Blog - openHR

Automatic Contract Generator

This year, Christmas came before Black Friday at openHR! We are thrilled to announce our latest feature that promises to revolutionise your HR processes: the Automatic Employee Contract Generator. This innovative tool is designed to streamline the creation of employee contracts, making it easier and faster than ever before. What Makes This Feature Special? Our Automatic Employee Contract Generator is not just any ordinary tool. It includes the automatic replacement of 80 employee and company variables, such as names, appointment dates, job titles, and much more. This means you can generate personalised and accurate contracts in a matter... read more

November 20, 2024 visibility 847

Automated Birthday Emails

In the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it's easy to overlook the small gestures that can make a big difference in the workplace. One such gesture is remembering and celebrating employee birthdays. While it might seem like a minor detail, acknowledging birthdays can have a significant impact on employee morale and overall workplace culture. Why Employee Birthdays Matter 1. Boosts Morale: Recognising an employee's birthday shows that you value them as an individual, not just as a worker. This simple act can boost their morale and make them feel appreciated. 2. Strengthens Relationships: Celebrating birthdays can strengthen... read more

November 19, 2024 visibility 921

Silly Season

As the year draws to a close, the “silly season” is upon us. This time of year, encompassing Black Friday, Christmas, and the end of the year, is marked by a whirlwind of activity both professionally and personally. At openHR.co.za, we understand the unique challenges this period presents, and we’re here to offer guidance on how to support your employees during this hectic time. The Impact of Silly Season on Employees The holiday season often brings increased workload, tight deadlines, and heightened stress. Employees are juggling end-of-year tasks, holiday preparations, and personal commitments, leading to potential burnout. The... read more

November 5, 2024 visibility 962

Dogfooding

How South African Companies Can Learn from Home Depot’s Strategy In the competitive retail landscape, companies must continuously innovate to stay relevant and profitable. One effective strategy that has proven successful for Home Depot in the United States is requiring all employees, including executives, to work at least eight hours in a store every quarter. This hands-on approach can be a game-changer for South African companies like Pick n Pay, which are currently facing challenges. Employee and Customer Challenges By having executives and other employees spend time on the shop floor, companies can gain invaluable insights into... read more

October 21, 2024 visibility 1030

Nurturing Mental Health

Mental Health in the Workplace: Simple Steps to Stay Mentally Healthy In honor of World Mental Health Day, it’s crucial to reflect on how we can support our own mental well-being and that of our colleagues. In the hustle and bustle of the corporate world, it’s easy to neglect our mental health. Let’s explore some practical tips to maintain mental well-being. 1. Embrace Physical Activity Exercise isn’t just about physical health; it’s a powerful tool for boosting mental well-being. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which help improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall mental health. Encourage team activities like lunchtime... read more

October 10, 2024 visibility 1120

Print, Sign, Stamp

The Importance of Proper Documentation in HR: How openHR Simplifies Compliance In the fast-paced world of human resources, maintaining accurate and comprehensive employee records is crucial. Whether it’s leave applications, salary advances, or any other HR-related documentation, having everything on paper is not just a best practice—it’s a legal necessity. This is where openHR, your trusted and 100% free South African payroll and HR web application, comes into play, ensuring that all your HR processes are streamlined and compliant from the start. [Approval stamp] Why Proper Documentation Matters 1. Legal Compliance: South African labour laws mandate that any deductions from... read more

October 2, 2024 visibility 1135

EMP501 Recons

Understanding EMP501/IRP5 Reconciliation As an employer in South Africa, you are required to submit an EMP501 reconciliation twice a year to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This process involves reconciling the PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn), SDL (Skills Development Levy), and UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) contributions deducted from your employees’ salaries with the payments made to SARS. The EMP501 reconciliation ensures that the amounts deducted and paid over to SARS are accurate and complete. Why is EMP501/IRP5 Reconciliation Important? 1. Compliance with Tax Obligations: Submitting accurate EMP501 reconciliations is crucial for complying with your tax obligations. Failure to do so can result... read more

