Learn the best approach for HR to take when employees express concerns about the security of online performance ratings in a new HRIS system. Expert advice for the SHRM-SCP certification exam.
Table of Contents
Question
An organization’s outdated HRIS is difficult to use and involves a paper-and-pen performance rating process. The organization is headquartered in a storm-prone area.
During a recent weather-related evacuation, employees were unable to complete and submit performance ratings in a timely manner. The HR department selects a new online HRIS vendor to mitigate this issue in the future.
At performance review time, employees express anxiety over the security of their online ratings. Which action should the HR director take in response to these concerns?
A. Share statistics about the likelihood and effects of a cybersecurity breach in the new HRIS.
B. Allow concerned employees to complete their ratings with paper forms rather than online.
C. Create a contingency plan that outlines corrective actions the company will take if a breach occurs.
D. Ask a representative from the HRIS company to describe the company’s data security processes and protections.
Answer
The best action for the HR director to take in response to employee concerns about the security of their online performance ratings in the new HRIS is:
D. Ask a representative from the HRIS company to describe the company’s data security processes and protections.
Explanation
When implementing a new HRIS system, it’s important to proactively address any employee concerns, especially around sensitive data like performance ratings. The most effective way to alleviate anxiety is to provide employees with factual information directly from the HRIS vendor about the specific security measures in place to protect their data.
This could include things like encryption protocols, access controls, monitoring systems to detect breaches, and the vendor’s policies and procedures for handling security incidents. Hearing these technical details straight from the source will be more reassuring than the HR director trying to explain them.
The other options are less ideal:
A) Focusing on breach statistics may heighten anxiety rather than reduce it.
B) Allowing some employees to use paper forms defeats the purpose of moving to an online system and creates inconsistency.
C) While having a contingency plan is wise, at this stage it’s better to focus on prevention by highlighting the system’s robust security.
In summary, the key is open and transparent communication to build trust in the new HRIS. Bringing in the vendor to explain their security practices is the best way to give employees the information and reassurance they need.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the SHRM-SCP exam and earn SHRM-SCP certification.