Small Business Glossary and Definitions

Employee Self-Service (ESS) is a web-based process that enables employees to perform administrative tasks quickly and conveniently. With an ESS, an employee can go online and update personal information such as address and contact information, apply for benefits, review payroll and benefit statements, or simply search for useful information related to their job benefits. The systems can also be used for reviewing and updating tax information, direct deposit options, and retirement fund selection and allocation.

An ESS is often integrated into the human resources management system and increases efficiency by reducing the human resources staff time spent on routine administrative tasks and information delivery. It can be accessed by employees, either through the company’s human resources ESS portal.