Human Resources (HR) is a critical component of any organization, ensuring employees’ needs are met and keeping company operations running smoothly. However, the modern HR department is often bogged down with one surprisingly time-consuming task: data entry.

The Data Overwhelm

A recent survey involving over 1,000 HR professionals highlighted a concerning trend. About 49% of the respondents reported using seven or more employment-related systems. These could include systems dedicated to tracking benefits, payroll, employee data, and more. Shockingly, 64% of these HR leaders revealed they devote between four to nine hours each week solely to manual data entry.

It’s clear to see how these hours add up. Every time there’s a change in an employee’s status – be it a new hire, a departure, a promotion, or even a relocation – it prompts an update across multiple systems. As Ansel Parikh, co-founder of Finch, succinctly puts it, HR professionals are caught in an endless cycle of updating, trying to ensure data consistency across platforms.

The Risks of Fragmented Systems

The cascading effect of this system fragmentation is evident. According to the same study, 56% of HR teams identify discrepancies in their employee data on a weekly basis. This isn’t just a time issue; it’s a matter of accuracy and data security. To address these errors, an alarming 50% of senior HR professionals reported having relayed sensitive employment details via text message, adding a layer of risk to already compromised data.

The solution, however, isn’t as straightforward as switching to a singular, all-encompassing HR platform. As Parikh points out, the sheer diversity of HR and payroll systems – over 5,000 in the U.S. alone – makes it nearly impossible to find a one-size-fits-all solution.

Bridging the Gap with Integrated Solutions

To address this challenge, integrated platforms like Finch are stepping in to bridge the gap. These tools don’t necessitate the abandonment of existing systems. Instead, they interact with each system individually, creating streamlined pathways for data to travel and update seamlessly across all platforms. The result? HR professionals can make a single change, and the platform ensures its propagation throughout every linked system.

This integrated approach is not just about efficiency; it’s about enabling HR teams to realign their focus. Parikh emphasizes that with the right tools in place, HR departments can scale more effectively and shift their focus from monotonous data tasks to their true purpose: prioritizing the people within the organization and ensuring cohesive, strategic growth.

In conclusion, as organizations continue to evolve and grow, the emphasis should be on investing in tools and platforms that not only streamline administrative tasks but also empower HR professionals to do what they do best: human-centric work.