Can employees request time off and update their own details in the HR system?

Self-service lets people check balances, book time off and change addresses themselves, with manager approval built in.

How to automate it

How to automate “track time off and leaves of absence”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

20 min

typically, a few times a week

65%

of the time can be automated

Easy

to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Turn on self-service for time off, balances and personal details

Employees request time off, see balances, update addresses and download documents themselves, with manager approval built in.

Typically saves about 50% of the time1 h to set up

1Turn on the employee app or portal in your HRIS (BambooHR, Rippling, Gusto, Workday, HiBob, Paylocity).
2Set up time-off policies and approval routing to managers.
3Send a one-page "how to" with the top five requests.
4Reply to requests by email with the link until people get used to it.

Tools: BambooHR · Rippling · Gusto · Workday · HiBob · Paylocity

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Use a leave management tool or your insurer's absence service

Leaves of absence involve state rules, forms and deadlines. A leave tool or your disability carrier's absence management tracks them for you.

Typically saves about 40% of the time2 h to set up

1Check whether your disability or benefits carrier offers absence management at no extra cost.
2Otherwise look at your HRIS leave module or a service like Tilt.
3Move all open leaves into it with key dates.
4Have legal or the provider confirm state-specific rules.

Tools: HRIS leave modules · Tilt · Benefits carrier absence management

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Can employees request time off and update their own details in the HR system?: Self-service lets people check balances, book time off and change addresses themselves, with manager approval built in.

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Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

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