Data Time Systems

12/07/2024

New Prime Minister Will Not Work Past 6pm on Fridays – Is He Setting the Right Example?

I recently read that the new Prime Minister has made it a point to not work past 6pm on Fridays. It made me pause and think – is this setting the right example for work-life balance?

This decision highlights an important conversation about how we manage our time and set boundaries in the workplace. At Data Time, we believe that a healthy work-life balance is crucial for employee well-being and productivity.

Do you think setting such boundaries is beneficial for overall productivity?

How does your workplace handle work-life balance and time management?

-in

03/07/2024

Managing employee holiday requests can be a significant administrative burden. But why is it important to streamline this process?

Because a well-managed holiday system enhances operational efficiency and boosts employee morale and trust. It puts you and your team on the same side. A win-win for all!

Imagine the pre-summer scramble: your managers buried under a mountain of last minute holiday requests. We've all been there! A good Time & Attendance system can help you avoid this chaos. Think: streamlined workflow, clear visibility into employee schedules and precious time saved for your team.

In our latest blog, we explore how to make holiday management smoother for everyone involved - https://datatime.co.uk/streamline-holiday-requests-approvals/

# HRTech

01/07/2024

Burnout Affects a Fifth of UK Employees

I had to stop and let that sink in...I was surprised to read in HR Magazine that burnout is affecting a fifth of UK employees, with long-term sick leave hitting record highs. A total of 2.58 million people are off work due to long-term illness, a figure that has risen by 449,000 since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020.

This got me thinking about how simple and effective workforce management tools can make a big difference.

By spotting trends, ensuring staff are taking their breaks, not working prolonged hours and are using their annual leave entitlement, companies can better support their employees' well-being. The data is there to support key business decisions as long as you have the right system in place.

Let's make employee health a priority! You can read the full article here - https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/burnout-affects-a-fifth-of-uk-employees-as-long-term-sick-hits-record-high/

If your interested in learning more about what's possible with the right workforce management system in place, please send an email to: [email protected]

28/06/2024

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, every minute counts. We hear you! Manufacturing runs on tight schedules, but is your time and attendance system slowing you down?

Legacy clock-in systems, while seemingly reliable, can introduce inefficiencies that eat away at your bottom line. Here are some challenges you might be facing with your legacy system:

❌ Time Theft Opportunities
❌ Accuracy Concerns
❌ Limited Functionality
❌ Inflexible for Modern Workstyles

The good news is, there are powerful alternatives available. By embracing modern cloud-based time and attendance systems you gain significant advantages, including;

✅ Improved Timesheet Accuracy
✅ Reduced Time Theft
✅ Streamlined Operations and Reporting
✅ Increased Employee Satisfaction

Legacy clock-in systems may seem familiar, but they're holding your manufacturing business back!

Curious to learn more? Check out our latest blog on how to streamline your clocking-in process - https://datatime.co.uk/legacy-systems-costing-businesses/

25/06/2024

Thriving businesses rely on a healthy, engaged workforce. Efficient absence management plays a crucial role in maintaining that well-being and ensuring smooth operations.

But, let's be honest, managing staff absences can feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. 😤 just when you think you've got things under control, another absence pops up. It disrupts your workflow, eats up your time, and leaves everyone feeling frustrated.

So, let's talk about it. What are you struggling with?

Is it tracking who’s off and when?
Managing unexpected sick days?
Or maybe the mountain of paperwork is what get's you every time?

There might be a better way!

We'd love to hear from you – what are your biggest challenges with managing absences? Share your thoughts in the comments below or send us a message.

19/06/2024

Will Using Office Attendance in Performance Reviews Become the Norm?

A recent article on People Management discusses a law firm that has started using office attendance as a metric in performance reviews. This approach raises questions about its broader implications for workplace management and employee assessment - https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1875398/law-firm-using-office-attendance-performance-reviews-%E2%80%93-will-become-norm

At Data Time, we recognise the importance of accurate attendance tracking. While integrating attendance into performance reviews could ensure accountability and transparency, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on employee morale and work-life balance.

What are your thoughts on this trend? Could this become the new standard in workforce management?

Addleshaw Goddard is the latest organisation to implement a more ‘directive approach’, but experts warn the move is ‘a recipe for staff resentment and resignations’

17/06/2024

Tired of the juggling act with employee holiday requests?

You're not alone! We often hear from businesses that one of their biggest HR challenges is dealing with employee holiday bookings.

Ensuring fair holiday allocation and avoiding coverage gaps can be tough. But it doesn't have to be such a headache! With the right tools you can simplify the process by providing clear information to make holiday planning smoother and more efficient.

