Between recruitment and hiring, handling employee-employer relations, managing employee benefits, and payroll, HR functions can become overwhelming. Fortunately, HR software helps simplify these processes, saving time and costs. In addition, automation of the HR function enhances decision-making and improves regulatory compliance.
Acquiring HR software for your nursing home relieves your in-house HR team of repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic goals. While there are various solutions in the market, the best option is to partner with an HR outsourcing service for assisted living and nursing homes that provides HR software as a free addition.
But with so many services available, finding the right one can be tricky. Here are the specific characteristics you should look for when sourcing HR software:
Cloud-Enabled Software
One of the most fundamental qualities of HR software is that it should be cloud-enabled. A cloud-enabled software is one that can be accessed via the internet. As the data is stored in the cloud, it allows users to log into the software using any internet-enabled device from anywhere.
Another quality of cloud-enabled software is data safety. Since the data is stored on an external server, you don't have to worry if a device gets spoilt or lost. You can still log into the software and access your information using another device.
Similarly, you can launch the software on all the devices the employees use, allowing for easier scheduling of information and implementation of HR tasks.
Integrated Payroll and Timekeeping
The software should have integration capabilities for payroll and timekeeping. Usually, manual reconciliation of the payroll and timecards is time-consuming and error-prone. Besides, manual timesheets raise the risk of timecard fraud. According to studies, over 75% of companies lose money due to buddy punching, whereby employees clock in for their colleagues.
Another benefit of integration is that it enhances reporting. Since the data is centralized, the HR team no longer needs to log in to different systems to generate reports; all the HR modules are integrated, including benefits enrollment. Ultimately, the system should increase efficiency, eliminate compliance failures, and minimize the chances of unsatisfied employees due to possible erroneous timecard reconciliations.
Multiple Options for Time & Labor Clocks
Good HR software should also provide multiple options for time and labor clocks to track employee attendance more efficiently. Not only does the clock enable the employees to clock in and out quickly, but it should also allow you to monitor when and where they punch in. This way, you can easily catch time theft.
Some of the clocks you can implement include;
- Mobile app clock – The clock is mobile-app based, allowing employees to clock in and out by accessing the app on their smartphone or tablet.
- Web-based clock – The employee clocks in or out by logging into a web browser on a desktop or laptop
- Biometric clock – The clock uses biometric data like facial recognition, fingerprints, palm prints, etc., to identify the employees
- Employee PIN – The employee enters a unique PIN on a keycode clock to clock in and out
- Proximity badge and smart card swipe clock – These allow the employee to use an assigned card to swipe on a scanner when clocking in and out
Applicant Tracking System
Another must-have quality of excellent HR software is that it should support an applicant tracking system (ATS). ATS is software that allows recruiters to track the candidates from the start to the end of the hiring process. Some benefits of ATS include;
- Sourcing for qualified candidates quickly and increasing process efficiency
- Improving visibility across recruiting teams and streamlining talent acquisition
Online Benefits Enrollment
Online benefits enrollment is another feature to look out for. Days of collecting physical benefit enrollment forms are long gone. HR software should integrate with other HR modules and allow employees to complete online enrollment. Some of the gains include:
- Convenient and secure process
- Saves money
- Reduces data entry errors
- Provides reporting tools
- Improves compliance
Manager Self-Service Portal
Similarly, good HR software should have a manager self-service (MSS) portal. This enables supervisors to perform specific HR tasks such as timecard reviews, time off requests, monitoring payroll, performance reviews, etc. As a result, it increases their efficiency and convenience in employee time management and enforcement of company policies.
Employee Self-Service Portal
Lastly, a good HR solution should offer an employee self-service portal. The portal allows employees to access their records, including payroll details. Some of its benefits include;
- Enhancing data accuracy
- Accessing onboarding documents
- Updating personal details
- Benefits enrollment
- Saving time on administrative tasks
- Improving employee engagement
Conclusion
Generally, acquiring HR software relieves your team of some administrative burdens. But they still need to perform transactional HR tasks, which can be time-consuming. Owing to the staffing challenges many assisted living and nursing homes face, the best alternative is getting a comprehensive HR service like Zamp HR.
Zamp HR offers an all-inclusive outsourcing solution at a cost comparable to most payroll processing companies. However, unlike ordinary HR outsourcing companies, Zamp HR offers added services, including workers' comp claims management and medical insurance plans, among other benefits.
In a nutshell, Zamp HR gives you access to world-class software at no extra cost. Learn more about our software for nursing homes by accessing our free demo.
