Choosing the Right HR System: Key Considerations

You may be at the point where you need to choose an HR system.

What should you be considering?

Avoiding Pain

My opinion is that choosing an HR system is all about avoiding pain. No HR system is perfect, so your objective will be to avoid as much pain as possible because having a frustrating HR system is like sand in your swimsuit at the beach -- you will not be comfortable until you get rid of that pesky irritant.

Changing HR systems will cost you more time and money in the long run. So get it right the first time.

What Features Do You Need?

Make a list of features you most need. Examples include:

• Payroll
• HR record keeping
• Onboarding tools (e.g., I-9, forms, handbook sign off)
• Benefits enrollment
• Job applicant tracking
• Training portal (e.g., harassment, safety, discrimination)

Some features you might want to consider that aren't necessarily on your mind:

• Staff communication -- including text notifications
• The ability to send recognition to employees
• A mobile app for staff to use

Usability

If the system doesn't make sense intuitively, then it's going to be like running a marathon through sand.

Imagine writing with a pen that skips, dries out, or leaks versus one that makes beautiful, bold lines every time. Something you use regularly is worth investing in, so consider future pain points in your selection.

Using a bad HR system is like a pen that never works right.
(Photo by Janson A. on Pexels.com)

Service

Can you get someone on the phone immediately? This is often a major point of frustration for business owners. Having to wait for a response can be excruciating when you need to process payroll or help an employee.

Employee Experience

Does the HR system have a modern mobile app?

Can employees find what they need quickly?

Does the application and onboarding experience make your life easier, or does it create so many questions from staff that you spend more time answering questions than serving your clients or patients?

A bad employee experience will frustrate your staff and that will absolutely impact you.

Do you want this to be YOU? Choose the wrong HR system and you'll be there shortly.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Implementation Help

Implementation can be a bear. If you can get help from a seasoned professional, it will save you time and money in the long run.

Mike Lyons is an HR professional and consultant in the Austin, TX area. He can be found on LinkedIn.