New trends descend on HR & payroll

New trends descend on HR & payroll

By , Surveys Editorial Project Manager at ITWeb.
Johannesburg, 2 Jul 2015

Employees are the heart of any business. This is especially true for mid-size enterprises, which must attract and retain the best talent if they are to hold their own against much larger competitors.

So says Anton van Heerden, MD of Sage HR & Payroll, who notes if enterprises are to take full advantage of their talent, they have to be able to manage it effectively and efficiently.

“This is why we’re seeing so many mid-size and large enterprises invest in powerful, simple and flexible HR management solutions to streamline their practices, improve efficiency and future-proof their businesses,” says Van Heerden.

Sage VIP and Synergy Group, in partnership with ITWeb, are conducting an online HR & Payroll Survey to gain valuable insight and perspective into the current strategies within South African organisations.

“It is important for organisations to seriously consider their HR and payroll automation strategies and the aim of the survey is to determine how South African organisations are faring when it comes to what motivates them to implement, upgrade or replace their HR and payroll solutions,” says Van Heerden.

He notes the survey is to also establish current market penetration of HR and payroll solutions within businesses.

Ashley Regenass, CEO of Synergy Group, adds: “This survey is needed to establish what the current uptake of automated and integrated HR and payroll is in South Africa.”

According to Van Heerden, there are quite a few trends that are being witnessed within the HR and payroll sphere such as compliance, payroll fraud, cloud computing, employee self-service and outsourcing.

He points out the regulatory and tax environment are becoming more complex. This trend is expected to continue, especially with pension fund reform on the cards, the possible introduction of national health insurance, and the Davis Commission’s reevaluation of SA’s entire tax system.

“More organisations are falling prey to payroll fraud. Many organisations are looking to the cloud to cut operational and capital costs. Employee self-service solutions give employees more convenience and finally outsourcing routine monthly payroll tasks allows organisations to focus on their core business more easily.”

It is important for organisations to seriously consider their HR and payroll automation strategies, says Anton van Heerden, MD for Sage HR & Payroll.

It is important for organisations to seriously consider their HR and payroll automation strategies, says Anton van Heerden, MD for Sage HR & Payroll.

When asked what challenges organisations face with regards to HR and payroll, Regenass advises that too many mid-sized businesses still store HR data in silos.

“Outdated HR systems with loose or no integration with accounting and ERP [enterprise resource planning] systems create inefficiencies and hamper visibility into business trends. Gaining visibility of HR performance is a growing challenge as well as statutory reporting,” says Van Heerden.

“A good solution will automate routine administrative tasks which helps companies to comply with regulations. Electronic processes also produce a wealth of data which enables HR to make better decisions.”

Regenass notes an effective HR and payroll system helps businesses to better manage their mobile workforce as well as improve efficiencies.

“An effective HR and payroll system will streamline compliance and help companies stay on top of the dynamic and changing HR landscape,” he adds.

Concludes Van Heerden: “By automating routine paperwork, HR departments will be able to focus more on issues such as training and development, performance management, employee retention, developing a positive business culture, and alignment of the HR strategy with the business strategy. This translates into a business advantage.”

 

Paymaster makes for happier holidays

Payroll software makes for happier holidays

It may only be June, and the festive season may seem a long time away but it is well worth considering how important your payroll system is to you and how much better your holiday will be and can be with the right Payroll solution. Paymaster will make your holiday that bit happier… here is why….

If you are using the right software for your payroll and human resources, you may be preparing for a stress-free December holiday knowing that your business is under control wherever you are.
And if it doesn’t, here are five reasons you need to select a software partner that could make it easier for you to enjoy a productive yet restful festive season, says Madelein van der Watt, development manager at Sage Pastel Payroll & HR.

Take the pain out of managing leave applications

Over December, many of your employees will want to take leave. Keeping track of who’s available and who is not can be a chore once you have more than a handful of employees. Why not use employee self-service (ESS) to let them apply for leave online from any Internet-connected computer or mobile device? It makes life easier for them and for you. You’ll be able to sign off leave forms online and have electronic records at your fingertips. That will make it easier to plan who will man the phones and respond to urgent customer requests over the holidays.

Simplify leave pay

With the end of the year in sight, companies need to do the complex calculations necessary to determine their employees’ correct leave pay. Doing the sums manually or on spreadsheets is a time-consuming exercise, and getting them wrong could mean breaching the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). These days, any business can afford to roll out a modern payroll and HR solution that automates this task.

No more interrupting questions about available leave

Your payroll software should make your employees more self-sufficient. ESS systems should give them access to information, such as how much leave they have due, without asking the HR department. The payroll software automatically calculates accruals and reduces it with days taken to show an accurate balance to an employee. Managers will also see the current leave balance when employees apply for leave, making it easier and quicker to decide whether to approve the application or not. Employees and managers can plan December holidays better, knowing at all times exactly how much leave is available.

Automate wherever possible

In this world of instant-gratification, your software solution should help you to be more efficient and save time. The right software will allow you to execute multiple transactions, such as processing a production bonus or commission by only using one screen. Over shutdown periods, putting your entire workforce on leave should be quick and easy using global update features.

Get the help you need

Your software provider should be there to support you whenever you need it. So don’t be afraid to ask for help. Attending training or workshops yourself or even having a back-up admin person trained and ready to help will certainly alleviate the stress of processing leave and bonuses. Another good option is to get expert on-site assistance from a consultant. That peace of mind is one of the best presents you can give yourself this festive season.