What is Human Resource Information System?
HRIS stands for Human Resources Information System and it is a system used to collect, store, and manage data on an organization’s employees. This system encompasses various functionalities needed for Human Resources Management such as recruitment, performance management, learning and development, and more. It is commonly known as HRIS software, but this is a bit misleading as it implies that different systems can have different software running on them. The HRIS is essentially an HR software package that can either be run on the company’s own technical infrastructure or be cloud-based, which makes it easier to update. Other commonly used names for this system include HRMS (Human Resources Management System) and HCM (Human Capital Management system). All these names refer to the same thing, which is the HRIS system.
What are the benefits of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)?
The benefits of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) include:
- Improved data accuracy and accessibility: HRIS allows HR professionals to store, access, and share employee data more easily, which leads to improved data accuracy and accessibility.
- Increased efficiency: HRIS automates many routine HR tasks, such as recruiting, onboarding, and payroll processing, which leads to increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Better decision-making: HRIS provides HR professionals with better data and analytics to make informed decisions, such as tracking employee performance, identifying trends, and forecasting future workforce needs.
- Improved compliance: HRIS can help organizations stay compliant with legal and regulatory requirements by tracking and reporting on key HR metrics, such as employee hours and compensation.
- Better communication: HRIS can improve communication between HR professionals and employees, by providing self-service portals for employees to access their personal information, request time off, and view their pay stubs and benefits information.
- Mobile accessibility: HRIS can be accessible from mobile devices which allows employees and managers to access the software from their mobile devices and perform certain tasks on the go.
- Improved employee self-service: HRIS can provide employees with self-service options for updating their personal information, viewing their pay stubs and benefits information, and requesting time off.
- Better workforce management: HRIS can provide the necessary data to effectively manage the workforce, by providing data on employee performance, attendance, and workforce demographics.
What are the different categories of Human Resource Information System (HRIS)?
Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) can be classified into four categories: Operational, Tactical, Strategic, and Complete.
- Operational HRIS: This type of HRIS is useful for managers to make routine and repetitive human resource decisions. It includes Worker Information Systems, Position Control Systems, and Performance Management Systems.
- Tactical HRIS: This type of HRIS helps managers to make decisions related to resource allocation. It includes Recruitment Information Systems, Pay and Benefits Information Systems, and Employee Training and Development frameworks.
- Strategic HRIS: This type of HRIS is focused on managing labor negotiations, workforce planning, and specific HR programs. It includes Workforce Planning Systems, and Specific Human Resource Information System Software.
- Complete HRIS: This type of HRIS is an integrated system that combines all aspects of HR management, including employee records, organizational policies, employee monitoring, and more. It is designed to generate reports from any HR management segment.