Latest SD Worx Covid-19 Customer Information

Everything you need to know about moving to Managed Payroll

Misconceptions around payroll outsourcing could be holding back your business. Our customers find that moving to a managed payroll service pays them back dividends, driving productivity, increasing ROI and giving payroll teams the opportunity to focus on strategic rather than tactical initiatives.

We understand that managed payroll can be a daunting topic, so we’ve put together some useful information to help you make an informed choice about your payroll strategy.

Why you should always be prepared for a payroll audit

As a leader in payroll and/or finance, you know that payroll is subject to HMRC rules that are complex and changeable. This blog explains the importance of benchmarking your payroll processes to ensure they are always ‘audit-friendly’ and efficiently adding value to your organisation.

Revealing the hidden costs of in-house payroll

Revealing the hidden costs of in-house payroll vs. outsourcing, this blog presents a perspective that could save you money in the long-term, improve your payroll and help you stay competitive.

It's time for finance leaders to get serious about payroll

Businesses are waking up to the power of payroll. Agile financial leaders are prioritising investment in payroll technology and automation through SaaS or outsourced solutions. Read our blog to find out why.

Why more CFOs are turning to outsourcing post-covid

Savvy CFOs and finance leaders have spotted an opportunity to maximise ROI and increase operational resilience by outsourcing payroll operations. We explain the financial benefits in our blog.

National Payroll Week 2020

National Payroll Week: Championing your payroll pioneers. At SD Worx, we’re known for being the ‘Payroll People’ and we have some pretty amazing individuals who love payroll just as much as we do. But now it’s over to you. Who is YOUR payroll hero?

5 things to consider when assessing your payroll maturity

As we emerge from Covid-19, one of the most economic and socially disrupting periods of our lifetime, it's critical for businesses to scrutinise and challenge their payroll operations. This is where the degree of your payroll maturity matters: it impacts your whole organisation, from operational efficiency and exposure to risk, to employee experience. 

7 ways a workforce management solution adds value to your organisation

Working smarter, becoming more efficient and driving cost savings are top of the list for most organisations, but many haven’t uncovered the missing link in their strategy: workforce management.

5 things people get wrong about HR

Over the years, Fiona McKee, HR Director at SD Worx UK and Ireland, has heard many inaccurate, and often amusing, assumptions of what working in HR is like. She shares the most common misconceptions in her blog.

How HR can enable organisational success beyond Covid-19

HR leaders play a pivotal role in the future success of the workplace. Cathy Geerts, Chief HR Officer at SD Worx, explains more in her blog.

6 reasons your HR and payroll struggled through Covid-19

It’s fair to say that HR and Payroll teams have been tested as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded. But after several months of firefighting, many organisations recognise that they need to make significant changes to their payroll and HR operations. 

Pandemic proof payroll

How to build resilience into your new normal strategy

Debunking the myths of payroll outsourcing

Misconceptions around payroll outsourcing could be holding back your business. Our clients find that taking the step to outsource pays them back dividends, driving productivity and giving payroll teams the opportunity to focus on strategic rather than tactical initiatives. We understand that payroll outsourcing can be a daunting topic, so we have debunked some of the most common myths to help you make informed choices about your payroll strategy.

Flexible furlough - Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has updated guidance in readiness for the commencement of the second part of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Simon Parsons, Director of Payments, Benefits & Compliance Strategies at SD Worx UK, shares his interpretation of the changes and what this could mean for employers.

6 tips to boost engagement in your virtual workforce

Are you prepared for the rise of the long-term home worker? Help your employees thrive while they are working from home with these top tips.

5 best practice tips for payroll continuity

As the pressure of payroll continues to amplify, here are some best practice tips to improve payroll continuity.

5 big changes to HR in a post pandemic world

The way we work is never going to be the same again. Find out which big changes will affect HR.

Q&A with our Payroll guru: Your furlough & SSP questions answered

Our resident payroll and legislation guru answers your questions about furlough and SSP.