September 25, 2024 visibility 1174

Embracing Innovation

openHR's Journey Over the Past Year Greetings, Payroll and HR professionals! At openHR, we are committed to revolutionising the payroll and HR landscape with cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of businesses. Over the past 12 months, we've introduced a suite of powerful features designed to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and empower your workforce. Let's take a closer look at these innovations and imagine the exciting possibilities for the year ahead. 1. Tax Directives Navigating the complexities of tax directives issued by SARS for special income and large payouts has never been easier. Our system ensures accurate... read more

September 13, 2024 visibility 1243

Detailed Employee Reports

[Detailed Employee Reports] We've added one more free feature. You can now get detailed employee information reports by going to Reports and selecting Employees. You can select every employee ever loaded and you can also select which fields you want to display - multiple selections allowed by holding in the ctrl key and clicking the selections. Easily copy everything (click anywhere on the page then press ctrl + A on your keyboard) and paste it into Excel to easily work with your data. Top Tip: To paste just the data and not the website formatting into Excel, you can right... read more

August 21, 2024 visibility 1212

openHR PLUS

[openHR+ paid features] Introducing openHR+. A set of premium features available now. These new features include asset management, asset checkouts and attachments everywhere. Keep track of all assets assigned to employees with ease and precision and as always, super-fast. You can also add attachments everywhere whether it be employee CVs to the employee’s profile, an invoice to an asset, or a signed loan form to an employee advance. Your supporting documentation is only a click away. Our free features will remain free, and we remain committed to keeping them free. These include multiple unlimited companies, unlimited... read more

August 11, 2024 visibility 1149

You up?

[Still up for June and July!]In early June we posted about our 100% uptime for May 2024 and since then we have maintained a 100% uptime. We are still immensely proud about the fact that we can provide a free payroll and HRMS system that is there for you. Always. You can do your employee payslips, loans, leave, employee warnings, permits, reviews, training, and surveys when it suits you. For free. Dit kos jou mos niks om nice te wees nie. We also constantly monitor our system for any errors which users may receive either in the front end... read more

August 4, 2024 visibility 1266

Cloud = Best

[The chaos caused by Crowdstrike]Benefits of cloud-based HR and payroll applications like openHR, especially in light of real-world incidents like the Crowdstrike Windows outage. Crowdstrike brought many companies and government departments to its knees. Standalone computer software isn't the answer anymore. Here's why the cloud is better. Anywhere Access and Flexibility: Cloud HR and payroll software allows you and your team to manage employee data and payslips from anywhere, whether you’re on a Mac, PC, tablet, or even a smart TV. This flexibility is crucial during unexpected outages or disruptions to your devices. Efficiency and Automation: Cloud HR software... read more

July 22, 2024 visibility 1344

Ultimate Payroll and HR

[Unleashing the Power of openHR] openHR is more than just software—it’s a game-changer for businesses in South Africa. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, openHR empowers you to streamline your HR processes, enhance compliance, and boost employee satisfaction. Let’s explore its remarkable features: Unlimited Users and Permissions Assign different permissions to various functions effortlessly. Manage your entire team with ease. Company Portfolio Management Manage multiple companies seamlessly. Switch between portfolios quickly. Rich Employee Profiles Capture demographics, clothing sizes, and more. Get an advanced overview of payroll, HR, and compliance.... read more

June 24, 2024 visibility 1342

Free is Good

Small businesses have increasingly turned to free software to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth. Let us explore examples of how free software has benefited small businesses: 1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: EngageBay: This free CRM software allows businesses to manage up to 250 unique leads. It offers sales, marketing, chat, and customer service features. 2. Email Marketing: Gmail: Google's free email service is widely used by small businesses for communication, collaboration, and document sharing. 3. Website Building: Wix: Leveraging AI, Wix offers a free website builder that simplifies creating professional websites. An online presence is crucial... read more

June 20, 2024 visibility 1340

More free features

We have more new features just for you. Free. Our first new feature is Payslip Messages which you can find under Settings and then Payslip Message. This is a universal message feature that will print at the bottom of all payslips for the selected company. Our second major new feature is Employee Reviews. You can easily create new review templates under Settings; one default was already added for you. You can create an employee review with a few simple clicks from Services and then Reviews; and invite multiple other employees to do the review. Those with email addresses saved in... read more

