Category: Employees

  • Top 5 Employee Self-Service Apps

    Top 5 Employee Self-Service Apps

    Employees can use an employee self-service (ESS) app to update their details on the go, download pay slips, apply for a day off, check PF/TDS data, view leave balances, and more from anywhere, anytime. Pairing ESS with PTO tracking software gives teams real-time visibility into balances and approvals while reducing manual errors.

    Apps like Day Off make leave management simple and stress-free, easing HR workload and saving hours each week. In this article, we highlight the top 5 employee self-service apps and the key factors to consider before choosing the right one for your team.

    Top 5 Employee Self-Service Apps

    We’ve listed the 5 best employee self-service apps below. All of these apps are beneficial to employees as well as HR professionals.

    Namely

    Namely is a one-stop shop for HR management while executing self-service features. Businesses can easily enhance their HR policies while remaining compliant with this platform. It is used by over 1,400 organizations throughout the world.

    The program is marketed as a “people operations platform.” From this unified platform, you can easily manage all of your HR policies. Its basic features are-

     

      • Hiring and onboarding

      • Self-service and managing workflows

      • Customizing tasks and setting goals

      • Database management and e-signature

      • Monitoring performance

    Namely appeals to us since the software is intended to boost employee engagement. It provides your employees with simple access to all HR information they may require through an employee portal.

    The Namely app allows you to access the program from anywhere. Namely can also be used to distribute corporate news, enhance communication, and create a company directory.

    There are also add-ons and extensions for benefits administration, payroll, time and attendance, and recruiting, among other things. In general, Namely is a strong match for medium businesses.

    BerniePortal

    BerniePortal provides everything you could possibly need in terms of managing your employees. It might not be as popular as most of the other self-service HR apps, but it’s in our top choices for some reasons.

    BerniePortal should be your best shot in case you want to leverage technology to improve your workers’ complete lifecycle management.

    BerniePortal was formed in 2008; thus, they have more than a decade of HR software expertise. It has been installed in over 5,000 HR departments across all 50 states, with over 210,000 active users.

    What is the purpose of BerniePortal? Let’s take a deeper look at the features of this HRIS software:

     

      • Managing employee performance and their compliance

      • Self-service access with mobile phones

      • Monitor productivity and engage with employees

      • Monitor and custom hiring policies

    You can even utilize BerniePortal to file IRS tax returns. While the program does not have payroll functions, it can work in tandem with your current payroll system.

    BerniePortal has a free version that may be used for employee monitoring and recruitment.

    If you want to pay monthly, it’ll charge you $11 per month per employee. The charge will be $9 per month per employee if you’re taking it for a year.

    APS

    Payroll is APS’s expertise, but it’s an automated self-service app for employees. The abbreviation “APS” stands for “Automatic Payroll Systems.” But, as previously said, APS is not a separate payroll software; it is an all-in-one HR and payroll solution.

    APS provides HR capabilities for recruitment and onboarding, employee self-service, performance management, payroll management, compliance, and many more.

    Restaurants, healthcare, wholesalers, manufacturing, nonprofits, financial services, hospitality, and other niche industries have their own solutions. Basic features of APS are:

      • Improve tax compliance via wage garnishment, timeliness, and accuracy

      • Reduce your tax load and risk by automating your system

      • Paycheck reconciliation cuts down on the time spent processing payroll

      • Automate tax filings at the federal, state, and municipal levels

      • With paperless payroll processing, you can increase your efficiency and save on costs

    On both the employee and administrative sides, the self-service capabilities supplied by APS are exceptional.

    APS is used by over 2,000 companies in a variety of sectors. APS should be your best shot if you’re searching for an all-in-one HR and payroll solution.

    The minimum monthly billable fee of APS is $250, which covers any combination of services. Any relevant taxes are not included, and your costs may rise as you make more transactions.

    Workday

    Workday is a well-known HR platform with a twist of self-service features. Every aspect of the tool revolves around money. It allows you to manage your HR operations from a single platform, keeping your objectives in mind.