5 ways our Payroll Gurus can support you through COVID-19

We’re here to help your payroll stay consistent during uncertain times. Find out how our experts can support you during this time.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: How to make a furlough claim

What is the process of putting in a claim for furlough? We get to grips with the steps you need to undertake.

Workforce management, your secret weapon in a crisis (and beyond)

The right workforce management module can help businesses stay afloat during these tough times and avoid common pitfalls.

3 measures to support your home workforce

Hundreds of UK businesses have asked staff to work from home to combat Coronavirus. Can these measures help your remote workforce?

Our Sales Director's guide to motivating your remote team

In our second #KeepItHuman interview, Oliver Mead, SD Worx Sales Director, discusses how he’s helping his team to adapt to remote working.

How does COVID-19 affect employee pensions?

Discover how Coronavirus is affecting employee pensions and get to grips with The Pension Regulators advice.

Our Payroll Services Director's tips to keep operations running smoothly

Paul Thickett, SD Worx Payroll Services Director, shares how he’s keeping the UK paid and motivating his team during this challenging time.

Keep Britain Paid: Statutory Sick Pay Guidelines for employers

We’ll help you make sense of the government’s advice on Statutory Sick Pay and taking care of your employees during COVID-19.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – What you need to know about ‘furlough’

Has your business temporarily closed? Find out how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme could support your business. 

The Coronavirus: A message from our CEO

The COVID-19 virus situation is developing rapidly and affecting us all, both personally and economically. We want to assure you that we are here for you, and that you and your employees can continue to count on our services. 

Holiday Pay 2020 – Are You Ready?

There have been many publications about the Good Work Plan over the past 18 months and it can be confusing to work through complex, legislative documentation to understand how you stay compliant. While the good work plan covers many topics, this blog aims to take you through one aspect of this, Holiday Pay, and asks the simple question – are you ready for the changes?

Out of office: How to prepare for holiday leave this summer

With summer just around the corner, businesses face the inevitable yearly challenge of balancing an influx of annual leave requests with keeping the company running at full capacity. Absence management is a vital, yet often overlooked part of running a business – get it wrong and the impact of summer holidays can last all year round.

The Living Wage: Engagement, Efficiency and Empowerment

I just don’t understand why organisations do not see the Living Wage, and I mean the Living Wage, NOT the government’s rebranded minimum wage (National Living Wage), as an *opportunity*. This is an opportunity to increase “engagement”, “efficiency” and to “empower” employees. Yet far too many organisations just see it as yet another cost they have to accommodate.

Using Analytics and AI to Build a Better HR Strategy

More than anything, this year’s data highlights the need for a new and more agile approach to HR. Conservative strategies simply aren’t going to cut it going forwards, because by the time the ink is dry, things will have moved on. Increasing business agility is now the #2 business driver for 86% of HR professionals, second only to increasing performance and profitability.

Where to start when implementing a T&A system - Part 1

This article covers all aspects of T&A functionality ranging from how to create effective workload plans, building rosters, collecting and validating variable time information, implementing business and legislative validation, and finally ensuring correct payments to employees by integrating with an industry-leading payroll solution.

Pick n Mix - How to reward your employees! Part 2

How do UK businesses tend to approach reward currently? Is there a shift in approach and if so, what is causing this?

Pick n Mix - How to reward your employees! Part 1

How do UK businesses tend to approach reward currently? Is there a shift in approach and if so, what is causing this?

Does a rigid payroll cycle meet the needs of a flexible workforce in promoting Financial Wellbeing

Financial wellness is a hot topic across all worker types and generations. Employees are demanding more control, greater flexibility and better access to their finances. How can employers better support their employees in this regard?

4 ways to practice healthier habits around the office

Most Human Resources departments work to maximise the bottom line of organisations, many HR professionals tackle this objective by focusing primarily on corporate health and wellness. The thinking here is fairly simple – if you can build a healthier workforce, they’re likely to be more productive each day, which ultimately translates to a more profitable business.