What's your biggest hurdle with employee holiday bookings?

Curious to learn more? Check out our blog: Managing Employee Holiday Bookings: Heaven or Hell? https://datatime.co.uk/managing-employee-holiday-bookings-heaven-or-hell/

Let’s explore ways to make holiday planning smoother for everyone!

30/05/2024

Why Payroll Matters (and Why it Shouldn't Be a Headache)

At the heart of every successful business are its people. They're the ones driving innovation, building relationships, and ultimately shaping the company's future. Yet, a recent Personnel Today article revealed a concerning trend: 4 out of the top 10 HR questions in April focused on payroll challenges.

This raises a critical question: Why are we settling for a system that creates frustration and confusion?

Accurate time tracking shouldn't be a burden. It should empower your HR team to focus on what matters most - your people.

Imagine a world where payroll is seamless, efficient, and data-driven. A world where HR professionals have the information they need to make informed decisions and ensure your employees receive accurate and timely payments. That's the world we want to create.

What payroll challenges are keeping you up at night? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

You can also check out the full article here:

April 2024's most popular FAQs on Brightmine, formerly XpertHR, include queries around minimum wage rules and holiday pay.

28/05/2024

Let's be honest, payroll disputes are NOBODY's idea of a good time. 😤 They drain your energy, zap your team's morale, and leave you feeling like you're constantly putting out fires.

But what if I told you there's a way to ditch the drama and achieve ? ✌️ At Data Time, we have a whole arsenal of tools built into our software that help you streamline your time-tracking and payroll process. A good place to start is our BRAND NEW 60-second quiz that unlocks your current payroll efficiency score! ⏱️

**Intrigued? **

Great! Because in less than a minute, you'll have a clearer picture of where you stand and whether there’s room for improvement (clue… there always is).

**Ready to take control? **

Access 60 Second Quiz to unlock your payroll efficiency score now...https://datatime.co.uk/payroll-inaccuracies/



P.S. Want to ditch the payroll headaches for good? Book a no obligation call with us and see how we can help!

24/04/2024

Biometric Data in the news again!

An interesting case caught my eye recently in that Uber has settled a driver's facial recognition discrimination claim after it blocked the driver from delivering for them due to failing biometric ID checks. In this case there were no alternative means of verification which went against Uber.

Whenever we work with a company installing Biometric Attendance Systems, we also include alternative methods of verification such as Pin, card or key fob recognition. Another key component is to communicate with staff, outlining why the system is being introduced and the intended processes that will be used.

Take a look at your systems today, do you offer an alternative?

Read the article here -

Uber Eats driver Pa Edrissa Manjang reaches financial settlement after racially biased facial recognition technology led to his suspension.

22/04/2024

When a company listens to employees - holiday requests become straight forward.

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a company that was looking to streamline their holiday request processes and reduce admin time. From talking to the team, a large amount of hours were taken up each week managing holiday requests and staff were unhappy as they couldn't book anything until leave was processed.

Managing staff holidays shouldn't be a headache, but for many businesses, it is. In this case, the endless email chains caused confusion over who's approved and who's not, ensuring the right level of staff were available to the business was not always accurate and making sure the payroll reflected these processes was often delayed.

Now, staff can log holiday requests directly through our app, saving time and eliminating the need for endless back-and-forth emails. Our intuitive interface allows employees to check holiday availability before they book, ensuring that there are no conflicts with other team members. Once a request is submitted, managers can easily review and approve or deny it with just a few clicks, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and speeding up the approval process and saving the business time and money each week

Learn more about how we can help you take the stress out of staff holidays - https://datatime.co.uk/self-service/

19/04/2024

Tired of playing detective with your payroll?

I know from experience how much inaccuracies can lead to unhappy employees, compliance headaches, and wasted time. Since the business was launched in 1984, payroll challenges have been the No.1 issue for at least 90% of the businesses we work with.

Payroll processing has many facets but with our help and advice, you can ensure accuracy every time. Let's put an end to payroll headaches and start giving you precious time back.

We have many tools to help you put away the magnifying glass and help is only a chat away - 01623 883 073

17/04/2024

"Serco forced to stop biometric attendance monitoring" - scary headline but what does this mean for Business Owners?

When I saw these headlines, I had to take a read as Biometric Attendance monitoring is one of the services we offer. It's an interesting read in that Serco initiated the use of biometric attendance many years ago after seeking legal advice. Unfortunately, post Covid, things have moved on and regulations have changed. The ICO issued new guidelines in October 2023 utilising biometric data and this is why it is important that you seek advice on your workforce management solutions periodically from expert suppliers in order to stay compliant and avoid a penalty from the ICO.

