3 Steps You Must Take Before Onboarding New HR Tech

HR technology has redefined how human resources can work for your company. The idea behind these services and solutions is to free up time for your HR department to focus on employees, lifting the burden of tedious clerical work off your team. HR decision makers must stay ahead of their people’s needs and utilize HR technology before they get too far behind the curve. Here are three ways you can prepare yourself and your team for new HR tech solutions.

1. Focus on the People You’ll Work With

Technology only goes so far. There will eventually come a point where someone on your staff will need to pick up the phone and get assistance from another human being. Responsive customer support from vendors is the difference between a 5-minute solution or hours lost in frustration. Start off your new business relationship on the right foot by getting to know the people that’ll be on the other end of the phone.

When evaluating HR tech vendors, analyze what sort of support they offer their customers. Look for partners who offer extended hours or 24/7 support—you never know when a problem might arise. Confirm at the outset that whatever package you are considering comes with said support. Some vendors charge extra for extensive customer service. Whether you’re shopping for an ATS, an HCM, or more, don’t get duped into a contract with a partner who won’t put any effort into the business relationship unless you’re willing to pay them more money.

You’ll also want to clarify the mode of contact for your customer support before signing on the dotted line. If a problem arises in implementation, will you be picking up the phone, shooting an email, or submitting a support ticket? If you think your department is close to deciding on a vendor, ask to be introduced to a customer service representative. Ask some questions and get a feel for how they address client requests. Remember: you are looking for a vendor that puts clients first.

2. Educate Your Team on the Technology

Utilize educational resources on your own, sometimes in a sandbox environment, before trying to educate your people on the new technology. They will have questions about how the service will affect their workflows that vendor support can’t always answer. Transitioning to a new software can be confusing at best and chaotic at worst. When partnering with a new HR tech provider, educating your staff on effective use is imperative.

First ensure that everyone who needs access to the software or service will have it. Schedule a demo with your team to go through the technology front to back. Show off the features that will be making their lives easier and give them a basic understanding of how to utilize it efficiently. Afterward, instruct staff to familiarize themselves with the new software and features. If any questions arise, be sure to utilize your customer support when needed.

3. Keep the End Result in Mind

The goal of onboarding new HR technology is to free up time, streamline a process, and benefit the employee experience. If the service does not provide these three functions, then it may not be the best fit for your company. As you inquire about a service, gather as much research as you can through their website and reviews. Have questions in hand when you sit down with the salesperson. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions; you need to be certain their product will benefit your company in the long run.

There are some services that every business must utilize, such as background checks and payroll software. Don’t just go with the first option that comes across your desk for these essential business services. A plethora of options exist, meaning your company doesn’t have to settle for the bare minimum. Above all, keep your employees in mind. HR tech should be easy for them to use and make their work simpler, not more complicated. At the end of the day, HR tech is meant to be used by HR professionals for the benefit of your employees. Keep yours in mind as you shop around for the latest and greatest the HR tech space has to offer.

If you follow these steps when evaluating and onboarding new HR tech vendors, your team will thank you. Adopting a new software or business services vendor can seem like an overwhelming process. But with good client support, extensive education, and a people-focused mindset, you can choose the HR tech that works best for your company.

About Tammy Cohen

Tammy Cohen, an industry pioneer and expert in identity and employment screening, founded InfoMart 30 years ago. Deemed the “Queen of Screen,” she’s been a force behind industry-leading innovations. She was most recently the first-to-market with a fully compliant sanctions search, as well as a suite of identity services that modernizes talent onboarding. Tammy revolutionized the screening industry when she stepped into the field, developing the first client-facing application and a due diligence criminal search that has since become standard for all background screening companies. Cohen has received national awards and honors for her business and civic involvement, including Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 25 Women-Owned Firms in Atlanta, Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year award, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award, and a commendation in the 152nd Congressional Record. To learn more about Tammy, visit www.tammycohen.com.

About InfoMart

InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727.