Top 10 benefits of working from home

Improved productivity heads the list of the top 10 benefits of working from home. As more workers seek a greater work/life balance, working from home is becoming increasingly popular.

10 tips for getting a good night’s sleep

Sleep is one of the most important things our body does to recover. It increases productivity during the day and helps you maintain a healthy mind. Here are ten tips brought to you by SD Worx to help you make sure you’re getting a good night’s sleep. 

In-house payroll vs managed service

This article is intended to give a balanced view of payroll software versus payroll services. In the UK, the markets for payroll software and service co-exist and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

It works to say 'Please' and 'Thank You'

In our fast paced world, it can sometimes feel like people are out for themselves, chivalry is on the way out, and people say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ less and less. I find myself more often than not standing in front of till making a purchase, and when the transaction is complete I say ‘thank you’ but receive no response in return. I leave annoyed.

The Path to Gold (Part 2 of 2)

Traditionally in a relay, the fastest team member goes last, with the second fastest giving the team a good start at the front. The other two run or swim in the middle section of the race. A smooth baton changeover is usually seen as essential to a good race – and is often where it is won or lost.

The path to gold: how better team building can put you in front

“Stand still and the rest of the world will walk past you,” said Marc Woods, speaking in February 2017. However, doing nothing would have been very easy for this particular speaker. When Marc was aged 17, he was diagnosed with bone cancer and subsequently had his left leg amputated below the knee.

Do you recruit for skills or character?

The payroll industry is fundamentally no different to any other in that success is typically delivered relevant to the quality of the individuals providing a service. As such, attracting and retaining the right people is critical. The job market has changed significantly over the last twenty years and the pace of change continues to be even faster. People displaying the right attitude and aptitude is appearing to be more important than those with just job skills and experience.

Smart working: a new way to work

There was once a level of anxiety surrounding smart working and its impending implementation in the workplace. Once thought of as merely a fruitless buzzword, smart working has caused a lot of confusion due to its previously indefinite or unclear meaning. Surely we should all be working smart? And how exactly can you define ‘smart’?

Part-time working, full time commitment

There’s no real definition of part-time work in terms of hours. The definition just means fewer hours per week than a full-time job. But there’s still a stigma attached to part-time or flexible working. Flexible working is often associated with women returning to work after maternity leave or having to fit jobs around a school run or even working in low paid or low skilled professions. This view is a tad outdated to say the least.

The importance of a healthy work-life balance

At SD Worx, we believe it is important to keep a healthy work-life balance. A healthy work-life balance should be a necessity, but many employers don’t take the appropriate steps to ensure that their workers are implementing this concept. Here are some top tips!

How to make your one-to-ones more productive

Having a one-to-one with your team members is vital to ensuring they feel valued. They’ll have the chance to address their concerns to you and understand their place in the organisation a little more. Our Head of HR, Fiona McKee, shares top tips on how to coordinate a productive one-to-one meeting with your team members.

Brexit – what does it mean for Employment Law?

You will be aware that a great deal of our Employment Law is what we call “European law”. What will happen to those laws when we are no longer a member of the EU?

April 2017; where the work of preparation begins

2017 is going to be both interesting & challenging. With Brexit and changing government leadership much is to be done and quickly. Now is the time for the business to come together and plan for change...

Say goodbye to payroll pitfalls: Going global in 2017

As the business world becomes ever more disparate and global, it comes as no surprise that managing payroll across multiple markets is presenting more challenges than ever before. To delve into the issues at hand, our SD Worx Global solution and services team recently conducted pan-European research to gauge a better understanding of the key payroll challenges impacting modern multinationals, as well as the changes that industry professionals want to see in the New Year.

Don’t work harder, work smarter: Why 2017 will be the year of global payroll

2016 has been an eventful year, with lots of social and political change occurring around the world. Change, of course, can be a great thing – it can bring new perspective and a fresh outlook, something which also holds true in the context of business and HR. And with the New Year fast approaching, now is an opportune time to start planning.