Take a read if you have a few minutes to spare -

ICO orders Serco to stop biometric attendance monitoring, including facial and fingerprint recognition, when workers clock in and out.

08/04/2024

Let's address the elephant in the room – time theft.

It's a sneaky little problem that can cost businesses big time. From buddy punching to those oh-so-tempting extended breaks and unnecessary overtime, time theft comes in many forms, and it's a headache for business owners everywhere.

So, what are your thoughts on tackling time theft in the workplace? Is it something you think about? Let's chat!

04/04/2024

Are you tired of dealing with payroll inaccuracies and workforce management challenges?

Do you want to streamline your operations and increase productivity in your business?

Take our quiz to assess your current situation and find solutions to improve your workforce management processes! Click here to get started: https://data-time-systems.scoreapp.com

29/03/2024

"🐰 Hoppy Easter, everyone! 🥚🌷

As we enjoy the egg-citing festivities. the Data Time team wanted to wish you a Happy Easter and here's to plenty of chocolate eggs!

🐣🌟

15/03/2024

Wave goodbye to uncertainty and usher in clarity with our Ultimate Workforce System Audit Template!

Whether you're seeking to maximize your current Time and Attendance system's potential or just starting your journey, this all-inclusive template is your key to streamlining operations and enhancing productivity. It guides you through:

✅ Evaluating Your Current System
✅ Pinpointing Areas for Enhancement
✅ Strategizing for Future Success

Don't let outdated methods impede your progress!

Grab your FREE guide today and embark on the path to optimising your workforce management strategy - https://dts.datatime.co.uk/the-ultimate-workforce-system-audit548106

08/03/2024

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

It's a phrase we've all heard before, and it makes sense in many aspects of business. But sometimes, it's important to take a step back and reassess.

We were approached recently to help a business explore new approaches to managing their payroll and staff absences. Throughout the meeting the main system administrators were open about their satisfaction with their current system and how confident they were in using it, and the only reason for meeting with us, was at the request of the business owner. Yet, when we looked closer, we uncovered lot's of potential for improvement.

So, while it's tempting to stick with what's familiar, it's worth considering whether there might be a better way. Our ROI calculator revealed that they were losing a significant amount of time each month – time that could be better spent on growing their business and serving their customers. Not to mention the cost of this time.

Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference. It's all about finding the right solution that works for you and your business needs. Try our handy ROI calculator and see how a new system could save you time, money and stress - https://datatime.co.uk/roi-calculator/

07/03/2024

Clocking In: Choosing Between Cloud and On-Premise Workforce Management Software

When looking for a software, choosing between cloud-based solutions and on-premise systems can sometimes feel like you are comparing apples and oranges.

Each option offers its own unique blend of advantages and drawbacks, making it essential to understand the differences before making a decision. From listening to our customers, we have put together a handy pro's and con's guides for you - https://datatime.co.uk/clocking-in-choosing-between-cloud-and-on-premise-workforce-management-software/

Knowledge is key as they say.....

In the realm of workforce management software, businesses often face a choice between cloud-based solutions and on-premise systems. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the differences is crucial for making an informed decision. Let’s delve into the pro...

29/02/2024

Guess what? 2024 is no ordinary year – it's a leap year!

And you know what that means? An extra day to conquer your business goals and make things happen. So what are you going to do today? Here 3 easy things you can do - https://datatime.co.uk/leap-into-success-your-extra-day-your-opportunity-to-stay-ahead-of-the-game/

Are you ready to seize the day? Let's make 2024 our best year yet and here's to making every moment count!

28/02/2024

Let's talk about that elephant in the room – you know, the one named "Investing in the Right Workforce Management Solution."

So, you've realised that your clocking in system is due for an upgrade. You've done your research, you know the benefits of having the right solution in place, and you're ready to take the leap.

But hold on just a sec – what's stopping you from making that investment?

Change can be scary. Maybe you're worried about the initial cost of implementation, or perhaps you're concerned about the learning curve for your team. It's totally understandable – we've all been there!

The Data Time team have set ourselves a challenge to provide a number of resources to help you alleviate fears and overcome challenges and here is where we need your help. We would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section below.

26/02/2024

Dealing with Employee Holiday Requests – A Rollercoaster Ride!

Do you ever feel like you're riding the holiday booking rollercoaster at work?

Well, you're not alone! When we chat with businesses about their HR headaches, guess what pops up more often than not? Yep, you guessed it – managing holiday bookings!

We get it – juggling staff requests and ensuring fair holiday allocations can be a real pain in the neck. But guess what? It doesn't have to be! With the right workforce management system in place, you can glide through the process with ease.