June 13, 2024 visibility 1425

Sick Leave

[Keeping Track of Sick Leave During Flu Season]As winter sets in here in South Africa, the flu season is upon us. It's a time when many employees may need to take sick leave. Keeping track of this leave is crucial for both employees and employers. The Importance of Sick Leave Records Maintaining good records of sick leave taken is important for several reasons. It ensures that employees are not exceeding their allocated sick leave and helps employers to manage staffing levels during periods of illness. It also provides a clear record should any disputes arise regarding taken leave.... read more

June 12, 2024 visibility 1603

100% Uptime

[100% uptime for openHR for May]We are immensely proud to announce that openHR had a 100% uptime for the month of May 2024. Although we have never been down, we have only recently started to measure our uptime. We also constantly monitor our system for any errors which users may receive either in the front end or in the back end. Along with high availability of your best free payroll and HR system, you also have all day error detection by an actual human. We also have multiple support channels with our easiest being WhatsApp. read more

June 4, 2024 visibility 1385

Benefits of Handling Payroll & HR Internally

Cost Savings: Outsourcing HR and payroll can be expensive. By handling these tasks internally, companies can often save money in the long run. Control: Internal management of HR and payroll gives businesses more control over these critical functions. Customisation: Every business is unique. Handling HR and payroll in-house allows for customisation that fits the specific needs and culture of the business. Confidentiality: HR and payroll involve sensitive information. Managing these functions internally can provide better security and confidentiality. Having external contractors deal with employee personal information without written consent may land you in hot water with the... read more

May 27, 2024 visibility 1433

Lazy Labour Lawyers

[A Misinterpretation of South African Labour Laws]When it comes to labour law, accuracy and precision are paramount. However, there are instances where even professionals can misinterpret the law. A recent example involves a popular South African labour lawyer on TikTok who claimed that an employee is entitled to 1.25 days of annual leave every month. This statement is not only incorrect but misleading on several levels. The Misconception of Monthly Leave Accrual The lawyer's claim suggests that annual leave accrues at a fixed rate every month, irrespective of the number of days worked. This is a gross misinterpretation... read more

April 18, 2024 visibility 1574

What Sets openHR Apart

Free and Unlimited Unlike many other providers, openHR offers its software completely free of charge. This includes unlimited users, company profiles, and employees. But it doesn’t stop there. openHR also provides free support, ensuring that users have all the help they need to make the most of the platform. We Use Our Own Software At openHR, we don’t just develop the software – we use it too. This means we’re constantly maintaining and improving the platform. Comprehensive Features openHR boasts a multitude of features designed to streamline HR and payroll processes. These include: • Detailed employee profiles • Payslip generation... read more

April 10, 2024 visibility 2513

New: employee surveys & training registers

[Instantly create a survey from the services menu] We bring you a fast and easy way to find out if employees want to have a braai for year-end or go ten pin bowling. Introducing surveys. Simply give it a title, description, select the employees, add some questions and send. Want a more detailed survey with labour related work satisfaction questions? Create what your business and HR department requires. Free. Also added at no cost to you: an easy way to keep track of all employee training. External or on the job. Simplifying your skills development levy claims. Happy to cut... read more

April 3, 2024 visibility 1427

Small but big updates

Lightning Fast Although we wanted to give small businesses a free HR and payroll platform to use, we have been excited to see larger businesses join us. This have caused loading issues for them specifically with the employee index page and the payslip index page as those are limited to thirty and trying to load more took some time. Without the need to acquire additional infrastructure and with minor cosmetic changes, we were able to reduce loading speeds at least 20 times. Some other updates: - We corrected the time of the audit trail from GMT to GMT +2... read more

March 10, 2024 visibility 1369

Free permits and much more goodness

We have exciting news! We now offer free permit management on openHR.co.za! Never have a driver with an expired driver’s license be in the middle of an insurance dispute with your company vehicle. Never have the Department of Labour pitch up asking for work permits and having to look for that one small piece of paper. Create and store a scanned copy safely on openHR. What is more, we will notify you and the employee one month prior to expiration via email so you do not have to worry about anything. You can add everything from passports to forklift... read more