    In a wide number of sectors, industry leaders utilize the software. Toyota, Visa, Salesforce, Charles Schwab, Adobe, CE, and Target are just a few of the well-known firms that use Workday.

    Overall, Workday is quite adaptable. Talent management, employee management, expenditure management, labor and payroll management, and more are all covered by the program.

    Workday is a powerful tool that is yet quite simple to use. You’ll have access to features such as:

      • Tools for time-tracking

      • Elimination of manual tasks and increasing productivity

      • Improved engagement and communication

      • Self-service programs and directories for employees

      • Top-notch algorithms for guiding decisions

    Workday’s HR solutions are industry-specific, and their use in a variety of sectors is another reason for their high ranking on our list.

    Government, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, professional services, insurance, and other industries are among the sectors where Workday is being used.

    Pricing of Workday is customizable based on each client’s needs. However, the basic package starts with $100 per year per user.

    Kissflow

    Kissflow is one of the easy-to-use HR platforms for employee self-service. It’s a top pick for companies looking to improve their human resource management.

    Among its in-built programs, employee hiring, onboarding, offboarding, leave management, attendance management, applicant tracking, etc., are all included in the program.

    You’ll get features and capabilities like these with Kissflow:

      • Effective employee self-service features

      • Feedback and evaluation programs

      • Customizable HR policies

      • Top-notch employee engagement

    For 10 users, Kissflow will charge $16 per month per user in the basic plan. The charge is $22 in the Advanced plan, and $30 in the Fully Loaded plan.

    Kissflow’s disadvantage is that it is not a genuine all-in-one HR solution. It concentrates on a few areas but lacks effectiveness in others, such as payroll. Still, Kissflow has a large number of connectors, allowing you to sync it with most of your existing platforms.

    Why Should You Use an Employee Self-Service App?

    Apps like Day Off are extremely helpful for HR professionals. As it comes with a dashboard that can be accessed by both HRM and employees, it saves a lot of time that can be used somewhere more useful.

    Also, employee self-service apps allow your employees to update, amend, and manage their personal information. You may eliminate a range of mistakes and issues in the lives of your HR personnel by using this function. Employees may update their profiles on their own, minimizing the need for HR to do so.

    HR doesn’t have to go under employees’ backs for every minor issue. When each employee fills out his own information rather than having one HR person fill out countless forms, there are fewer chances of errors.

    HR is a difficult department to run. There are hundreds of duties to handle between interviewing, onboarding, perks, and compliance.

      • What to do when an employee requests a copy of a previous paystub?

      • What is the best way to find out about someone’s benefits or vacation days?

    It’s a pain for everyone if they don’t have the appropriate technologies. And it’s for this reason that specialist employee self-service apps have grown in popularity.

    These solutions are being used by businesses of all sizes to increase productivity while also improving the employee experience.

    How to Choose the Best Employee Self-Service App

    There is no such thing as universal HR software. Everything has evolved to satisfy the demands of companies facing a wide range of difficulties. Some businesses require a system that allows them to find and hire hundreds of people per month. Others just want a solid payroll and benefits system.

    You have a greater understanding of your company’s condition than anybody else. So, which competencies will have the greatest impact on HR and employees?

    Let’s take a look at some of the most important aspects of employee self-service apps and how they may help you.

    Effective Self-Service and HR Control

    In today’s world, an HR app with a self-service portal for employees is a must-have. Without having to call, email, or visit the HR department, your employees will have access to critical information through this site.

      • Do you need a copy of the employee handbook?

    Log in and search for it!

      • Do you have any concerns regarding your benefits?

    It may be found in the gateway!

      • Do you need to take a day off?

    It’s only a few mouse clicks away!

    All of these are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, if any of your employees needs to check at an old paystub on a Sunday night while at home, they don’t have to call HR at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning.

    With this, your entire office will be much more productive. It will also no longer make your HR department waste time answering inquiries all day.

    Easy Access

    The self-service app that you choose should be free for your employees and easily available. It will also be included with the top HR software.

    This app may be used by employees to use the self-service capabilities listed above, but it can also be utilized by administrators.

