These are some of the core features that are common to the best HR software on the market. Look for these tools when you’re evaluating any HR software platform, as they are likely to be useful for your business.
Onboarding
The onboarding process involves more than just documentation for a new employee; it’s a powerful way to communicate your company culture and to show your true colors with the benefits, support and compensation you offer your employees. On the administrator’s side, this complex process means getting your newest team members ready with the right equipment – for example, setting up software access, permissions, payments, benefits, garnishments and other critical operations. HR software tools streamline this process with automated workflows, taking as little as 90 seconds to give each new employee everything they need to succeed and feel comfortable in their new role from the moment they arrive for work on their first day, no matter where that happens to be.
Did you know?: A poor onboarding process can reduce productivity, morale and retention. Using software to organize your onboarding and training process for new hires can help you avoid these negative consequences.
Payroll and Taxes
Another daunting task that demands the highest degree of accuracy is paying your team. Today’s best HR software makes it easy to run accurate payroll for salaried and hourly employees and, more importantly, automatically calculates and files your local, state and federal payroll taxes on your behalf. Payroll compliance is not only an essential part of operating a business but also a way to help your business maintain a stellar reputation and attract the best talent.
Benefits
Financial and health benefits administration can be a giant headache for new and established HR teams alike. Whether you’re shopping for providers, enrolling new employees, or helping a team member navigate a life-changing event such as the birth of a child, this is another area where you have to satisfy everyone. Most all-in-one HR software platforms have native integrations with thousands of benefits providers, or open APIs that allow you to keep your existing benefits packages but manage the data through your HR dashboard. Whatever case suits your company best, keeping all of your benefits data in one place that’s easy for employees to check and understand will save you time and greatly reduce your stress.
Integrations
Open APIs and marketplace integrations are the easiest ways for small and midsize businesses to tailor HR solutions to their teams. Finding an HR software platform that integrates with various other programs is important to keep your company agile and adaptable. For small companies, the software services you need will likely evolve as your business grows, so it’s important to know that you can mix and match your benefits, accounting systems, payroll solutions and other critical apps to meet the challenges you’re sure to face in the years to come. Most HR solutions designed for small and midsize businesses offer extensive opportunities for integrations, ensuring you always have access to the tailored solution you need.