Using cloud technology for human resources

Typically, the recruitment process is long and detail oriented. Cloud computing streamlines things by placing the information related to each step of the process in the cloud to give everyone immediate access to it. Feedback can then be given in real-time, and decisions made collaboratively.  

In the first instance, recruiters will circulate job postings across a variety of job boards returning eye-opening analytics to the cloud.  

Then cloud technology gives organisations oversight during the hiring process, information in central databases includes search functionality, allowing HR professionals to look at candidates who applied in the past. 

Cloud HR solutions also create a competitive advantage by helping organisations manage workforce trends, with easier access to insights and reporting.  

Leveraging the data and analytics can help recognise trends in searching for candidates that fit best within the organisation and optimise the process.  

With the power of the cloud computing in the hands of the business, HR leaders can increase engagement and identify better opportunities to track career paths. In addition, the cloud enables greater opportunities for innovation, such as AI and mobile apps, which attract candidates. 

The first few days for an employee at your company are critical, and cloud computing in HR can help you set a new hire up for success.  

A range of cloud-based solutions can provide IT and HR departments with secure identity management in the cloud, on a mobile device or on-premises with a single sign-on. This serves as a Human Resources Information System (HRIS), but with the additional security benefits to the IT department as well. 

With cloud HR software, onboarding processes are tracked automatically in real-time and this helps the HR team put the right new systems in place or provide additional training in just a matter of hours. 

Cloud-based HRIS systems help retain and reward employees, ultimately creating efficiencies in how organisations develop, assess and align performance with compensation.  

By offering flexibility, security and value, cloud-based professional development tools can reward improved performance and arm employees with the tools to grow.  

Within the cloud community, employees can share ideas with one another simply and easily – like an email chain or Slack thread. This applies to every level of the workforce, from the entry level employee to the CEO. As more and more employees are migrating and successfully navigating the cloud, workers are not only engaging with one another, but with the company in a more open and honest way. 

Looking forward, leveraging cloud computing in human resources — and across your business — will empower you to respond to the needs of your workforce more quickly, securely and cost-effectively. 

Prior to cloud-based HR and talent management solutions, HR professionals were used to handling core HR processes such as performance management offline or on an internal platform.  

Today, cloud-based HR solutions can help move the needle by automating many of the data heavy HR processes, such as timesheet submission, performance reviews, and holiday requests. Cloud computing also allows HR managers to focus on big picture stuff while not having to worry about their small, day-to-day tasks. 

Gone are the years of storing employee records in large filing cabinets. With cloud-based HR software, all files can now be stored securely in the cloud and accessed instantly with apps like Box, Google Drive, and Dropbox. Because data is stored digitally, a HR employee can search and print a file from a cloud HR solution in a matter of seconds. 

Thanks to cloud computing, start-ups and big corporations alike now have equal access to innovation in HR solutions. The cloud provides an easy way to update solutions. This means companies no longer need to invest extra in software or technology continually. 

It could also be said that access to innovation levels the playing field by allowing small companies to stay ahead of technology trends — adapting to changes and adopting new solutions as they move forward. 

By its nature, cloud technology is developed with security as part of its overall make-up. It is more secure because you can control who accesses information and data is protected and available even when there are physical emergencies, like an office fire. You only need an internet ready mobile device or computer to access the data. 

That being said, because employee records are now stored digitally, companies need to rethink how to keep sensitive information safe.  

Data security is particularly relevant for international businesses because of the GDPR laws across Europe. GDPR redefines personal data and holds companies accountable for protecting the personal information of employees. 

The good news is that most cloud HR software companies take security seriously. They conveniently have all the latest mechanisms in place to safeguard your company’s sensitive data. As a result, security is on them, not you, to maintain, even as regulations change.