    HR functions will not be confined to a physical location. To access real-time information and execute duties from anywhere, admins and HR officials will be able to log in at any time they need.

    You may even use these applications to interact with your staff in some situations. They can choose to have notifications delivered directly to their devices, which is faster than email.

    Automated Features

    The fundamental principle behind using an employee self-service app is efficiency. Automating repeated activities is the most efficient method that will help your entire office.

    Seek out an app that removes the need for human work. Some HR software, for example, will track and compute government filings, taxes, time-off requests, and more automatically.

    Consider how much money you’ll save if you can cut these chores out for just 5-10 hours each week. The cost reductions are enormous when done on a large scale.

    Payroll Administration

    The majority of HR platforms allow you to perform payroll directly from the platform. This isn’t always a deal-breaker; it all depends on your specific requirements.

    However, because HR and payroll are often linked, many organizations seek a solution for both. It’s fine if you’re pleased with your existing payroll system and don’t want to move. See if you can locate HR software that works with the payroll system you’re using.

    Your employees and HR team will appreciate having everything in one location.

    Size of the Company

    Another approach to limit down your options is to seek an app that is appropriate for the size of your company.

    A company with 15 workers will not have the same HR requirements as a company with 200 workers or a company with 1,500 workers. Although it appears to be a straightforward concept, many businesses miss it.

    Larger companies will have more complicated HR demands, which some technologies won’t be able to handle. Small firms, on the other hand, are unlikely to require all of the functions given by HR software.

    So, make sure you choose an employee self-service app that aligns with your company’s HR needs based on the number of employees.

    Conclusion

    Employee self-service apps like Day Off and others are beneficial to all businesses. This concept is true regardless of the size or sector of your business.

    The options suggested in this article are the ideal places to begin your search. Go through the procedure outlined in this article before making a final decision.

    Assess the parameters we put forth to see which sort of HR app best suits your needs. It won’t take long, and you’ll be able to guarantee that you’re selecting the best employee self-service app that will match your needs.

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  • Things to Do at Work before Taking a Long Vacation

    Things to Do at Work before Taking a Long Vacation

    Although it might be a refreshing thought for you when you are about to take a long vacation from your work, it might not be the case for your colleagues. Even the management might bear the hassle of an unplanned long vacation of the employee if he or she plays a significant role in the workplace.

    Every employee of an organization plays a vital role in his or her assigned work as an individual. The absence of one single block creates a void in the complete system, and the management has to fill that void by putting other team members to their work or hiring part-time workers in that position.

    Things to Do at Work before Taking a Long Vacation

    Due to the lack of a workforce, the management has to provide extra payment to the people working overtime for you while paying for your paid time off. Therefore, it would be best if you do a few things at work before taking a long vacation.

    However, you can use a free vacation tracker as your time-off tracker for tracking your progress before leaving for the vacation. You can also sign in and input your vacation days on your company’s personalized Day Off app, used as an employee leave tracking app.

    This PTO tracking software will assist the HR manager in monitoring the absence and calculating the approximate work distribution beforehand. In this article, we have assembled a few essential tips for you to make your checklist of things to do at work before taking a long vacation.

    Prior Notice to Your Boss

    Since your HR manager manages your company’s leave management, they might have to plan and settle for a replacement in your absence.  Informing your boss or manager before going on leave is necessary to maintain a good relationship with your workplace senior.

    It will help your manager to assign your work to other coworkers and track the leave. Check in with him or her and provide an outline of your tasks. This will help your higher-ups maintain the leave management and save you from unnecessary queries and work calls during your awaited vacation.

    Informing Colleagues

    Always remember to inform your colleagues before going on a long vacation because they have to shoulder the work you might have handled on regular days. Your coworkers and team members are your work pals. So informing them about your long vacation before leaving is mandatory.

    As they may have already had their tasks to complete, it would come as an extra burden on them. Therefore, knowing it beforehand would help them to be prepared for taking it and keep their hand free of other priorities for that time being. It will show your sense of responsibility and build trust among colleagues. Doing otherwise may cause mismanagement and workplace dissatisfaction.