Prepared & Proactive? HR & its Role in the Future of Work

Never before has it been more vital for businesses to optimise the ideas, strengths and skills of their entire workforce – and of others within their industry and beyond. Is it time for HR to become more proactive? Hear Doug's thoughts, MD of SD Wrox UK & Ireland, on HR and its role in the future of work.

Navigating the Brexit challenge; HR Strategies to Stay in Control

For the world of business and more specifically HR, the Brexit vote has brought on a time of uncertainty. The momentous decision taken by the public on June 23 has left employers across the UK having to wrestle with a vast range of workforce-related issues.

Apprenticeship Levy: Are You Preparing?

The way the government funds apprenticeships in England is changing. The 6th April 2017 sees the introduction of a new employment tax on United Kingdom employers. Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland, each having their share of the levy, will have to decide how apprenticeship spending will take place. In this blog I cover some key points that employers should be considering in order to prepare for the upcoming changes...

National Insurance, New Starters, & Irregular payment after leaving

As a union, the UK has voted to leave the European Union with some Scottish politicians hinting of a further independence referendum, and some in Northern Ireland wanting a joint Irish nation! At the same time, Job Centre Plus has run out of National Insurance numbers and in June 2016, decided in to start issuing NINOs with prefix ‘KC’ - but there is an issue with this...

Scotland vs. UK Payroll - Q&A with Simon Parsons

With the result of the UK referendum to leave the European Union and indication by Scotland's first minister to run a further Devolution referendum, Simon Parsons considers the potential implications for the next few years for Scotland and Payroll services...

Pet companionship & the workplace

In the UK alone, there are 11 million households with pets, equating to 57 million animals and a subsequent market where £4.6b is spent annually on pampering these additions to our family units. Despite this; pet owners do not feel confident to use their pet as the reason for a need to take unexpected absence when requesting time off or for needing flexible working. So is it not time for us to recognise the benefits that pet ownership has on both our employees and our businesses, and put stronger policies in place that continue to nurture and support our employees’ relationships with their pets?

Keep calm and carry on! Brexit's effect on the UK Workforce

So the nation has chosen to progress leaving the EU with a popular vote of 52%. So what's changed, apart from volatility in currency and stock markets? And what major action do we see impacting payroll?

Talent Management - Tell me I am wrong

I recently attended a seminar in London with over 100 Talent Managers from some of the biggest brands in the UK. During this excellent seminar we looked at Talent Management processes and explored whether we need to rethink our approach for the modern world. This session provoked me to reflect on all the performance and talent systems I have seen, designed and implemented over the years. After reflecting on this I think the answer is a resounding YES! We do need to change, but not in the way you might think. So please allow me a few minutes to explain...

The Impact of ‘Brexit’ – Is Your Business Prepared?

On 23rd June 2016, UK voters decided in favour of leaving the European Union (EU) in a landmark referendum. Since then it’s fair to say that UK politics has seen a fair amount of turmoil. One thing we can be sure of is that, whenever it does happen, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU will have implications for workers and employers. In this blog I want to focus on what this could mean...

5 Peaks; it’s all about the teamwork

On Thursday 23rd June 2016, a team of 25 SD Worx colleagues completed the epic challenge of walking the UK 5 Peaks challenge in 48 hours. In doing so, the team drove 2600km and walked 55km, raising a record breaking £30,100 in the process for The PayBack Foundation.

Maternity and Pay Rises

The National Living Wage (NLW) became compulsory for employees aged 25 and above, at a new minimum rate... Have you considered the implications and reviewed your maternity leave payments and made top-ups of SMP?

The potential Brexit effect on UK workforce

With the upcoming referendum later this month, which will decide whether Britain should leave or remain in the European Union, UK businesses – employing EU workers – will need to contemplate how “Bexit” might potentially influence their future hiring, talent management and overall workforce management best practices. Currently, millions of highly skilled EU immigrants work in the UK. The following article examines a few possible scenarios and outcomes of Brexit and its potential impact to the UK – and increasingly global workforce. I will also review how human capital management technology can help businesses comply with the current and future new world of work.

