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HRIS and Engagement for Law Firms


— February 2, 2024

One of the benefits of HRIS systems is that they collect employee data in one place.


In the past decade, law firms have begun to grasp the significance of employee experience. However, times have changed for both sides, and employee’s expectations have drastically altered compared to what they were ten or twenty years ago. Nowadays, employees are looking for an engaging work environment, which is why today law firms are striving to ensure a more enriching and engaging work environment from the very start. In other words, even the recruitment process has changed, intending to become more efficient and welcoming. When new talent has been recruited, these new employees expect a workplace that allows them to grow professionally, values their opinions and contributions, and keeps them motivated. However, employee satisfaction doesn’t just imply job satisfaction. In fact, it goes past it and includes a feeling of belonging, personal growth opportunities, as well as work-life balance. But why exactly is employee experience in a law firm important? A negative one can lead to decreased productivity, disengagement, and increased turnover. On the other hand, a positive employee experience has multiple benefits.

First of all, satisfied employees are less likely to leave their place of employment. When they feel satisfied, appreciated, and supported in a law firm they work in, they are more likely to stay there and not look for another job. Therefore, by ensuring positive employee experience, law firms are able to retain top talent. 

Not only will satisfied employees remain within the firm, but they will also work much harder and be more efficient knowing that their effort is meaningful and recognized. A positive employee experience can also affect the law firm’s employer branding. Each employee in a certain way represents the company they work for. When they are happy and engaged, employees are more likely to share their positive experiences with others, attracting new talent and improving the firm’s reputation. Finally, employees who have a positive experience working in a law firm are more likely to be engaged and thereby more productive, creative, and innovative. 

Nowadays, to increase employee experience and ensure their satisfaction, many law firms are using Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS). This system provides tools and functionalities that boost the employee experience and enhance engagement. Let’s take a look at how exactly this works. 

Immediate feedback

One of the features of HRIS is real-time feedback. With this system, managers can provide immediate feedback, letting employees know that their efforts and achievements have been acknowledged. Instead of waiting for a response from their superiors, employees can receive timely appreciation for their work. Thanks to HRIS employees feel valued and recognized, and thereby become more motivated and engaged. While many law firms pay for monthly or yearly subscription services, this is not your only option if obtaining the HRIS system is currently not in your company’s budget. There are numerous free options that can get the job done until there is room in your budget for a more complex system, so check out this comprehensive guide to free HRIS solutions. 

Enhanced communication

The key to teamwork is communication, and HRIS offers communication features that allow employees to quickly and easily collaborate. These platforms include communication features such as chats, discussion forums, and virtual workspaces that keep staff members connected, regardless of their location. By enabling collaboration, HRIS promotes a sense of community, leading to enhanced employee engagement. 

Performance management

Feedback graphic
Feedback graphic; image courtesy of mohamed_hassan via Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/

One of the ways HRIS systems help boost employee engagement is through performance management. With this system, performance appraisal process becomes automated, so managers can provide instant feedback, set goals, and track the progress of employees. As a result, employees can understand better what is expected of them, recognize areas for improvement, and receive advice for their professional growth. By enabling a transparent performance management process, HRIS systems provide clarity and recognition, and as a result, enhance employee engagement. 

Access to relevant information

Another feature HRIS often offers is access to self-service portals. Thanks to these, employees are able to manage their own information and make necessary changes. For instance, employees can update their personal details, access training resources, view pay slips, access relevant HR policies and procedures, review their benefits, and even ask for vacation days. By allowing employees to be in charge of their HR-related tasks, this system promotes a sense of autonomy and enhances engagement.

Simplified data analysis

One of the benefits of HRIS systems is that they collect employee data in one place. This allows HR professionals to easily analyse the stored data and gain insight into employee satisfaction, turnover, and performance.  Afterward, they can use these results to identify areas of concern and develop strategies that will address these areas and enhance employee engagement.

Using HRIS can benefit a law firm in multiple ways. By ensuring real-time feedback, providing communication platforms, allowing access to self-service portals, and promoting data-driven decision making among other things, these systems play a significant role in enhancing employee engagement in various ways. This leads to better employee performance, increased productivity, less workspace stress, as well as higher employee retention, and lower turnover rates.

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