    Contacting Clients

    Make sure to contact your clients and inform them before you take an extended vacation from work. There might be clients and customers who have a close connection with you to provide an effective service with your work. In addition, they might not feel the same comfort as other team members while dealing with the result.

    Therefore, contacting them before taking a leave is essential for giving them a heads up and acquainting them with the coworker who will follow up on that project. It would make the communication work easily for your colleagues.

    Complete the Tasks on Hand:

    If you are already working on any project, make sure to complete it before leaving for your long break. Other people who will be assigned to the work may not follow up with your working style, and the quality of the work may degrade. Using a free vacation tracker to track your progress will help you check your advancement.

    These are the most crucial list of things you should do at work before taking a long vacation. We have further discussed this article to make a complete checklist, keeping some other necessary points in mind.

    Purpose of Doing This Planning

    There are many purposes to plan and do things at work before going on a long vacation. We have closely discussed the primary purposes of planning these things out.

    Not Arousing Mismanagement

    Not arousing mismanagement at the workplace is essential for planning the list of work to do before leaving on an extended vacation. If you do not perform the part of your duty to inform relevant authorities and people associated with your work, mismanagement might occur.

    The HR manager will fail to monitor the paid time off to distribute the job efficiently. It will eventually impose an excessive workload on other employees and cost the productivity of the company.

    The productivity of other workers may slow down because of added workloads and imbalanced work distribution to poor leave management caused by this mismanagement. Employees face burnout due to overworking and lose productivity in the process.

    Managing Your Work Relations

    Managing the employee-to-employee relationship is a great communicative asset in a workplace. For maintaining this relation between coworkers, good communication is mandatory.

    Therefore, it is essential to inform your colleagues of your plan for a long vacation. Give them an approximate idea of your pending and upcoming work.

    It will let them surmise the amount or type of work they would be assigned. Sharing this with your colleagues will build trust between coworkers and help to maintain good relations with them.

    Keep Your Work Spirit Intact After the Vacation

    It is imperative to meet the deadlines of your pending work to enjoy a worry-free long vacation with your family.

    Worrying about meeting the deadline right after your vacation and getting work queries during your vacation might be very unpleasant. In contrast, coming from a hassle-free vacation will keep your work spirit high after the long break.

    For Enjoying a Comfortable Vacation

    Whenever an employee is on leave, follow-ups on the employee’s attendance, leaves, and day-offs might be a great hassle if not managed properly. Due to work needs, the employer may contact the employees during the vacation. In addition, he or she might be called out for any uncertainties at work.

    These things might hinder a holiday that the employee might have taken after being long overdue. However, as an employee, you may have contributed to this poor leave management.

    Therefore, do prior planning to avoid taking your work on your trip. Do the necessary things and submit the work outlines beforehand to enjoy a comfortable vacation on the go.

    How to Execute the Planning at Work before the Long Vacation

    Inform Your Manager

    Inform your manager if you are going to take leave before going on a long vacation. Later on, knowing it might displease your HR, he or she can lose reliance on you for hiding it. If your company or HR manager follows a time-off app, make sure to input your vacation tab on that software.

    You can use this excellent software as a service named Day Off App to keep track of your workdays and track the date before you leave. It will make the process easier for you to notify your boss.

    Input your vacation information on the employee time tracker app, and it will be easier for your manager to distribute the work between your colleagues beforehand, so the workflow will remain intact.

    Check in with Your Team

    Many business firms and companies do not follow a day-off app to track their leaves. If it is the case for your organization, make sure to inform your colleagues before going on an extended vacation.

    Checking in with your colleagues and letting them know about your upcoming long vacation would ease their stress while shouldering your works. Otherwise, your coworkers might fall into hot water if they are imposed with the extra workload while having their deadline to meet and work to complete.

    This will also assist you in confirming any queries and sealing any pending deals with their assistance. Therefore, give prior notice to your colleagues about your long-anticipated vacation.

    Notify Your Clients

    Notify your important clients about your long vacation from work. If some of them work with you regularly, make sure to inform them of your availability for the time being. If you are going on leave for an extended time, you can also acquaint them with other coworkers. Give them the contact information of another colleague for any emergency response. This will help you manage your clients in the workplace for the long run.

