5 Things to Look For in an Automated Performance Management Solution

Last week I discussed the increasing need for HR technology, particularly performance management systems, and how the proof is in the numbers; HR professionals are without a doubt keeping talent management top of mind for 2010!

If you’re part of that majority, then odds are implementing an automated solution is high on your wish list this year. Maybe you’ve initiated some preliminary research to see what’s out there. Maybe you already have a solution in mind. Or maybe you’re just browsing.

Wherever you are in your quest to find the perfect solution for your organization, keep in mind that there are certain key features you’ll want to look for. To help steer you in the right direction, here are some fundamentals to consider when shopping around for an automated performance management system:

1. Ease of Use. An automated solution should be user-friendly. Think point, click and type. Select software that will help simplify and speed up your appraisal process, rather than bog it down. Remember: Automation should make your life easier, rather than add fuel to fire! Too many bells and whistles may look nice at first glance but can often be more overwhelming than useful.

2. Flexibility. Opt for a product that will support both short and long term organizational change. Any keen professional knows that business requirements can transform on a yearly, monthly, and even day to day basis. That’s why it is imperative your solution be flexible when it comes to on-the-fly changes to workflow, forms, and more.

3. Cost Effectiveness. The solution you choose should ideally be a one-stop-shop for all your performance management needs. Advanced features and modules such as 360, compensation and succession planning should be readily available at your finger tips, and you shouldn’t have to keep running back to the bank should you wish to use or add them.

4. Reporting and Analytics. What’s the point in housing an automated talent management solution if you can’t effectively report on the results? Some vendors are limiting when it comes to reports offering only those that are out of the box. The ideal solution should also provide the option to create ad hoc reports for organizations that have specific needs when it comes to collecting data.

5. Aligning Corporate Goals. Both important and effective when it comes to automating is the ability to align employee goals with the overall business strategy of the organization. Ensure that the solution you pick allows you to link in corporate goals and objectives so that everyone in the organization is on the same page and working towards a common purpose.

Have a few minutes to take a look at an automated system that meets all of the above criteria? Take a quick tour of the emPerform solution.

Written by Tania Richman

Recent Survey Says Talent Management is a Top Priority for HR Professionals

Last week, I talked about the benefits of automating employee reviews and how they can help streamline your business and improve the productivity of HR departments.

Still need some convincing? Take a look at the 2010 HR Service Delivery Report based on a recent survey by Towers Watson. Results reveal that HR professionals consider talent/performance management systems the most important issue for HR departments this year. In fact, 42 percent of those surveyed listed talent management as the most critical aspect of HR.

There seems to be an increasing need for HR technology in 2010. Regardless of the recent recession, numbers show that HR departments are eager to spend money on performance management systems as they emerge from the trenches. Why? Because getting a handle on your talent is one of the best things you can do for your company in the long-run.

According to Tom Keebler, Global Practice Leader with Towers Watson, “Talent management technologies have unquestionably become one of the best ways for companies and HR departments to drive better employee performance and enterprise success following the recession.”

Despite initial costs, implementing an automated performance management solution just might be what your company needs to build and maintain a stable workforce. Once in place, an effective talent management solution will give HR managers greater visibility of employee trends and as a result, provide long-term benefits not only for HR, but for the organization as a whole. In other words: you’ll reap what you sow.

Is your company prepared for another economic downturn? Does your HR department have the solution it needs to steer you through tough times?

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in a talent management solution today.

Written by Tania Richman

The Benefits of Automating Employee Reviews

If you’re an HR professional still going through a manual process come appraisal time, the idea of employee performance reviews may leave a sour taste in your mouth. Why? Simply put: a paper-based solution is no longer the logical solution.

There’s a reason why paper-based systems can have a bad rep and why even the mention of the word “review” may be followed by a whole lot of huffing and puffing from employees. If you’ve ever been a part of a tedious and inefficient manual appraisal process, then you probably know what I’m talking about.

… and I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way!

If you’re already using an automated solution, then kudos! But if you’re stuck under a mound of paper-work come performance review season, then maybe it’s time to take that process and throw it in the trash (literally). After all, in a world where everything is automatic, why should performance reviews be an exception?

An automated solution can transform the “dreaded” appraisal process into a manageable and even pleasantly positive experience. Here are a few things you may want to consider:

Paper-free equals hassle-free.

Paper methods are usually time-consuming and vulnerable to human error. With an automated solution, long over are the days of lost appraisals, chasing down employees and manually tracking a paper process.

Time is money.

Implementing an automated solution considerably reduces time spent executing an appraisal process from start to finish. The result? An increase in ROI and the ability to focus on other important HR deliverables. By automating a potentially labour intensive activity you’ll save yourself multiple headaches, increase productivity and become more efficient as a department.

Keep it central.

Automating employee reviews helps make the process easier on everyone, HR management and employees included. A web-based system keeps everything in one central place, making it easy to track the review process as it moves along and ensure it remains on schedule.

Align and track goals.

Use automated software to align employee goals to those of the organization and give them a clearer understanding of how their own goals fit into the company as a whole. Easily track the progress, and help grow, develop and retain existing talent through goal-setting.

If you are part of an evolving organization, a manual process may not cut it. An automated solution can open up the doors to a whole new world of possibilities; succession planning, 360 reviews, pay for performance… the list goes on (but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, we’ll save those topics for later)!

With all of the possibilities an automated solution brings to you as an HR professional, we can’t find any reason not to automate.

Written by Tania Richman