Reverse engineering is a great way to analyze the positives of any technique. Now today, when we talk about HR Automation—instead of thinking about its benefits—it is time to find out the 5 reasons that support this pertinent thought, “why shouldn’t the HR process be automated.” Well, I am sure it is difficult to find even a single one. Hence, it is time to have a reality check.

As per a study, approximately 20% of the work done in the US companies is forecasted to be accomplished with the use of automation, robotics, and AI. Currently, about 9% of the work is already taken over by technology. Even then, very few companies are ready to adopt HR automation that has the potential to lessen reliance on full-time employees and depend on contingent talent. Additionally, a myriad of US origin companies have already implemented AI and amp; Robotics and have concrete plans to expand the use of automation in the next 3 years.

What exactly is HR automation?

Often known as the cost area for an organization, the HR department looks after several responsibilities, right from candidate screenings, recruitments, to satisfying regulatory norms, and a lot more.

HR automation is nothing but the process of replacing such manual and tedious tasks with the power of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and other emerging technologies. Companies are now adapting to these tools with the aim of freeing HR professionals from repetitive work and focus on strategic and result-oriented tasks. Not just this, but by implementing HR automation, a business can save on costs and time spent on manual HR planning and processing.

So, whether it is keeping up to date with regulatory norms, meeting employee expectations, or taking care of remuneration, introduction to HR automation has changed the complete dynamic of how corporate HR teams perform and deliver.

 As per a survey by KPMG, intelligent automation investments would lead to about 56% improved performance and allow staff an additional 54% time to perform strategic work. This is the primary reason why companies look forward to investing in AI and HR automation in the near future.

A sneak-peak into how HR automation functions

Digital transformation is necessary for every department. And when you get your HR function automated, it reduces the time taken to do regular tasks without sacrificing quality. Moreover, high-end technology tools ease the process of capturing, storing, securing, and accessing information by:

  • Introducing digital repository of documents imported from paper or digital formats
  • Arranging them in the repository for easy access, retrieval, and edits by authorized employees
  • Maintaining files in standard format for the ease of sharing across multiple devices
  • Archival of records as non-editable files for compliance and retention purposes

Benefits of HR process automation

Technology is transforming the way HR functions today. Yes, that’s right! Introduction of AI and amp; automation have increased workforce efficiency and amplified the potential of HR analytics. Additionally, high-end tools handle several administrative tasks, which are critical, yet slow down productivity.

Not just this, automation is also the key to reduce costs and increase productivity without hampering the quality. Similarly, when HR automation is implemented, organizations can streamline, design, and arrange important services at a faster rate and considerably lower costs.

Here are the top 7 benefits of HR automation for an organization

  • Reduces HR budgets
  • Lowers employee costs as a result of increased employee engagement
  • Decreases storage and printing costs associated with paper-based processes
  • Helps maintain a document repository and saves compliance risks and policy violations
  • Adds to organizational progress through efficient hiring at the best possible prices
  • Eliminates data entry errors and the risk of misplaced/lost documents
  • Eases informed decision making
  • Facilitates collaboration with other stakeholders to train, retain, and hire skilled workforce

List of HR processes that need automation

Now that we have a fair idea about the benefits of HR automation, it is equally important to figure out the areas that actually need automation.

Here is a list of a few processes that need attention.

  • Employee onboarding

Employee onboarding is the most primary and time-consuming task, where the HR manually needs to collect and verify a long list of documents. And the smarter way to do is by installing an onboarding app.

  • Leave requests

Manual leave management is another hassle, but automated leave management systems make the tasks easy and seamless.

  • Employee timesheets

An automated timesheet is the most foolproof and efficient way to deal with employee attendance.

  • Performance management

Believe it or not, performance management is one of the trickiest processes an HR needs to deal with. Measuring and analyzing employee goals manually is a tedious job. An automated performance management system streamlines the process and offers honest and accurate ratings making it easy for both the employer and employee.

  • Exit interviews

Last but not least, an exit interview is a significant step for the employer and employee. Often time, consuming and tedious, the manual process can be replaced with an automated one to retrieve actionable data that can be processed to enhance employee retention without the hassle of looking back at heaps and heaps of paperwork.

Takeaway

HR automation is not just what your business needs now but also in the future. Often categorized as a cost function, it is time to realize that automating HR activities can streamline business for better people management. So, all that you need to do is figure out the best HR automation tool for your business.

Attention: These tools are also available on the cloud platform and can be customized as per the needs of your organization with lucrative pay as you go options.

So what are you waiting for?