    Prioritize Your Checklist

    Make a checklist of your work to do and prioritize them to complete all of them before going on your extended trip. If you have deadlines to meet, focus more on them to finish them on time.

    Use a free vacation tracker or our Day-off app to track the deadlines during your workdays and after your extended vacation. Outline your upcoming projects to advance your work gradually.

    So you can return home at peace from a long vacation. Make a to-do list of your forthcoming work during the vacation to assist your boss and coworkers. Anticipate any follow-up questions upon informing them about the vacation.

    Set an Automated Reply

    Set an automated reply on your contact system to notify the stakeholders who are depending on your service. Create a concise text or audio to inform others about your vacation and mention a date or time of your availability after the vacation.

    Clean Your Workstation

    Keeping your workstation tidy creates a good impression of your work. Therefore, always remember to clean your desk before taking a leave. Before leaving for a long vacation from your work, clean out your workstation on your last day. Wipe the dust off your table, clean your trash bin, and cover your accessories with a cloth to avoid dust buildup.

    Maintain a Tracker

    Maintain a vacation tracker to keep track of your vacation days. You can use the Day Off tracker app. It will allow you to set a particular section for tracking your workdays. In addition, this time off app will let you check your progress on the PTO tracking software to meet your deadlines.

    With growing industries and the size of enterprises, the requirement of a faster data collection process, including employee budget, leave management, paid time offs, etc., has increased. Keeping track of a hefty load of employees and registering their leave information in a manual or paper-based process is a hectic course for your manager.

    A modern-day innovation of this ‘Software as a Service’ known as SAAS platforms provides great assistance in these cases. Our Day-Off software works as a great leave tracker to ensure your leave records’ accuracy and helps you maintain transparency as an employee.

    There are many benefits of software-based leave trackers over the ancient paper forms. It provides a minimal effort cloud-based system with an easy user interface. Our Day-Off app is easy to use and easily accessible to users. You can use this PTO tracking software from anywhere and any device option.

    You can also use them on your Android, iOS, and personal computer. The website or app allows a precise and one-stop location for tracking the leaves. Moreover, the dashboard on this PTO tracker informs your boss and colleagues about the long vacation.  

    Final Thoughts

    Informing your colleagues and boss, completing any scheduled tasks, and notifying your clients are the main things you should consider and do at work before taking a long vacation. Doing these works will show your workmanship and respect towards your higher-ups and colleagues at your workplace.

    You can make a checklist of your work and vacation days on our Day Off App. This will be great assistance as a free vacation tracker on managing your tasks smoothly. This process works as an all-in-one employee leave tracker to ensure effective leave management within a short time and helps you do things at work before the long vacation.

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  • Even If You Are Really Busy, That’s Why You Need a Vacation

    Even If You Are Really Busy, That’s Why You Need a Vacation

    Every once in a while, one should have a day off and treat oneself or take a vacation, and just enjoy free time with family and friends. When our lives become hectic, stress rises, and both mental and physical health suffer. Continuous work without proper breaks leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and higher stress. Vacations act like a reset button, letting your mind and body rest, recover, and gain a fresh perspective. Using leave management software makes it easier to plan and approve time off, see team coverage, and actually take the restorative breaks you need.

    You Reduce Stress

    Feeling stressed makes you unable to think and see things clearly or work efficiently. Taking a break will dramatically reduce the stress you feel and enable you to balance your work and life and decrease any signs of burnout.

    You Do Your Health a Favor

    Studies show that employees who take vacations are healthier and more productive than those who just work. According to an article by the New York Times, your rate of dying soon increases by 21 % when you do not take any annual vacations.

    Vacation Makes You Happy

    Taking a vacation and doing different activities other than those of your usual routine is a main reason for making you happy and changing your mood. Studies show that people who take vacations are happier than those who don’t, and those who take 2 or 3 short vacations throughout the year are more effective and happy than those who take a one big vacation.  

