Your On-Line File Cabinet

In my last two blog posts, I discussed the many reasons for obtaining professional help with the HR side of your dental practice. I’d like to conclude this series by focusing in on the details of HRIS software–the acronym for human resource information system.

All four of the companies that I mentioned in those posts offer their own version of HRIS software. This is a state-of-the-art, end to end, online solution to manage and track all employee data including – but certainly not limited to – benefits, time and attendance, time off requests, sick time, vacation time, license or certification renewal, and new hire paperwork.

Probably one of the most important features of the software is that it provides an easy and effective and time stamped way for you to document performance. Wage and hour lawsuits have grown out of control, and now eclipse malpractice cases brought against dentists. Wrongful termination claims are also on the rise. In my experience, I find that  doctors are often very lax and undisciplined when it comes to documenting inadequate and/or poor employee performance.  Lack of documentation opens you up for risk of liability. Paper documents don’t seem to hold up very well in court since they can be easily fudged or fabricated.

HRIS software will also act as the time clock to assure that time is accurately tracked, and that breaks and lunches are documented. An IP specific time clock uses the doctor’s modem to create a digital fingerprint, assuring that punching in and punching out happens when and where it is supposed to. Individual password protection is included to eliminate buddy punching.

Every state has a list of documents that employers must have on file for its employees. A big advantage of HRIS software is that it makes this easy with federal and state compliance checklists.

The list of what this software can do goes on and on. I’ve probably only scratched the surface here, but I hope I am making the point that it is time to get into the 21st century. Investigate–perform your due diligence – make some phone calls and take some demos – and then take the necessary action to make your life so much easier and reduce your liability.