HR departments are constantly being told to be more strategic. At the same time, they are expected to deal with the basic administration that traditionally falls into HR’s remit. One solution to this dilemma is self-service systems, where line managers and employees take on responsibility for a range of administrative tasks. This can include anything from ensuring staff records are up to date, to viewing payslips, activating flexible benefits, recording leave or preparing for appraisals.

Systems are usually geared towards specific areas of HR such as payroll, benefits and performance management, with many providers offering niche software. However, Jen Paice, business consultant for Snowdrop Systems, says all systems share some core benefits. "Self-service is most commonly associated with removing the administrative burden, by allowing employees and line managers to take ownership of HR information. Devolving responsibility in this way can have a great impact upon the time that HR would usually spend chasing and collating information, freeing up time for data analysis in key areas such as absence statistics, succession planning and performance reviews"...