    You Offer Yourself Some Quality Time

    Nothing is more important than a family. From time to time, you need to spend time with your family and friends without thinking of the tasks you have to finish or tomorrow’s meeting. Vacations make you strengthen the bond with your family when you give them some of your time. 

    You Become More Productive

    A vacation makes you come back refreshed, recharged, and ready for new challenges. It will make you more productive and creative. Maybe a vacation will make you come up with the greatest idea ever and become the Employee of the Year!

    How to Make the Most of Your Vacation

       

        • Disconnect: Unplug from work-related emails and calls. Let your colleagues know you are on vacation and designate someone to handle urgent matters in your absence.

        • Engage in Activities: Pursue activities you love or explore new hobbies. Engaging in enjoyable pursuits enhances happiness and relaxation.

        • Travel or Staycation: Whether you travel to a far-off destination or opt for a staycation at home, the key is to break from your routine and indulge in leisure.

        • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness techniques, meditation, or yoga. These practices can significantly reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

        • Plan Ahead: Ensure your workload is manageable before your vacation. Proper planning prevents last-minute stress and allows you to enjoy your time off fully.

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  The Importance of Taking a Vacation

      Why is taking a vacation important?

      Taking a vacation is essential for maintaining both mental and physical well-being. When we work continuously without adequate breaks, stress levels build up, leading to burnout, reduced motivation, and even health issues. A vacation acts as a necessary reset, allowing the mind and body to recharge. It gives you a chance to step away from daily responsibilities, gain perspective, and return with a refreshed mindset that improves both personal and professional life.

      Can vacations really reduce stress?

      Yes, vacations are one of the most effective ways to manage and reduce stress. When you’re constantly juggling work deadlines, meetings, and daily responsibilities, stress can become overwhelming. Taking a break helps reset your nervous system and lowers cortisol (the stress hormone). It also provides the mental space to think clearly, reestablish balance, and avoid emotional and physical exhaustion. A well-timed vacation can significantly improve your emotional resilience.

      Are vacations actually good for your health?

      Absolutely. Scientific studies consistently show that people who take regular vacations enjoy better overall health. Vacations can lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, boost heart health, and even extend your lifespan. For instance, the New York Times highlighted research indicating that skipping annual vacations increases the risk of early death by over 20%. Regular breaks are not just refreshing, they’re life-saving.

      Do vacations make people happier?

      Yes, taking time off from work is strongly linked to increased happiness. Engaging in new experiences, exploring different environments, or simply relaxing at home helps lift your mood and break the monotony of daily life. Studies show that people who take frequent short vacations are often more consistently happy and energized than those who take just one long vacation per year. The change of pace helps reawaken joy, curiosity, and personal fulfillment.

      How does a vacation affect productivity?

      Contrary to the belief that taking time off slows progress, vacations actually enhance productivity. After a break, employees typically return to work more focused, creative, and efficient. Time away from tasks allows the brain to reset and often sparks new ideas. Refreshed employees tend to be more engaged and perform better, making vacation time a valuable investment in long-term workplace performance.

      Is it okay to take a staycation instead of traveling?

      Absolutely. A vacation doesn’t require a plane ticket or an exotic destination. A staycation, taking time off while staying at home, can be just as beneficial if it includes activities that help you relax and recharge. The key is breaking away from your normal routine. Whether you’re reading, gardening, exploring local spots, or simply unwinding, the goal is to create mental space and prioritize self-care.

      What’s the best way to make the most of a vacation?

      To fully benefit from your time off:

      • Disconnect from work emails and messages.

      • Plan ahead to minimize stress before and after your trip.

      • Engage in meaningful activities that bring joy or spark creativity.

      • Practice mindfulness to fully enjoy the present moment.
        Whether you’re traveling or staying local, the quality of your time off matters more than the location.

      Conclusion

      Vacations are more than a luxury; they are required for a healthy, balanced life. Even if you have a hectic schedule, taking a break is an investment in your well-being and productivity. So, the next time you believe you’re too busy for a vacation, know that you’re exactly right. Take a step back, relax, and return to your obligations with renewed vigor and a new outlook on life. Your mind, body, and job will all be grateful.

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