Retail Solutions - Glyn Webb electronic system offers staff flexible work hours

DIY retailer Glyn Webb is moving all its staff, from CEO downwards, on to an electronic time management system that will enable staff to work flexible hours.

The Web-based solution replaces a paper-based time-sheet system, which meant data had to be manually inputted into the company's financial software.

Glyn Webb head of human resources Cheryl Gardner said: 'This really came from the staff. We've had some problems over the past couple of years and the staff played a big role in turning things around. We carried out a survey and this was one of the things staff asked for. Lots of staff have families, or other interests, and this system gives our staff time for them.'

Gardner said that although the initial costs were substantial, it was a change that had connected directly with staff. She added that the flexible working system was particularly popular on Friday afternoons and Monday mornings.

Gardner hopes the Web-based system will reduce absenteeism because staff are now more easily able to take time off for appointments or domestic problems. They can then make up the time at a later date.

The company also hopes it will be an added attraction for Glyn Webb when recruiting and retaining staff.

It has meant savings for payroll, which no longer has to manually input reams of paper timesheets and clock cards. The Kronos solution sends the data directly to the Sage Professional payroll system.

Time-management specialist Kronos installed the system and upgraded the company server.

Kronos also trained the HR and payroll staff on how to use the system.