What’s an ESS? It is an employee self –service gateway. Perhaps, we should explain it better.

Well, we are living in the information age, and virtually every enterprise tries to make information flow as simple as possible! The information resides in people, and for an organization to share this knowledge, they need a human resources portal software to do it. Therefore, ESS is the interface of the enterprise resource planning system (ERP) that allows employees to access or share information.

Look around! Probably you are already using such a system. It may be a web portal or a mobile app that allows employees to log in using designated passwords. As long as it enables employees to directly interact with their data held by the human resource department, it is an ESS.

An ESS is part of the Human Resource Information System (HRIS), or a standalone system. But either way, the system is linked to the HRIS, which also connects to the administration’s ERP to facilitate a smooth flow of information.

Functions of an employee self –service portals

1. A gateway of information

An ESS system is an interface via which employees access information held by the employer. It allows employees to access HR manuals, forms for leave requests and updates their data. With these resources and information, they can submit requests without the help of HR assistants, saving the business time and costs.

2. Source of learning materials

Employees, irrespective of their location, can access various training materials for their day to day work to keep at par with the rest of the workforce.

3. Payroll Information

Your enterprise can avail payroll information to employees for validation through the ESS portal. The data includes the applicable deductions, the prevailing rate of pay and the applicable taxes. Some systems allow the employees to change their benefits within defined parameters and decide on their superannuation provider.

4. Announcements

ESS is an information collection point for employees. HR managers and senior managers can use the platform to make communication through internal memos on the platform. These memos may include an announcement of training, social events or even communicating changes within the management.

5. Staffing

ESS is a devolved system where the employer directly links to the employee in a B2E (Business to the employee) manner. Thus, the business can announce job vacancies and avail the application forms through the portal. Those who are ready for promotion can access the information and take another step in their careers.

Alternatively, with the other support systems within the HRIS, such as performance appraisal, details of a specific job can be customized for particular individuals within the administration. It ensures qualified employees are aware of the opportunities available in the upward vertical, which and encourage retention and help in succession planning.

6. Managing remote workforce

Nowadays, small businesses sometimes outsource services online. The ESS system helps HR managers monitor their remote employees and integrate them with their local workforce. The system helps the remote align to their employer’s policies and practices, irrespective of their geographical location

The roles of a self-service portal for employees to continue to expand. Today, it’s more than just an information portal as it is increasingly expanding its level of integration with other HR supports systems.