HR processes you should automate by the end of 2024

As we approach the close of 2024, it is the perfect time to evaluate opportunities for improving operational efficiency. One key area for optimization is Human Resources (HR), where automating routine processes can unlock considerable time savings and boost productivity. In this article, we will break down what HR automation involves, its core benefits, and highlight five key processes you should automate to position your business for success in the coming year.  

What is HR automation?

HR automation is the process of using technology to perform and manage repetitive tasks efficiently. It enables HR teams to handle key activities—such as employee onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, attendance tracking, and compliance—with minimal manual intervention, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

These automations eliminate repetitive tasks and enable HR employees to focus on activities that require more human intervention and to focus on skills  

5 processes that should be automated  

1. Onboarding new hires

An automated onboarding process ensures new employees are equipped with everything they need, from receiving and signing contracts to having their work accounts set up seamlessly. While various HR software options exist, their capabilities can differ significantly.  

By using Rippling, you can streamline and automate the following onboarding workflow:

• Generate employees’ offer letters and agreements.

• Deliver employee handbook

• Add them to the payroll.  

• Set up tax accounts and calculate them

• Enroll the employee in health insurance plan  

• Assign trainings

• Deliver company devices

• Set up their work accounts such as Google, Zoom, Microsoft, etc.  

2. Employee relocation

An employee relocation to a different state requires HR intervention and repetitive tasks – perfect for automation. A common relocation workflow embodies:

• Automatically adjust compensation to comply with new state wage laws.

• Enroll employees in updated benefits plans as needed.

• Update payroll tax withholding and file taxes with new state authorities.

• Enroll employees in state-required training programs automatically.

3. Employee promotions

Like employee relocation, when someone is promoted, several HR adjustments can be easily automated to streamline the process and reduce manual work. While the workflow may differ slightly, automation can handle key tasks such as:

• Automatically update the employee’s position in the company org chart.

• Adjust direct reports in the system without manual input.

• Add to management communication channels across apps like Slack.

• Seamlessly update compensation and payroll records.

• Apply or issue the correct expense policy for their corporate card.

• Automate enrollment in management training programs.

4. Employee milestones

As a company grows, keeping track of employee milestones becomes more complex. Instead of relying on manual tracking, you can automate these tasks to ensure key milestones are recognized and celebrated without missing a beat:

• Automatically sync employee career milestones to the company calendar.

• Send out celebratory emails without the need for manual reminders.

• Automate the selection and delivery of employee appreciation gifts in advance.

• Add milestone notes to the agenda for company-wide all-hands meetings.

• Send milestone notifications on communication channels to key stakeholders or the entire company.

5. Offboarding

Offboarding should be automated primarily for security reasons, ensuring that employees lose access to sensitive information and accounts. Additionally, automating offboarding improves HR efficiency and saves time. A standard workflow could include:

• Automatically generate separation agreements.

• Schedule exit interviews without manual intervention.

• Calculate, process, and issue the employee’s final paycheck.

• Assign offboarding tasks to their manager seamlessly.

• Revoke access to company systems and deactivate app accounts on their last day.

• Remove the employee from company benefits plans automatically.

Automating HR processes allows your team to move beyond time-consuming tasks like data entry, focusing instead on strategic initiatives that drive employee satisfaction and business growth. With the end of the year approaching, now is the perfect time to evaluate your current workflows and implement the solutions that will streamline operations and improve overall efficiency. By making these changes, your HR team can start 2025 with more bandwidth for high-impact projects—ensuring your company is ready to thrive in the new year.

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