How does a Multi-Level Approval System improve Organizational Transparency?

Multi-level approvals have become the hallmark of transparent organizations. In modern companies, employees want clarity and leaders want control. In this scenario, multi-level approvals fulfil both, making it a must-have feature for any HR management software. It brings a well-defined structure, enhanced visibility, and improved accountability to employee requests.

Multi-level approvals also help reduce instances of fraud within the company, as managers can be easily held accountable for their actions and approvals for their teammates. HR teams can also rest easy, knowing that there will be fewer complaints related to mismanaged approvals, making a multi-level approach a straightforward solution for a complex issue.

What is a Multi-Level Approval System?

A Multi-Level Approval System is a structured workflow where employee requests like leave, attendance changes, reimbursements, policy exceptions, etc., are routed via predefined approval hierarchies.

For example, let us consider that employee A applied for leave. Their leave application goes to their team leader B, who will be able to approve this request only if their manager C approves it. Each level in this chain of command has clear authority, as well as defined timelines to approve the request. Once the team leader approves the request, their manager and the employee can view it. On the other hand, the manager can also approve the request, which will be visible to both the manager and the employee.

How does a Multi-Level Approval System improve Organizational Transparency?

A multi-level approval system improves organizational transparency with:

1. Accountability

Since every request has a clear approver at every stage of the approval process, everyone in the company will be aware of the timelines. It helps eliminate delays and finger-pointing.

2. Real-time Visibility

Similarly, employees can track their approvals via their ESS portal without having to take repeated follow-ups. On the other hand, managers can spot bottlenecks within the system, improving transparency.

3. Bias Avoidance

Since the approval rules are predefined, managers, team leaders, or supervisors will not be able to give undue advantage to any employee requesting approval. Hence, it helps avoid favouritism and reduce bias.

4. Robust Audits

Since all requests are routed through the system, every employee will remain accountable for their actions undertaken within the system. It creates a sense of accountability while also simplifying audits and compliance checks.

Multi-Level Approval System by Pocket HRMS – Key Benefits

There are various benefits of using the Pocket HRMS Multi-Level Approval system, such as:

➔ Custom Approval Hierarchies

You can set custom approval options based on employees’ department, designation, location, employment type, etc., for an approval system that is truly compliant with your organizational policies.

➔ Rule-based Automation

Different rules can be set for different kinds of requests, with different thresholds, leading to fewer manual interventions. It leads to quicker decisions and faster approvals.

➔ Complete Visibility

Employees, team leads, managers, supervisors, administrators, and HR can access the approval information based on their job designation, making it easier to manage their requests. It helps avoid information overload.

➔ Mobile-first Approach

Managers and supervisors can easily approve or reject their employees’ requests on the go, via the Pocket HRMS mobile app, WhatsApp, or emails, making it extremely seamless to keep workflows transparent.

➔ Seamless Integration

The approvals undertaken on Pocket HRMS get reflected throughout the system, making it easier to keep track of them. Additionally, the system can also highlight if an approval is being delayed, alerting the stakeholders to address it promptly.

Conclusion

A multi-level approval system provides added transparency to the approval process, while completely streamlining it. It enables employees to raise requests, while providing handy options for team leaders to approve them, as well as managers to monitor these approvals, making it easier to keep track of them. It not only builds trust among the employees but also becomes a major factor in keeping them engaged with the organization.