altHR: Digi releases HR “super app” for free for Malaysian SMEs until 31 December 2020

As Malaysia (and the rest of the world) recovers from the global COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of digitalisation and technology to various industries has become even more apparent. And with that in mind, Digi is now releasing a new “HR super app” to help Malaysian companies adapt to the new normal by digitalising HR processes: altHR.

Digi says that they have been using the app themselves over the last three years, with the digital workforce management solution including features to help Malaysian SMEs prepare for “the new normal”. These include digital leave tracking, time tracking, sales kits, expense management, and other HR and administrative processes. Meanwhile, employees can also use the platform to pay bills, make prepaid top-ups for their mobiles, and access other essential services.

In other words, altHR functions as an all-in-one stop for employees for leave applications, claims submissions, travel requests, and even to access payslips and employee handbooks. For example, the app provides a platform for new employees to be digitally onboarded, along with a variety of other HR-based tools.

The entire platform is an app-based one, which means that companies need not commit to any hardware upgrades—everything works on a regular smartphone. Meanwhile, Digi says that they are planning to integrate even more functionality besides HR processes, including retail management, business development, and so on.

According to Digi’s Chief Digital Officer Praveen Rajan, the app was first developed to solve Digi’s own needs. Having scoured the market for a suitable solution, the telco company then decided to develop the HR platform themselves. This need to digitalise such processes is one that is widespread, according to Digi, with 8–10 HR personnel reportedly saying that digital tools are needed to ease workloads, although many SMEs in Malaysia are still not ready to digitalise their HR processes as of yet.

And that’s where altHR’s main value proposition lies, it seems: a simple platform that replaces paper-based processes, and one that doesn’t require any pre-requisite IT skills. Plus, Digi says that high costs can also be a barrier for SMEs in the path to digitalisation. As such, altHR is now available for free until the 31st of December 2020 for all Malaysian SMEs, although this is limited to each company’s first 50 employees. The app is available for Android and iOS devices via the Play Store and App Store respectively.

Additionally, Digi is classed as a Technology Solutions Provider (TSP) under the SME Digitalisation Grant that was first announced during Budget 2020. This means that eligible companies can apply for a 50 percent matching grant (up to RM5,000) when subscribing to digital tools and solutions (such as altHR).

If you’re keen to try it out, click here to find out more about altHR.