13 Questions to Ask When Considering a People Management Platform

People
Quokka
July 6, 2023
7
min read
13 Questions to Ask When Considering a People Management Platform

Introduction

As a manager, you want to make sure that your employees are happy and productive. But managing people is hard work! With so many different tools and platforms out there, it can be tough to find one that fits your company's needs and budget. Luckily for you, we've compiled a list of the most important things to consider when choosing an HR platform. Read on for our list of questions (and answers) — then choose wisely!

1. Does the platform support the people you need to manage?

As you're thinking about the people you need to manage, it's important to consider the following:

  • How many people do I need to manage?
  • What are the roles of these individuals?
  • Do they have different tools and processes that they use in their work, or can we standardize them across all employees?

2. Does the platform offer the type of tools you need?

Before you sign up for an onboarding program, it's important to ask yourself the following questions.

  • What kind of tools does the platform offer?
  • Are these tools the right ones for me?
  • Do I need more or less than what is offered by this platform?

A good people management software should have all of the essential features that help you manage your employees and keep things running smoothly. But if there are other features that could make your life easier as well (like scheduling meetings or creating task lists), consider adding those as well!

3. Do you have access to all of your HR data?

You need to see the big picture. You need to know what is happening in your company, who is doing what, when and why.

If you don't have access to this data, then it's impossible for you or anyone else in HR to make informed decisions about how best to manage people within the organization.

4. How flexible is the people management platform?

The best people management platform is one that can adapt to your business needs and grow with you. This means it should be flexible, allowing you to customize it in ways that fit your specific requirements.

If the platform has limitations on what can be changed or added, then this could become problematic as your company grows and changes over time.

5. Do they have a good customer service team?

Customer service is an important part of any business, but it's even more crucial for companies that provide a service. The best customer service teams are always happy to help you out and make sure your questions are answered, whether you're new or have been using the platform for years.

If you're considering using a people management platform, make sure the company has a good customer service team that will be available 24/7 when you need them!

6. Is it easy to onboard new employees and managers with this platform?

When you're looking for a people management platform, it's important to consider how easy it is to onboard new employees and managers.

  • What are the key features of the platform?
  • How do these features help with employee onboarding?
  • Can these features be customized based on your company's needs and goals in order to create an efficient onboarding process that works for all members of your team, whether they're new hires or veterans who have been around awhile?

7. Does it integrate with other applications that you use regularly?

Integration with other applications is a critical feature to look for in a people management platform. If you already use another service that's critical to your business, it makes sense to make sure that whatever PMP you choose will be able to integrate with it.

If there are several other apps that you use on a regular basis, ask about how much integration is available and what benefits this will provide for your company. Some platforms offer full integrations while others may only allow limited connections with third-party software. Additionally, some platforms have more robust support for external systems than others--so be sure the one you choose can handle all the tasks required by your organization before deciding which one to go with!

8. Does this platform offer modern features like gamification, social media and mobile apps?

  • Gamification. Gamification is an excellent way to motivate employees and encourage them to perform at their best. It can be used in a number of ways, such as by rewarding employees who complete tasks or meet goals on time, or by allowing them to compete against each other in challenges related to their work.
  • Social media integration. If you want your people management platform to be easy for your employees to use, then it should include social media integration so that they can share updates about themselves and their achievements with friends online via Facebook or Twitter (or both).
  • Mobile apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are another feature worth considering when choosing a new software solution for managing your workforce; these apps allow people who work remotely from home offices or other locations outside of your office building access the same information as those who sit at desks inside the building itself

9. Is it easy to use?

  • Is it easy to use?
  • How easy is it to train new users?
  • How easy is it to find what you're looking for?
  • How easy is it to manage employees and colleagues, both individually and in groups (e.g., departments)?

10. Does it fit with my company culture?

When considering a people management platform, it is crucial to assess how well it aligns with your company culture. The culture fit of the platform can greatly impact employee sentiment and their level of engagement. To determine the culture fit, you should ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Does the platform reflect our company's core values? Consider whether the platform promotes and supports the values that your company believes in. This alignment ensures that the platform will contribute to the overall culture and help reinforce the values that are important to your organization.
  2. Is the software user-friendly and easy for employees to use on a daily basis? The usability and accessibility of the platform are key factors in determining its fit with your company culture. If the software is intuitive and easy for employees to navigate, it will likely lead to higher adoption rates and greater engagement.

By evaluating these aspects, you can gauge the cultural fit of a people management platform and determine whether it is the right choice for your company. If the platform aligns with your core values and is user-friendly, it is likely a good fit. However, if there are significant discrepancies, it might not be the best option for your organization.

11. Will my employees be happy using it?

It's important to consider the user experience of your employees. How often do they use it? Do they find it easy to use? Does it work with other tools in their workflow, such as Slack or Google Drive? Are there any security concerns that make you hesitant about using a platform like this at all?

If your team isn't happy with the current people management software you're using, then it may be time for a change. A good tool should make life easier for everyone involved--the managers who have more control over their team members' schedules and projects; and also for those who are on the receiving end of those decisions (i.e., employees).

12. How easy is it to integrate with other tools I use every day?

Integration is an important feature to consider. You'll want to make sure the software you choose can be integrated with other tools you use every day, such as HR systems and payroll providers.

There are three main types of integrations: direct, indirect and open source. Direct integration means that the two systems are connected directly through an API (application programming interface) or other web interface that allows them to share data in real time. Indirect integration uses a middleman service like Zapier or IFTTT (If This Then That) which acts as a go-between for the two programs so they can communicate with each other over email or text messages instead of having direct access to each other's databases. Open source refers to when software developers collaborate on creating new code together instead of keeping their work proprietary--this means that anyone can see how it works but no one owns it exclusively so everyone benefits from sharing ideas freely!

13. The last thing to consider is cost.  

The last thing to consider is cost. Do they charge an up-front fee or an ongoing monthly fee? Is there a free trial period or free trial plan option? Are there any hidden costs that might surprise you later on down the road once you've signed on for a longer term? Take some time to really look over all of these aspects before signing on for a longer term. It's important to make sure that this is going to accomplish what you're looking for so that it doesn't become another headache in your day-to-day operations.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a people management platform, make sure that it fits with your company culture and offers all of the features you need. It's also important to consider cost and whether or not there are any hidden costs down the road when choosing which system is right for your business.

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