A
new integrated payroll and HR system is helping one independent retailer adapt
to major changes within the business.
The
growth of Colchester-based Williams & Griffin saw its workforce rise to 300 and rapid change started to put strain
on its small HR team, made up of just three full time staff.
Over
the past year the retailer has transformed its trading image and gone from a
family-owned business to having a board of directors. It has also seen profits
leap by 11 per cent to £18.5m.
Head
of personnel John Hartwell explained that the firm decided to implement a
computer-based payroll and HR system so the function would not be overwhelmed
by day-to-day staffing issues:
"Within
the personnel department we have an extensive remit that is fulfilled by a very
small team who are responsible for all aspects of people management and
payroll.
"The
new system allows HR to concentrate on the creative rather than administrative
aspect of our role, reflecting the more strategic function that HR teams take
on today," he said.
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The
system, designed by Intellect, is being installed over the next two months and
will allow the company to streamline its payroll and HR function so that
inputting staff information is kept to a minimum.
