Human Resource Department are constantly being challenged to increase efficiency and provide better employee services. One dramatic way HR managers have responded to this challenge is by deploying Web-based solutions that offer employee self service.

Employee self-service (ESS) is an increasingly prevalent trend in human resources management that allows an employee to handle many job-related tasks (such as applications for reimbursement, updates to personal information and leave request) that otherwise would have fallen to management or administrative staff. With the emergence of ESS, employees are able to transact with their Human Resource office without physical appearance which is considered irrelevant in some transactions.

These features not only make employees feel more in control but also serve as an invaluable time-saver for HR. Instead of bombarding HR with phone calls and e-mails — many of which request the most elementary of information and guidance — employees can review the very same material by themselves and on their own time. That allows you to redirect energy to other responsibilities.

ESS promises a “paperless” office, streamlined business processes, and the elimination of “administrative” for human resource staff because employees and managers conduct basic transactions via computer that were formerly completed on paper forms and then processed by HR staff.