Check out our blog to learn more - https://datatime.co.uk/managing-employee-holiday-bookings-heaven-or-hell/

Here's to stress-free holiday planning! Have a great week.

13/02/2024

Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to clarity with our Ultimate Workforce System Audit Template!

Whether you are looking to get more out of your existing Time and Attendance system or just starting out, this comprehensive template is your ticket to streamlining operations and boosting productivity and covers how to:

✅ Assess Your Current System
✅ Identify Areas for Improvement
✅ Plan for Future Success

Don't let outdated processes hold your business back!

Download your FREE guide now and take the first step toward optimising your workforce management strategy - https://dts.datatime.co.uk/the-ultimate-workforce-system-audit548106

You will know what you need from your system. Every business will have a different need. We want to help YOU get really clear on what that looks like.

15/01/2024

Do you know how many days of illness your team took in 2023?

As we start the New Year, it's an opportune time to reflect on the past and prepare for a promising future. One aspect that often goes unnoticed is sick days. Do you know how many days of illness your team took in 2023? Understanding this data can be a game-changer.

Information is power. When you have a clear picture of sick leave patterns and the main types of sickness absence in your organisation, you can take proactive steps to enhance employee health and well-being. It's not just about the numbers; it's about caring for your team.

If you're curious about how to better track and manage sick days, we've got you covered - https://datatime.co.uk/sickness-absence-reporting-and-record-keeping-arrangements/

Let's start 2024 on the right foot, armed with knowledge and a commitment to a healthier, happier workplace. Your team's well-being matters.

12/01/2024

Ready To Save Time & Take Control Of Workforce Tracking The Easy Way?

Tracking your workforce can be complex and often it can be daunting knowing where to start with lots of questions going through your head:

Do we need a better / different system to achieve what we want this year?
What do we need for effortless payroll?
Is our current system fit for purpose?
How can our system be used for increased employee engagement?

Well, you’re in the right place. We know how important it is to track and manage your workforce accurately, no matter how large your team is and importantly, we know the questions to ask to help you get clear. It really is a piece of cake.

Take our quick & effective quiz and answer 13 simple questions!

You will get valuable feedback on improving your time recording efficiency & give you back the gift of time - https://data-time-systems.scoreapp.com/p/datatimesystems

09/01/2024

Can you help...

With workflow management, we know that having the right tools is crucial. So, tell us, what features do you absolutely love in your current time & attendance solution?

Connectivity to other systems?
Easy access reporting
Efficient time recording
Ease of use for staff members
Or something completely different

There are lots of developments happening in the world of Time & Attendance and we want to ensure any new features we bring to market are working hard for your business. Your feedback will really help us shape the agenda in 2024 - https://www.datatime.co.uk

08/01/2024

The world of work is changing! As the modern workforce evolves, we are hearing more and more businesses talking about adopting flexible work arrangements such as the 4-day week or flexi working.

These arrangements offer numerous benefits, including improved work-life balance, increased employee satisfaction, and enhanced productivity.

But...

Managing time and attendance in such dynamic setups can be challenging. The question arises: can Time & Attendance software effectively cope with the intricacies of the 4-day week or flexi working?

Take a look at our handy guide on how Time & Attendance software can adapt and support flexible work arrangements -

Can Time & Attendance Software Cope with Managing a 4-Day Week or Flexi Working? -read the latest article from Data Time Systems, Nottinghamshire

04/01/2024

2024 is here – are you ready to make it your year of success?

As we step into the exciting journey that is 2024 here at Data Time, we're ready for the fresh opportunities and challenges it holds. But we're curious, do you believe in New Year's resolutions, or are you more of a "every day is a new opportunity" kind of person?

Our focus for this year is crystal clear: We're here to assist businesses in mastering their workforce management solutions and staying compliant. We've got some exciting plans in the pipeline, so stay tuned!

Are you prepared for the year ahead?

Our advice for you today is this - before diving headfirst into the day-to-day grind, take a moment to review your time & attendance and workforce management solutions. Ensuring they align with your future needs is key. At Data Time, we're here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and recommend the right systems and solutions tailored to your unique requirements.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead, filled with growth and achievement!

P.S. Do you have exciting plans or goals for 2024? Share them with us! Let's inspire and support each other on this incredible journey.

22/12/2023

Reports Galore and Automated Reminders

Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favourite thing – reports. Focus takes care of that too.

It automatically emails those reports to you (or you can run them manually if you have time for that…). It’s like having your own personal assistant who knows how to operate the photocopier and isn’t always on vacation.