March 4, 2024 visibility 1530

The Road Ahead

We are adding more features. With most payroll features moving out of beta testing and with all the new users we've added it is only best we move towards our HR features and expand them further. Yes, there are still some payroll features we are working on like payment batch exports, but these will come at a later stage. We are hard at work adding permit management which will also bring file uploads and storage to openHR. Due to it being part of our free offering as well, file sizes will be limited, but it will offer great features like... read more

February 23, 2024 visibility 1300

Hidden Tax Increase: 2024 Budget Speech

In the recent 2024 Budget Speech of South Africa, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined the new (or not so new) tax brackets for personal income taxpayers. The budget proposes tax increases totalling R15 billion for the 2024/25 fiscal year to alleviate “immediate pressures” on the budget. However, a closer look reveals a hidden tax increase that may have slipped under the radar for many South Africans. [South African politician in their natural habitat]No Inflation Adjustments: A Stealthy Tax Increase One of the key points in the budget speech was the absence of inflation adjustments to the personal income tax tables.... read more

February 22, 2024 visibility 1585

Congratulations, HR Heroes!

If you’re reading this, you've made it! Jou Yster! You’ve not only navigated through a challenging financial year, but you’ve also weathered one of the most difficult years South Africa has ever faced and you've still made it to the financial year end! South Africa experienced the worst rolling blackouts the world has ever seen, yet you found the energy to cheer the Springboks on! The government failed in protecting the vulnerable against crime, yet you saw Dricus du Plessis punch his way to victory! Our currency reduced to peanuts, yet you still trade! You persevered! You are our heroes... read more

February 18, 2024 visibility 1418

Experience Exceptional Support For Free!

At openHR, we believe in empowering businesses with effective and efficient HR solutions. But we also understand that even the best solutions can raise questions or challenges. That’s why we offer free support alongside our suite of free services. [Sharing is Caring] Why Free Support? We are committed to ensuring that every user has a smooth and seamless experience with our platform. Our free support service is designed to provide immediate assistance and guidance, helping you navigate any issues you might encounter while using our services. How to Access Our Support We’ve made it incredibly easy to reach out to... read more

February 16, 2024 visibility 1467

Revolutionising HR and Payroll in South Africa

[Quickly generate documents] In an era where technology is reshaping businesses and industries, openHR, an innovator HR and payroll software provider in South Africa, is setting a new standard. We now offer the automatic generation of essential HR documents, a feature that is a first for a no-cost payroll and HR software in South Africa. [Available on the employee profile] A Single Click, Multiple Solutions With just a single click, users can now generate a variety of important documents. These include: • Confirmation of Employment Letters: These letters serve as proof of employment, verifying that an individual works at a... read more

January 22, 2024 visibility 1360

Streamlining Employee Onboarding

[Blank employee information sheet] In the world of Human Resources (HR), efficiency and simplicity are key. The process of onboarding new employees, in particular, can be time-consuming and complex. However, with the advent of HR software like openHR, these processes are becoming increasingly streamlined. One of openHR’s latest features - the ability to print a blank employee information sheet - is a game-changer in the realm of employee onboarding. The openHR Advantage openHR has always been at the forefront of HR solutions, providing user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive features that cover all aspects of HR management. The newly added feature of... read more

January 16, 2024 visibility 1230

Financial Risks of Employee Loans

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a period of financial stress for many employees. This is especially true in January, colloquially known as "Januworry", when the bills start rolling in after the December spending spree. One common solution that employees turn to is salary advances from their employers. However, this practice carries significant financial risks, particularly when the employee has exhausted all their paid time off (PTO). Understanding Salary Advances A salary advance is essentially a short-term loan from the employer to the employee. It's an advance payment on the employee's... read more

November 21, 2023 visibility 1446

Latest Post

What Every South African Employee Should Know About UIF and How Employers Can Help