Run Your HR For Free

During a recent #HRTechChat, we were discussing how social media influences HR. One question led to another, until finally we talked about free HR services, which led me to ask: can you run HR on free technology?

As this was not the topic, we didn’t discuss it any further, but now that we need a fun post for the upcoming Carnival of HR, I thought this topic qualifies as a fun exercise.

It is obvious that for legal reasons, not to mention compliance, we probably won’t end up running HR for free, but for a small startup company, there might be some ways to benefit from starting out on an HR shoestring.

So how about it, can we run HR on free technology?

Here are a few ideas to get you started. First some free HR Apps:
TimeStation – a time-and-attendance app that enables employees to punch in and out using an iPhone or iPad (free up to 10 users).
LinkedIn – allows you to setup your profile and communicate with other professionals. You don’t need a paid profile to get in touch with people and send them vacancies.
Attendance Register – lets you keep track of your employees’ attendance and absence records.
HR Ladder – HR need some serious gaming! This App lets you climb the corporate ladder as long as you know how to deal with disgruntled employees along the way.

Here are a few generic Apps that can be adapted for every day HR use:
Google+ – using a G+ account, you can start a company circle and post messages only to employees. You can chat with employees using video Hangouts. You can also post vacancies and company news to public circles.
Twitter – create a private account, allow only employees to follow and start answering questions. User admin will be a bit of a hassle, but other than that it’s completely free. Don’t forget to create a public account to publish vacancies and company news.
EverNote – this is a great tool for HR professionals looking for a filing system. You can store and organize notes, policies, videos, files and images and access them from a mobile device.

The following tools are completely free and offer extensive HR functionality:
OrangeHRM, Natural HR and WayPoint HR – are open source, free HR systems including personal data, performance management, benefits and reporting and self service. WebHR is a free HRMS for up to 10 users offering limited functionality.

The summary above is a start, but by no means complete – why not add your suggestion in a comment?