A small or medium-sized business can implement a variety of Internet technologies to simplify and improve the management of its human resources. Benefits realized include better systems, better information tracking, time savings and cost savings.
Of greatest benefit are tools that improve the following human resources (HR) functions:
- recruiting,
- training,
- administration of HR data, and
- employee relations.
Recruiting
Over the last years online job-boards have grown tremendously in popularity. The advantages for a small business to use an online job posting service are numerous:
- less costly than print advertising
- broad audience of job seekers
- resumes are received electronically
Resume review, evaluation, sorting and categorizing can be simplified and improved using Internet technologies. Businesses can improve and streamline the resume management process by implementing a range of methods including:
- key word searches of resumes
- online job applications
- database storage of resumes
Training
E-business technologies can help to make training more effective, more consistent, less time-consuming and a richer experience for the employee. Web-based courses enable your employees to access the training they require at any time, complete portions of training when it's convenient and take tests on the new material when they are ready.
Using Internet technologies for training purposes is generally referred to as e-Learning.
Applications for e-Learning can include:
- orientations
- company policies
- customer service policies
- machine operations
- technical standards
- management skills
Benefits of implementing e-Learning include:
- increased productivity of workforce
- reduced training costs
- competitive advantage
- global product and services launches
- global 24/7 training
- assisting new employees faster
- re-skilled and retained employees
- increased job satisfaction
If they are not well planned and executed, e-Learning systems can result in frustration and waste of money. Businesses that are considering e-Learning for their employees need to evaluate options for what is taught, how it is presented, what level of access the employees have to a Web-based computer, what level of skill the employees have on a computer and a range of other variables.
Administration of HR Data
Maintaining accurate and current employee data is a challenge for all businesses. E-business technologies can simplify the process while also putting the data into a format that can be analyzed more easily.
Benefits of implementing e-Business HR Administration include:
- time and money savings in administering employee interactions and records,
- consistent, effective and fair policies and procedures, and
- ability to give employees prompt access to their information.
Typical applications of e-Business HR systems include:
- payroll,
- expense Reports,
- time tracking,
- integrated HR data management systems.
Intranets are Web-based employee portals designed to provide employees with quick access to the companies' key knowledge and resources. Intranets can also include personal record keeping tools, enabling employees to "self-manage" their information as it changes.
Employee Relations
Studies have shown that implementing the appropriate technologies along with specific HR practices can have a significant impact on the bottom line.
Employee retention can be improved by using e-business technologies and resources for:
- career planning,
- performance tracking,
- succession planning,
- life-work issues.
Small businesses can benefit from many online resources to help them determine if their employees compensation is comparable to industry standards.
Web-based technologies simplify and standardize employee communications. Employees are able to keep up to date with the newest company information, direction and strategy.
Additional Resources
- CanadaOne Toolkit: Questions to ask before posting a job online.
- The e-Learning Centre: The e-Learning Centre is the world's largest free information resource about e-learning. The main focus is on adult e-learning, i.e., e-learning in the workplace, in higher education and in continuing professional development.
- e-Learning for the Workplace [PDF Format, 542 Kb]: The Conference Board of Canada presents a 56-page report on e-learning including a toolkit for developing an e-learning strategy.
- Collection of HR technology articles: Learn about a range of HR technologies, issues and opinions in this vast collection of articles.
- Workforce Management Software & Technology: This site features an up-to-date collection of articles, information and research on a wide range of e-HR topics.
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