Essential Business Software Features for Growth

Globally, the unemployment rate is 5.77%. However, some researchers report that the market is returning to its pre-pandemic self. A study by Goldman and Sachs stated the global economy will perform better than many expect in 2024.

Goldman and Sachs researchers also report that the United Kingdom has shown resilience this year and its prospects are similar to other developed countries. Their economists forecast the UK economy will expand by 0.6% next year, which is above other forecasts.

For business owners searching for ways to get ahead of the competition while things are still tough but are expected to improve, technology enhancements may offer some aid. With modern technology, businesses can access key features designed to take companies a step further. 

The seemingly limitless number of business software options can make the selection process seem challenging. But some features are more important than others, especially for businesses setting their sights on growth or expansion. Essential business software tools exist that can help even smaller businesses benefit without any unnecessary tools.

Scheduling 

For security and cleaning professionals, running a successful business involves managing multiple contracts and overseeing a distributed workforce at numerous sites, which requires in-depth visibility. 

Any business that decides to move forward with choosing the essentials in business software should consider an integrated workforce management solution. Integrated solutions help managers better oversee numerous team members via a single rostering platform. With integrated business software, it’s possible to reduce overtime, increase efficiencies, boost customer retention and increase customer base.

Business software that aids facilities management professionals should have scheduling features, so managers can plan and assign specific tasks or duties at certain times. Better manage work hours, days off, holidays and other work-related activities. It is also possible to create rolling schedules that reduce time spent creating, updating and maintaining staff levels.

Time and attendance

In addition to scheduling software, supervisors need time and attendance features to let them know exactly when employees arrive on-site. This essential feature in business software should provide alerts to the correct personnel when an employee fails to report for work, so that shifts may be quickly filled based on who is available and qualified. 

Accurate information on when employees arrive and leave a site is another essential business software feature. Almost all employees own a smartphone, which can make clocking in and out on a site easier, since workers can use a mobile app to record their time and attendance data.. This business feature can help reduce or eliminate timesheet processing by capturing real time accurate clock in information, allowing managers to better stay on top of business operations and manage by exception

Using technology that correctly matches requirements and experience with open shifts ensures better contract compliance. This is especially important while profit margins are tight, combined with the current workforce shortage. Delivering on contractual obligations by providing workers and successfully managing time and attendance-related concerns reduces margin erosion and ensures quality of service.

Pre-configured absence rules and accruals 

Gaining visibility and peace of mind around your workforce involves understanding the costs of absence and effectively managing paid and unpaid absences. Ensure payroll precision by accurately recording and calculating hours worked, in addition to paid versus unpaid absences.

Absence rules and accrual systems help managers accurately track how much leave has been accrued and what the employee should be paid for the leave. . With an integrated system, it is possible to take an inclusive approach by using one centralised platform instead of numerous software solutions. 

Human resource staff or managers who prepare payroll can then use this information to view the hours each employee has worked and process payroll effectively and accurately. Alternatively, when an employee has been absent, that information is also available. Either way, the appropriate professionals can manage payroll accordingly with ease and accuracy. 

Businesses using multiple reporting systems for scheduling and timekeeping are forced to enter and re-enter information, such as hours worked and employee absences. Conversely, relying on an all-in-one system provides essential information pertaining to absence rules, while it also minimising the number of errors that can occur while performing administrative tasks. 

Remote assistance 

Receiving support and implementation from business software is key to growing a business. While people speak highly about artificial intelligence tools, roughly 84% of customers agree that straightforward solutions to problems are much more helpful than a number of different channels, which typically include emails, chats or responses via social media. 

Business software that provides direct assistance and aids in providing on-the-spot solutions can help avoid future technical issues. A solution that offers guides or checklists, newsletters and regularly updated written content to answer business software implementation and usage questions. 

Use small business software to grow

TEAM by WorkWave Express is designed to keep your business focused on growth by serving up the functionality you need. For small business owners in particular, contract management can be made simpler. Managers can use essential business software features in an inclusive yet streamlined package. 

Although the Express package is lightweight in nature, it offers products and services that can help run your business. This offering is the introductory package within our TEAM by WorkWave solution that scales and grows with you. Schedule a demo to speak with one of our in-house experts. Learn more about using small business software to take steps to grow.