TOPIC 3: WEB BASED EMPLOYEE SELF SERVICE

Employee self-service (ESS) is a human resources technology that enable the user to directly access data management and processing their responsibility. ESS allow employee to access to human resource database through secure online portal. The employee needs user ID and password to log on to the ESS portal. Some of the employment information noted in the website is job profile, payroll and insurances. Some the employment information that can be update is address and contact information.

After explanation by our lecturer Dr.Roya, I identify the benefits of ESS to employee that enhance the human resource management which are improving data quality, improve process, employee empowerment and HR integration at employee level

1.      Improve data quality

With ESS, the employee can provide personal information which will be up-to-date and accurate.

2.      Improve process

The ESS minimize the processing time such as enquiries about compensation

3.      Employee empowerment

The employee have ability to access the centralized human resource information database to review and customized personal database in any time using their computer without administrative assist.

4.      HR integration at employee level

ESS can integrate the employment relation and quality.

After the class, I surf internet to find some example of ESS vendor which are SAP, ORACLE and PeopleSoft. According to Dave Foxall, there are 4 factors that need to be considering when choosing ESS software.

1.      Functionality

Every ESS vendor increase the software’s feature which will be advantage to organization that can fulfill their current and future needs.

2.      Ease to use

User friendly application can be suitable to organization which have employee who have low computer skills.

3.      Employee engagement

The ESS must be appropriate and favorable by employee.

4.      HR focus

The more complex ESS application requires the changes in HR focus depending on the function of the software.

I also find out that organization has 6 options in acquire the ESS software.

1.      Vendor who provide ESS systems only

This software have best core of functionality but lack in HR integration.

2.      Vendors who provide specialized software

This software highly functional in particular area such as benefits.

3.      In house develop software

The software will specifically design based on organization needs

4.      Hire consulting firm to develop

This software also specifically design for organization needs but may be expensive

5.      Application service provider (ASP)

This software does not have various feature but ideal for organization which just start using ESS.

408 words

References:

1.      Foxall, D. (n.d.).4 Key Factors for Employee Self-Service Software Selection. Retrieved October 12, 2012, from www.hrlab.com/employee-self-service-selection.php 
2. Janet H. Marler, James H. Dulebohn, (2005),"A Model of Employee Self-Service Technology Acceptance", Joseph J. Martocchio, in (ed.) Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management (Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management, Volume 24), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp. 137 - 180