How to empower employees with HR mobile apps
The rise of hybrid and remote work has empowered employees to perform their job from virtually anywhere. Whether working from home, a coffee shop, or on the road, today’s workers demand access to human resources tools that match their dynamic lifestyles.
A 2023 Forbes Advisor study found at least 40% of employees are either working remotely or in a hybrid setup. Experts forecast this number would rise in the next few years as technology allows businesses to expand flexible work options.
Because of the highly flexible nature of work today, employees are starting to expect companies to provide mobile solutions for easy access to HR services, pushing more organisations to adopt HR mobile app solutions.
HR mobile apps have swiftly become indispensable for businesses striving to engage, empower, and retain top talent. But what separates a merely functional HR app from one that truly elevates the employee experience?
The basic functions of a well-designed HR mobile app
At the heart of any effective HR mobile app lies an integrated suite of self-service tools. These functionalities empower employees to take charge of their HR needs with unparalleled convenience and autonomy.
With a well-designed mobile app, employees can effortlessly do these things:
Track time and attendance
Clocking in and out, recording breaks, and managing work hours become a breeze, eliminating manual timesheets and reducing errors.
Request and approve leave
Applying for holiday, sick leave, or personal time-off is streamlined, with real-time notifications and approvals keeping everyone in the loop.
Enrol in and manage benefits
Employees can easily explore their benefits options, enrol in plans that suit their needs, and make changes as life circumstances evolve.
Access pay stubs and tax information
Retrieving pay stubs, W-2 forms, and other tax documents is a matter of a few taps, providing immediate access to crucial financial information.
Update personal information
Changes to addresses, emergency contacts, and other personal details can be made instantly, ensuring employee records are always up to date.
These self-service tools offer convenience to employees and reduce the administrative burden on HR teams, freeing up valuable time for more high-value and strategic tasks.
HR mobile apps as a communication hub
An important aspect of HR mobile apps is communication: they serve as a vital conduit for keeping employees connected, informed, and engaged, regardless of time zone or physical location.
HR mobile apps facilitate a variety of communication channels that break down barriers and promote collaboration, such as access to HR chat support, direct messaging between colleagues, and company-wide announcements.
Having a centralised communication system in an HR mobile app is essential in this era of remote and hybrid work. It creates a virtual watercooler, where casual conversations and informal exchanges can take place.
HR mobile platforms also ensure critical information doesn’t get lost in overflowing inboxes, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or missed deadlines. By promoting transparency and open dialogue, mobile HR apps can help foster a culture where employees feel heard and valued.
Streamlining HR processes with mobile solutions
Beyond self-service and communication, well-designed mobile apps revolutionise the way HR departments operate. They bring efficiency, increased control, and automation to a wide array of tasks.
By digitising and mobilising processes that were once paper-based and time-consuming, these apps empower HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative minutiae.
An effective mobile app can bring these benefits to HR professionals:
Onboarding and offboarding
New hires can complete paperwork, access training materials, and connect with colleagues seamlessly through the app, while departing employees can easily initiate exit procedures.
Document management
Important documents like contracts, policies, and handbooks are readily available, eliminating the need for physical filing cabinets and reducing the risk of lost or misplaced documents.
Expense reporting
Employees can submit expense reports on the go, complete with photos of receipts, to streamline reimbursements and reduce processing time.
Compliance and performance reviews
Managers and employees can conduct compliance and performance reviews within the app, keeping up with regulations, tracking goals, providing feedback, and setting up roadmaps.
The impact of streamlined HR processes on a company’s bottom line is undeniable. In automating repetitive tasks, reducing manual data entry, and minimising errors, mobile HR apps significantly reduce administrative costs and free up valuable resources.
Choosing the right mobile HR app for you
With a plethora of mobile HR apps available on the market, selecting the perfect fit for your organisation requires careful consideration. The ideal app should seamlessly integrate with your existing HR systems, offering a user-friendly interface that caters to all tech skill levels.
Prioritising data security is also paramount, with features like encryption and multi-factor authentication protecting sensitive employee information. Meanwhile, seamless integration with payroll, benefits, and other HR software can ensure consistency across platforms.
To enhance the user experience and foster a sense of ownership, look for an app with customisation options that allow you to tailor the appearance, features, and branding to your company’s unique needs.
Lastly, choose a vendor that provides ongoing updates to address bugs, add new features, and ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems, along with responsive customer support for any technical issues or questions.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a mobile HR app that not only meets the current needs of your workforce but also adapts to future growth and technological advancements.
