever they’re working and at any time.

Easier tracking and reporting of all types of absence

A leave management solution will allow you to set up a simple approval workflow between your employees and managers. This means that employees can submit a holiday or work from home request as well as being able to log sickness, or any other kind of absence, through a discreet online portal.

Managers are then able to use HR Software to monitor and track holidays or sicknesses and conduct more advanced reporting, crucial to managing employee wellbeing. You can even track employee time through the use of online timesheets.

Secure employee information

With the introduction of GDPR over the last few years, it’s become more apparent just how important it is to ensure data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance at all times. Moving your HR to the cloud and enabling extra layers of security such as two-factor authentication or single sign-on gives you added peace of mind that your business is protected.

You’ll also be able to lock down certain parts of the system so that only the relevant people have access to sensitive information.

Centralised company documents 

No matter the size of your business it’s critical that you have certain company documents and policies available to employees to remain compliant. By having a central repository for all of these, you can ensure that the most recent version is surfaced, acknowledged, or read through certain system checklists or notifications.  

Smooth integrations with your current working tools 

A good HR platform will allow you to integrate with other working tools within your business such as financial solutions, productivity suites, or applicant tracking systems. In particular; Xero Payroll, collaborative working platforms, such as Google Workspace and Office 365, and applicant tracking systems such as LinkedIn Talent Hub, Teamtailor or Greenhouse.

Ensuring integrations with your existing solutions will give you an end-to-end approach to your HR and make certain that the productivity and security of your chosen HR tech solution is fully optimised.

How do I get started with HR and productivity software for my SMB?

At Appogee HR we provide people software that grows with your business. We’ve helped many startups and SMBs to fulfill their HR requirements. Our customers fit within a range of industries including; tech, marketing, services, and consultancy businesses.

Our absence management and core HR management software is fully customisable and tailored to your business needs. What’s more, our solutions incorporate valuable integrations with a number of financial and productivity tools including; Xero, Teamtailor, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Workspace.

We’re confident that we have the right solution to suit you. So, why not request a demo today or try it for yourself free for 14 days?