Some things in business should be automated and others shouldn't. While human resources is a department that is vital to the success of a company, the responsibilities and structure of that department have changed over time. Instead of simply recruiting new hires and training staff members, human resource managers have become strategic partners in organizations of all sizes.
 
Since much of the focus is being placed on making human resources the one-stop solution to some of the most complex business problems, it is fair to say that the face of the department has changed.
 
While specialists still administer payroll, plan company events, and manage benefits, there is also the need to focus on more serious issues that hinder or contribute to organizational development. This is why many organizations are beginning to take advantage of systems and technologies that help automate some of the more basic HR functions.
 
Read on and learn which functions are perfect for automation and which need to be completed and managed by a skilled human resources specialist.

Get All of the Pertinent Information on a Single Dashboard

One of the most mundane tasks in the HR department is shuffling through all of the paperwork, filing that paperwork, and then sifting through cabinets when it is time to pull a file. Instead of wasting your time printing, filing, organizing and more, you can streamline the storage of critical employee files with an advanced Human Resources Information System (HRIS) so that the process is completely automated.
 
When it is time to review a time-off request or information on an employee's hire date, you can simply pull up the virtual file, verify they have time, and even update the file with the click of a button. What makes contemporary HRIS software more advanced compared to spreadsheet alternatives is that your employees can even review their data and set alerts so that they do not have to pick up the phone to make a call to HR when they are planning a vacation.

Instant Automated Reports for Employee Reviews

Managers watch over employees to see how they are performing on a day-to-day basis. While they have their own notes in their employee file, they will need to access attendance and other information in the HR file to complete an employee review. HR professionals look at the big picture when offering a raise or promotion.
 
With instant automated reports, the specialists can see the big picture without having to paint it on their own time. By simply updating the profile consistently, reports can be drawn up in seconds so that HR can make smart, fair and strategic decisions about their workforce.

Setting Alerts So That Important Dates Are Never Missed

You can spend a lot of time managing license renewal dates, sending out notifications for training seminars, and managing benefit eligibility for employees. Since you have so many other responsibilities as an HR manager, you can expect some people and events to fall through the cracks.
 
With a streamlined HRIS program implemented in the department, you can setup annual alerts and ongoing alerts so that important dates for renewals, tests, benefits and events are never missed. Spend less time on your Outlook calendar and more time where it counts.

Using Manpower on Functions That Require Critical Thinking Skills

Reports, alerts, and profiles are all things that can be updated and automated, but you cannot automate strategic functions that require critical thinking. Efforts to develop the organization, to engage employees, and to make the corporation more socially responsible cannot be automated. While this is true, automating other basic functions will make more time for this.
 
There is a new calling for Human Resources managers today. To be a skilled manager, you need to be a critical thinker who is capable of identifying where time can be saved and where time should be spent. Use HRIS software to your organization's advantage and spend your time where it counts.