Nearly half (47%) of UK employees chose an employer based on the working hours and flexible working arrangements on offer, according to a new study.
The research by SD Worx, which included 4,000-plus businesses, found these were the top two considerations for individuals when selecting a role.
The HR and payroll service provider’s UK and Europe-wide survey also revealed that three in five (61%) of companies are taking advantage of HR and people analytics to explore areas such as absenteeism, staff shortages and reporting.
In addition, many (44%) are using absence and working times data to provide greater insights into workforce productivity and efficiency when completing employee reporting duties.
Nearly seven in 10 (69%) of the European staff surveyed were found to consciously record their working times, with more than half (55%) using a time management system to help them. It is usual practice for people to use an existing system to keep track of this in Norway (56%), Spain (54%), Germany (53%), Sweden (53%), Finland (51%) and Italy (46%). However, it is less common in the Netherlands (33%) and France (32%).
Rachel Clough, UK country lead at SD Worx, said: “Globally, we’re seeing employers lean into the value of HR data and analytics tools to support the habits and expectations of the new working world. At a time when businesses face a myriad of challenges – from winning the war on talent, to tackling rising costs and ensuring smooth employee relationships in a hybrid world – workforce management tools offer essential solutions to often complex business challenges.
In this current climate, gaining a firm overview of employee needs and business goals is critical. Reliable, robust workforce management systems bring data and visibility to strategy, playing a key role in your decision making today while being there to help anticipate future working challenges.”
