Wonolo
Anyone working in Human Resources understands how overwhelming it can be. It can be a maze of paperwork and redundant documentation that leads to confusion and headaches and stress. HR workers have been looking for solutions to help ease some of the problems they encounter and it looks as if HR cloud technology might be the answer to many of the issues currently being faced.
Cloud Computing
“How can cloud computing be used?” is a question asked by HR departments when the issue of cloud computing first comes up. In order to answer that, it’s important to understand precisely what cloud computing entails.
Basically, cloud computing takes the information that would normally be found on local computers and servers and places it off-site. Once the information is “in the cloud,” so to speak, it can usually be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection.
An article in Forbes explained why cloud computing is vital in today’s world, showing that cloud computing helps with data analyzation, AI learning, and even be an integral part of the coming wave of autonomous vehicles.
Cloud Computing in HR
HR is an area that is data-driven and data-intensive. All of that information has previously been kept on local hard drives and on-site servers. While this has worked out well in the past, as more and more information needs to be stored and maintained, cloud computing can alleviate many problems associated with local-based systems. For example, rather than storing employee data and files on local-based servers and hard drives, using cloud service models for storage guarantees access at any time and from any device, including smartphones and tablets. In addition, should there ever be a catastrophic event that could strike an individual or business, the data stored on a cloud service remains intact and safe.
1. Security
HR personnel deal on a daily basis with sensitive information. Today’s data thieves are more efficient than ever at breaking through firewalls and accessing information that can be potentially disruptive to an organization’s operations. Cloud services are at the forefront of having some of the most advanced security operations available. When HR personnel use cloud services, the likelihood of data and information staying secure becomes much more likely.
Another Forbes article pointed out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, have signed on with cloud-based services, indicating the high level of trust placed in the cloud computing security.
2. Self-Service
Individuals today are eager to use the self-service approach in just about every area of their lives – including human resources. When they need information, rather than going to HR for answers, they want to be able to handle things on their own. Using cloud service models makes that a breeze. From the comfort of their own home and using their smartphone or tablet, they can literally access a library of knowledge and update their personnel files at any time.
3. Freedom from IT Issues
Organizations that work with IT know there are many benefits to having experienced personnel that know computer systems available. At the same time, there are also issues when dealing with IT situations. In some cases, servers need to be taken down for maintenance and repair by IT personnel. When that happens, many local systems are unable to be accessed. By the same token, cloud services are able to take down some parts of their system while leaving others up and running. This allows information to be accessed, even during maintenance times.
4. Cloud Computing Costs
In many ways, cloud computing can save individuals and organizations a great deal of money. Since the data and information is stored off-site and not kept on on-site servers, there is no need to purchase unnecessary equipment. At the same time, cloud-based storage is based on a subscription model and the cost is directly linked to actual usage.
5. Integration
Today’s world is ruled by integration. Whether an HR team needs to collaborate on a highly-involved project or information needs to be disseminated quickly and efficiently, HR cloud technology is up to the challenge. By storing data in the cloud, a team member can gain access to important information at any time, eliminating the need to physically travel to the on-site location of where the data is being kept.
6. Surrendering Control
For some HR departments, the hardest part of dealing with cloud computing is surrendering control. The thought of having sensitive information at some location other than where it is currently being kept can seem worrisome. For this reason, many cloud-based services offer a trial period, where HR departments can take a “test drive” in the cloud to see if it will fit their needs. During this trial period, the cloud-computing experts can work with the HR department to answer all questions and address any concerns.
Cloud Computing and Wonolo
The Wonolo platform typifies the advantages of how, by embracing cloud computing, companies can have access to real time staffing solutions. One major problem experienced by HR departments is the need for temporary workers. There are several reasons why temporary workers may be required. Perhaps there has been a sudden surge in the business or other unanticipated events. Many companies have a staff requirement that rapidly changes. The solution to the varying requirement is that the business model incorporates temporary workers.
The previous method for providing temporary workers involved many processes, this made the task far too complex, and at times unreliable. As the Wonolo platform uses cloud computing, it is accessible from smartphones. A Wonoloer is able to log on to the site to view available positions in that area. The Wonoloer accepts a suitable position, and goes to wherever required. The cloud computing also helps to streamline the administration of hours and payments.
At the end of the day, cloud computing is definitely here to stay. While some HR departments might be put off by having to change the way they operate, most would probably agree that, in the long run, moving to the cloud proved to be an efficient and cost-saving move.
This is a guest post by Riya Sander