Is your employee guilty of fraud?

April 2016 saw some of the most significant legal changes to impact payroll operations and software. I would venture that this year’s new changes have been some of the most impactful yet, more so than the introduction of Real Time Information (RTI). New requirements for Scotland including the Scottish Rate of Income Tax and changes to Earnings and Maintenance Arrestments. A revolution in national insurance with the removal of Contracting out and Under 25 Apprentice NICs being introduced. The list can go on.

5 key questions that can help improve employee-manager relationships

Do you believe that above all else, the most important factor behind an employee’s engagement and productivity is their relationship with the direct supervisor? If you do, you’re not alone. Many believe that if people get along with their managers well, they’re likely to work well – it’s often as simple as that!

4 tips for fostering a culture of innovation

It is up to management to create a culture that fuels innovation, and there are some steps leadership should take to achieve that sort of workplace. Innovation doesn’t just happen. It is the result of the sort of office culture that idolizes a forward-thinking approach. New strategies and products are hard to come across in a workplace that doesn’t actively seek them. That sort of pro-innovation attitude is a top-down value. It is up to management to decide whether the company should be one that promotes innovative work.

Maternity Rights and Childcare; as clear as mud!

Following the judgement of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (9th March 2016), the question of salary sacrifice and maternity rights has been thrown into question! Was HMRC errant in providing guidance? Are employers now off the hook with provision of non-cash benefits in kind during maternity?

Vlog - HR Tech World 2016

Interview by FDE TV at HR Tech London 2016. David Woodward, our Chief Product & Marketing Officer, speaks with Darina Ivanova from FDE about HR and Payroll technologies, workforce optimisation and what it means to be "digital" from an enterprise level perspective.

How to get the most out of a WFM System: Be Prepared to Change & Prepare for the Change (part 4)

I’ve been working in a software implementation environment for nearly 20 years ,and in that time I’ve seen many successful projects. Sadly I’ve also seen a number of less successful projects and if I were to pick a main cause for each of them the two recurring themes would undoubtedly be...

How to get the most out of a Workforce Management System: Empower Your Workforce (part 3)

In my last two blogs I described how important a transparent labour model and flexible workforce are to the successful implementation of a WFM system. Today I want to focus on how such a system can help re-engage your workforce, improving morale and colleague retention.

Respecting Your “Me” Time

I always like to think I give 100% to everything I do. For most of my career I thought the best way to do this was to work every hour I could. Almost by mistake, two years ago I set out on a path that has fundamentally changed my life and my perception of what giving 100% means...

How to get the most out of a Workforce Management System: Get Flexible! (part 2)

In my last blog I described how keeping the labour model as simple and transparent as possible increases the chances of user buy-in whilst still generating an accurate labour forecast. Today I want to talk about how critical the flexibility of your workforce is to the successful implementation of a WFM system...

How to get the most out of a Workforce Management System: Keep it simple! (part 1)

Our WFM System experts, describe how keeping the labour model simple and transparent could increases chances of user buy-in, whilst still generating an accurate labour forecast.

Addicted to work: Breaking the habit

In today’s working society, being busy has suddenly become the new yardstick in the workplace, the key measure of a person’s success and contribution to the business. If we don’t look very busy, we worry that people might think we’re not working hard enough. We pride ourselves on being too busy to take a vacation or relax, and taking on so much that we risk getting ill, all to prove how hardworking we are.

5 ways the resume is changing in modern recruitment

Before the advent of the internet, applying for jobs was a fairly straightforward process. Now, with an incredible amount of technology infused into the recruitment process, there’s an entirely new approach to talent acquisition. Here are 5 ways the resume is changing in modern recruitment...

