October, 2015

6 Advantages of a Cloud-Based HR Solution

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6 Advantages of a Cloud-Based HR Solution

Managing human resources in the cloud – using online software, rather than a paper-based or computer-based system physically located at the office – is a strategic, reliable method that allows organizations to improve their processes and align workforce initiatives with business initiatives.Companies using cloud HR technology are gaining productivity and cost advantages over those using older technology and manual processes.

A cloud-based approach also offers a unified core HR system for companies that have, or plan to have, multiple locations, perhaps in multiple states. Cloud-based systems also have substantially lower costs of ownership and operation, and do not require continuous software upgrades.

Here are six advantages of a cloud-based HR solution and how a cloud-based system can streamline tasks and free up time for more strategic activities:

1. Online benefits administration

Easily conduct online enrollment, submit information to plan providers, adjust benefit plans as needed, and help employees make informed decisions. Your workforce management solution should support and automatically report benefits information for multiple plan types (medical, dental, vision, life, disability) and automatically assign employee deduction amounts to employees by mass updates at the end of enrollment.

2. Employee lifecycle management

From hire to retire, you can track and manage employee life events, including onboarding, benefits enrollment, performance reviews, pay rate changes, FMLA leave, certifications, and more, with one centralized source of data. You can also track company assets assigned to employees, such as electronic equipment, tools, and vehicles.

3. Employee self-service

Empower staff with 24/7 online access to benefits enrollment, requests for time off, pay stubs, training enrollment, and personal information (for example, to update their contact information). This reduces calls and emails to HR staff, and research shows that self-service and mobile access drive employee engagement.

4. Manager self-service

Cloud technology takes management beyond the office. Using mobile devices, managers can approve requests for time off, review and approve time cards, correct missed punches, view employee information and events, and more.

5. Core HR reporting

Unified core HR data supports reporting and better decision-making. With a cloud-based system, managers can quickly view trends and effectively make decisions. Standard reports such as turnover, new hires, and head counts and pre-populated forms such as EEO1 and OSHA provide additional insight.

6. Affordable Care Act compliance

Proactively monitor hours for variable-hour employees, track and report aggregate employer amounts of health coverage, calculate full-time equivalent employees, issue and track Health Insurance Marketplace notices, report health plan coverage information to the IRS, and more.

Saving energy with cloud-based solutions

Switching to a cloud-based HR and workforce management solution can also be a key part of a company’s sustainability strategy. In addition to reducing IT and labor costs, cloud-based computing is more energy efficient. For example, researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Northwestern University estimate that if all American businesses moved their email programs, customer management software, and similar programs to centralized off-site servers, they could reduce their computing energy footprints by 87%. That would save 23 billion kilowatt-hours – enough to power Los Angeles for one year.

How APS can help

APS offers a core HR solution that makes it easy to track and manage performance reviews, recruiting, onboarding, and training all in one centralized location. Manage employee information in a few simple clicks and make performance decisions based on real-time data.