What Is Employee Self Service (ESS) & How Does It Work? (2024)

There are several benefits of self-service HR. These include:

  • Reduced workload for admin
  • Increased efficiency
  • Improved communication
  • Improved compliance
  • Increased cost savings
  • Improved employee satisfaction
  • Accessible anywhere, on any device

By implementing an ESS platform, you can enjoy these benefits and more. Your HR-related processes will become more efficient, cost-effective, and satisfying for your employees.

We’re now going to look more closely at some of the key benefits you can expect from ESS.

Enhances remote working

One of the biggest concerns with remote work is a lack of communication. Afterall, if you’ve got a team dotted all around the country, how do you ensure HR is taken care of? How can employees book time off? How can they update personal information? How can you stay on top of performance reviews?

In times gone by, this was fairly simple. An employee could knock on your door and make a request verbally. Not anymore. Without that physical contact, companies need to adapt their communication channels accordingly.

So, if you’re operating a remote workforce (or if you plan on introducing this benefit in the near future), you should consider the benefits of ESS.

With self-service HR, employees can access their HR information and tasks from anywhere, at any time.

This means you can communicate more effectively (and quickly) with members of your team. There’s no need for employees to directly contact their line manager before requesting time off. If you’re a ‘line manager’ reading this article, you’ll know how much of your time this will free up. To find out more about the benefits of HR software for remote workers, read our article.

Improves productivity and engagement

Your employees want to feel valued and connected to your company on a day-to-day basis. And you will know that employee productivity and engagement is crucial for the success of your business.

Employee self service makes your employees’ work lives easier and more efficient. They can easily update details and make requests and track the progress of their requests. All this can be done from their mobile device.

The key word here is transparency. When employees can track their progress, view pay information and request time off easily, they’ll feel more engaged in their work.

And when you’re more engaged, you’re more productive. Everyone wins.

Those responsible for HR within your company will also benefit from increased productivity. No more manual entry. No more miscommunication about time off requests. No more delays in updating important information. This frees you up to focus on more strategic tasks.

If you are struggling with engagement, head over to our employee engagement software page.

More accuracy, less errors

As a business owner or office manager, you know that accuracy is key when it comes to managing your employees. If you’ve ever made a mistake with someone’s holiday, you’ll know how negatively it can reflect on your management skills. It may even impact how your employees feel about their work.

By allowing your employees to manage and update their own information, ESS significantly reduces the chance of errors. It gives them autonomy over their information.

Of course, removing the need for manual entry will also free you up to focus on more strategic (and rewarding) activities.

Employees are empowered

It goes without saying – you want your employees to feel trusted and empowered in their work. ESS gives your employees control of their information, without the need for constant supervision.

This not only saves you time and resource, but it also gives your employees a sense of ownership and responsibility.

By using self service HR, you're showing your employees that you trust them and value their time and effort. You're empowering them to make decisions. You’re empowering them to take control of their own work lives. This can only lead to a more productive, engaged, and motivated workforce.

Accessibility is improved

ESS makes it easy for your employees to stay connected with their work, no matter where they are. With the customer portal accessible from laptops, PCs, and even their phones, employees can:

  • Perform work-related tasks
  • Book holidays
  • Access important information

From anywhere and at any time.

With employee self service, your employees no longer have to be at work to get things done. They can take care of their work tasks during their lunch break, from home, or while on the go. This flexibility not only saves them time, but it also makes their work lives easier and more efficient.

Automates HR tasks

With the ability to create automated workflows, HR software can make the process more efficient. This can help you with routing, approving and tracking HR tasks and requests.

For example, when an employee requests time off. The automated workflow can route the request to the appropriate manager for approval. It will then update the employee's status once it is approved. This eliminates the need for manual follow-up and reduces the risk of miscommunication.

Automated workflows also help to standardise HR processes across your business. This improves the overall consistency and accuracy of HR data and reduces the risk of errors.

Automated workflows also provide real-time updates and notifications. This keeps you informed about the status of HR tasks and requests. Everyone is on the same page and delays (and confusion) are reduced.

Automating tasks is at the core of HR software. To find out how HR software can save you time, read our article.

What Is Employee Self Service (ESS) & How Does It Work? (2024)
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