What do we understand by HR automation?
Everyone who is familiar with the world of HR knows that there are numerous recurring tasks that on the one hand take up a lot of time, but on the other hand are indispensable for keeping the organization and its employees running. We call these recurring tasks HR processes. Examples of these are leave registrations, contract management, payroll administration, sick notifications, application procedures, expense claims, personnel planning, onboarding in offboarding of employees. In recent years, more and more opportunities have arisen to optimize and automate these processes. We call this HR automation.
Why is the automation of HR processes important?
Digitalization or automation of HR processes first and foremost creates space. HR professionals no longer have to occupy themselves only with administrative work, but regain time for what really matters: the people behind all these processes. Focusing on retaining good employees and recruiting new talent is essential to stay ahead of the competition in a competitive labor market .
Additionally, automating HR processes also provides greater efficiency and cost savings. Just think: how many steps does your application process consist of and how many different people and departments are involved? The likelihood of making mistakes is high with these kinds of complex processes. An application, for example, can get 'stuck' somewhere and the applicant is left in the dark. HR automation simplifies these types of processes, making them not only faster and more streamlined, but also more reliable and less expensive.
Automating HR processes: 4 tips
Automating HR processes isn't something you do on the side. The daily rush may mean you repeatedly have too little time to focus on the bigger picture. But of course you also know you need to make this optimization move to make your organization future-proof. Optimizing your digital toolkit and replacing outdated, time-consuming processes therefore deserve a place at the top of your agenda. To get you started, we give you 5 tips you can start working on right away:
1. Optimize the application process
It may sound clichéd, but it’s true: you only have one chance to make a good first impression. What does someone applying to your company experience? Is it simple and quick via a clear online form that adapts well to mobile? Is the follow-up fast and clear? Can an applicant easily get in touch with the HR department? Take a close look at your entire application process — doing so will significantly increase your chances of finding capable candidates.
2. Give onboarding the attention it deserves
Onboarding refers to any action that helps new employees understand how things work in the new work environment, introduces them to the company's philosophy and corporate culture.
Here too, simple and streamlined processes ensure the best possible start. Prevent new employees from immediately getting bogged down in a bureaucratic web and an unmanageable pile of paperwork, but keep it simple and clear.
Read also: Why is onboarding important?
3. Preservation is essential
Attracting and welcoming the right people is of course very important. But the real challenge lies in retaining your good people. You do this by being there for them and making all HR processes they encounter as simple as possible. Don’t go digitalizing at random, but first listen to what they have to say. What do they consider a pleasant way of working? And do they themselves have ideas about how the existing HR processes can be improved? Take their feedback into account throughout the entire process.
4. Choose the right software package
One of the most important steps you as an organization can take in the field of HR automation is choosing a good software package. By bundling and digitizing all the small processes you create a clear working environment, both for yourself and for your employees. There are plenty of good software packages to be found. Let yourself be advised on this by someone with experience in HR automation.
