Question: when you match with someone on Tinder, eHarmony, or any other dating site/app, how do you get to know them better to see if there’s long-term relationship potential?
You usually go on a date, right? You chat, get to know each other and see if there’s a spark. The same goes for when you’re looking for HR software. You want to find something that you can have a partnership with – something that will help your business grow and thrive.
Unlike dating, you can’t just break up with your HR software if things aren’t working out. It’s a big commitment, with most contracts running for at least a year. That’s why you need to be sure that you’re compatible from the get-go.
So why not approach your next HR software purchase with the same mindset as you would when choosing a life partner?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for HR software, so that you can find the perfect match:
What kind of features are you looking for?
Just like you have a list of must-haves when it comes to your ideal partner, you should also have a similar list for your HR software. Otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.
What can’t you live without? Make a list of the features that are most important to you and that you absolutely need in a software. Then, make a list of things that you would like to have, but aren’t deal-breakers. This will help you narrow down your options and find the software that is the best fit for you.
Does the company’s culture and values match yours?
Dating someone for the long haul means finding someone whose values align with yours. You want to be with someone who believes in the same things as you do. The same goes for finding a HR software. You want to find a company whose culture and values match yours. A company that you can see yourself having a partnership with.
For instance, does the HR software vendor have an employee-centric culture that values work-life balance and flexibility? Do they have a commitment to customer service and are always putting their users first? Do they have a global perspective and an understanding of the complexities of a diverse workforce?
If these are values that are important to you, make sure that the HR software company you choose shares those values. Because at the end of the day, how are they going to be able to understand and service your business needs if they don’t practice what they preach?
Do they have the structure to support you throughout the journey?
In a relationship, you want to be with someone who is going to be there for you through the good times and the bad. That’s why finding a partner with a solid support system is important.
You want to find a company that has the structure in place to support you, not just during the implementation process, but long after you’ve gone live. Does the company have a strong support function and are they accessible to you, when you need them?
These are the types of things you want to look for in a software vendor, because you want to be confident that they will be there for you, every step of the way.
Are they continually innovating and deploying new features?
Just like in any romantic relationship, you want your partner to continually surprise you and keep things fresh and exciting.
The same can be said for when looking for a HR software partner. You want a system that is constantly innovating and deploying new features – that way, you know that they are always working to improve the user experience and make the software better.
Look for a software vendor that is regularly releasing new updates and features. They should also have a roadmap of what they are working on next, so that you can see that they are always thinking about ways to improve the software.
The bottom line is that you want a software that is always evolving and improving. That way, you know that your HR system won’t be standing still in the next 3-5 years’ time.
Can they scale with you?
When you are dating someone, you want to be with someone who can grow and change with you. Someone who isn’t afraid of commitment and who is willing to make the necessary changes in their life to accommodate your needs.
The reality is that your business is going to grow and change over time. And when it does, you want a software that can scale with you. That way, you don’t have to start from scratch every time your business grows – which of course takes time and money.
So when you are looking for a HR software, make sure that the company behind it has the ability and resources to support you – no matter how big your company gets.
Are you going to get what you signed up for?
No one wants or likes to be catfished. So save yourself the disappointment and the heartache by doing your due diligence up front. Research the company, read reviews, talk to other users. And most importantly – read the contract before you sign it!
Don’t get blindsided by hidden fees or unexpected costs down the line. Make sure that you understand exactly what you are signing up for, and that you are getting what you expect.
While sales representatives may have all the best intentions. At the end of the day, they are trying to sell you a product. So it’s important that you do your own research, and make sure you read the contract before you sign it. You could be saving yourselves a lot of money in hidden costs and fees down the line.
Can you see a long-term partnership?
Just like in any relationship, you should be able to picture yourself in a partnership with the software. You should feel like it is something you can commit to long-term.
So if your business is not compatible with the software, you don’t like how it works, and you don’t see how it will serve you in the long run – why would you commit to it?
At the end of the day, it’s not all about how aesthetically pleasing the software is to the eye. You want to make sure it meets your needs and that you are able to use it easily. It should save you time and money, not cost you more of both.
So ask yourself – can you see yourself in a partnership with this HR software? If not, then it’s probably not the right fit for you.
If you’re interested in setting up a date with elementsuite’s HR software to see how our software works, feel free to request a demo.
We may just end up being your one true love.