Top tips for improving employees’ productivity

HR professionals deal with a lot of challenges on a daily basis, but at the root of it, the primary goal is to maintain a high level employee retention and productivity. Read our top tips for improving employees’ productivity in the new year.

5 tips for reducing office stress during the holiday season

There can be numerous challenges to staying productive throughout December. Employees may not be working as much as they’re frequently taking time off around the holidays. They’re traveling all over the place, shopping and making plans with family and friends. They may also become stressed! Here are our top tips for reducing office stress during the holiday season.

5 tips for finding your most productive work time

As an HR leader, your assignment from day to day and from month to month is to maximise employee engagement, while increasing employee retention and productivity. Your company is investing a great deal in talent – and you want to make the most of that talent. So what makes us productive, and what doesn’t?

Easing Stress in the Workplace

Many factors contribute to stress and overload in the workplace, including organisational change, demanding workloads, poor communication, and interpersonal conflicts among individuals or groups. Read our top tips on how to tackle these challenges...

Paying the living wage: Retail & Hospitality

Paying the living wage isn’t optional for survival, but neither should it be a problem. Lidl were the first supermarket to recognise the benefits of paying the living wage. Their stores may be no frills but their operation is efficient. Lidl’s customers, many deserting the likes of Waitrose and Sainsbury’s for all or some of their purchases, have clearly embraced the shopping experience...

5 ways to reduce stress around the office

Stress has an enormous effect on the workplace on a daily basis. If and when employees are feeling overworked, their negative attitude makes it very difficult for them to tackle everything on their plates. Check out our top tips on how to reduce stress in the office!

5 tips that will boost your productivity

National Work Life Week 2015: Fitting Work and Life Together

To celebrate National Work Life Week taking place this week, we share top tips on how to maintain a Work and Life balance. Read our NWLW15 blog and download infographic...

5 Strategies for Building an Exceptional Company Culture

At all places of business, large and small, there's a growing expectation that HR's role is to increase employee retention and productivity. A productive workforce is the lifeblood of a successful company. If your employees are willing to stay in their positions and work hard, your business is more likely to make money.

HR & Marketing: A perfect blend (Part 2/2)

Through HR and Marketing, you can promote internal success and employee achievement to greater extents. HR can pinpoint outstanding employee performance and Marketing can spread these positive actions through internal communication channels

HR & Marketing: A perfect blend (Part 1/2)

Like many, I believe that HR and Marketing are, and will, continue to move closer and closer. This belief has been further accelerated by increased and dominating use of both social media and mobile.

Favouritism in the workplace

We often hear about favouritism occurring in classrooms, amongst friends, or even families, but how about in the workplace?

5 ways to encourage collaboration between Generations X and Y

A great deal of the conversation in human capital management concerns the on-going movement of generations through the workforce. There are two undeniable trends happening in the present day - one, the baby boomer generation is gradually moving into retirement, and two, millennials are entering the office in full force.

Managing conflict in the workplace

Every organisation experiences conflict in one form or another, not only in the workplace but in our homes and our social life. Honestly, it's bound to happen with people working and being together with different personalities, values and culture but actually in some situations conflict can be the base for a healthy debate. However, it's not so much the conflict that causes problems and issues but how it is managed.

3 tips for improving workforce productivity

The long-term goal in HR is always to drive employee retention and productivity upwards - you're given a staff with a certain number of employees on board, and your job is to maximise their output. You want every single worker under your roof to have the highest possible impact on the achievements of the company, so that in the long run, the business stays profitable and everyone's happy.

Is "trust" vital to win?

Andrew Strauss, the new director of cricket for the England & Wales Cricket Board this week announced that Kevin Pietersen would not be selected for England in the short-term due to "massive trust issues". This was after Pietersen scored a career best 355 not out for Surrey and a dismal run...

Mindfulness - What's it all about?

Everyone's talking about mindfulness right now, including the Mental Health Foundation as part of their Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 11th - 17th May, 2015. You may still be sceptical, but there's more and more evidence to support the art and practice of mindfulness, particularly in relation to mental health.