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Britain’s largest sectoral employers’ organisation EEF, which represents over 20,000 UK-based manufacturing, engineering and technology companies, has signed an agreement with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in a bid to boost trade between the UK and the USA.

The initial three-year partnership has been devised to promote trade opportunities in both countries for manufacturing and engineering organisations through the sharing of ‘market intelligence, data and policy work’. Various mutually beneficial commercial projects have also been outlined including collaborative marketing opportunities at trade shows and conferences along with economic delegations and strategic visits.

As Brexit negotiations loom large on the horizon for the UK, both EEF and NAM believe that this new partnership could potentially prove invaluable if, as expected, the UK and the USA attempt to agree a free trade deal following Britain’s exit from the European Union. The US is the UK manufacturing sector’s largest overseas market, purchasing over £47 Billion worth of goods in 2016 alone.

Are you a UK-based manufacturer looking to boost your shop floor processes?

Developed by award-winning software authors ELF Productivity, Ceequel® Shop Floor Data Capture offers manufacturers invaluable, real-time production analysis and intelligent activity based costing calculations.

If you would like to learn more about Ceequel® Shop Floor Data Capture or any of our other workforce management software modules, please contact ELF Productivity. A range of brochures are also available to download from our website.

A productive workforce, reduced absenteeism, increased employee morale and competitive advantage when attracting top talent….

According to a number of recent surveys, these are just some of the benefits achievable through a well-designed workplace environment.

For those of you wondering where to start with regard to optimising your office layout, fixtures and fittings; here are six relatively subtle examples to consider before consulting your local Feng-Shui Master!

Good Air Quality – In addition to the detrimental impact which poor air circulation has on employee productivity, there are also various health concerns such as fatigue, headaches and those niggly coughs! On the other hand, a good supply of oxygen is reinvigorating and capable of significantly enhancing a person’s concentration and energy levels. In order to maintain ample air quality, organisations should install efficient ventilation systems, purchase office plants and introduce regular ‘open window’ policies (weather permitting of course!).

Optimum Temperature – Is everyone familiar with Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Well, it’s kind of the same scenario with employee productivity. If an office is too hot or too cold, workers are likely to become distracted and hence less productive. According to numerous studies, a temperature of around 22°C is just right!

Appropriate Lighting – Another factor which affects both employee productivity and well-being. Organisations are advised to subject their employees to as much natural light as possible, not only will they feel more energised whilst at work; natural light also improves a person’s sleep patterns and general quality of life. When the supply of natural light is limited, employers must consider the effect that artificial light has on their staff. Workspaces that are too light or too dark can incur headaches, eyestrain and migraines.

Motivational Office Decor – According to psychologists, certain colours play important roles in heightening specific aspects of employee performance including enhancing productivity, sparking creativity and even facilitating physical exertion. If you are looking to increase productivity, make sure that your workplace decor contains plenty of green! Displaying artwork around the office is also believed to be an effective motivator, examples include paintings, photography and posters incorporating inspirational quotes.

A Change of Scenery at Break Times – Many organisations now provide a place for their employees to ‘chill out’ during break periods, specifically designed to take their minds off work for a short while. Break rooms come in all shapes and sizes; some firms prefer a quiet place with comfy sofas where employees can talk and unwind while others have introduced ‘games rooms’ equipped with pool tables, dartboards, table tennis, foosball and even games consoles!

Provision of Complementary Healthy Snacks – Another recent survey which investigated the effects of free snacks on organisational morale, discovered that one of the quickest ways to an employee’s heart was through their stomach! The study also revealed numerous ‘brain foods’ capable of boosting productivity, memory and focus. Employers, don’t forget to add nuts, eggs, blueberries and bananas to your shopping list!

Are you looking to become more productive?

Ceequel® Employee Management Software delivers an unparalleled workforce management solution. Our intelligent time and attendance systems enable organisations to monitor employee attendance, configure complex shift patterns, streamline clocking to payroll processes and counteract absenteeism. If you would like to learn more about Ceequel® time and attendance or any of our other human resource management software modules, please contact ELF Productivity.

A range of brochures are also available to download from our website, please click here to view our downloads section.

Here we have an infographic outlining the various phases of the data-driven, continuous improvement methodology DMAIC. We also touch upon some of the outstanding features of Ceequel® Shop Floor Data Capture, the ideal solution to successfully execute the DMAIC process.

If you would like to learn more about Ceequel® Shop Floor Data Capture software, please click here. A range of brochures are also available to download from our website. Click here to view our downloads section.

Unfortunately for organisations, employee turnover is both costly and unavoidable. In addition, the recruitment and onboarding of suitable replacements often entails considerable work for HR departments. While there is no universally accepted ‘ideal’ or ‘optimum’ staff turnover rate; organisations that exceed the UK average figure of 15% per year are advised to investigate why their employees are leaving.

With that in mind, here are eight frequently recurring reasons why employees may be heading for the exit:

‘I Need a New Challenge’ – A popular explanation provided by employees when handing in their notice, particularly among those who have been with a company for over five years. It’s all a matter of preference at the end of the day; many people become content with their routine while others shudder at the thought of doing the same thing every day for 10 or 20 years.

A Lack of Job Satisfaction – Another instance that depends heavily on individual perception. How do you define ‘job satisfaction’? Generally, employees who find their roles interesting, challenging and enjoyable are unlikely to leave.

Unmet Personal & Professional Needs – Taking into account personal needs first, many employees will look to leave an organisation in order to improve their work/life balance. In a bid to retain their personnel, a growing number of UK-based employers are introducing flexi-time initiatives and remote working opportunities. On a professional level, career progression and self-actualisation can be key motivators. Workers who find themselves ‘reaching a ceiling’ with little room for advancement and no training and development opportunities will look elsewhere to fulfil their potential.

Personality Clashes – You spend a lot of time at work with your colleagues so it helps to get along. A warm, friendly workplace environment with good conversation and high levels of collaboration can make all the difference. Alternatively, personality clashes between co-workers can be a ticking time bomb, often ending with one or more of the involved parties leaving the organisation.

Managerial Discrepancies – Employees may also seek to leave if they feel that they aren’t being managed appropriately by their supervisors. Managers come in all shapes and sizes, often with highly contrasting approaches to getting the best out of their staff. It is often a case of employees either being under-managed by Laissez-Fair disciples or over-managed by autocratic disciplinarians!

Undervalued & Overworked – If employees are under the impression that their hard work isn’t being recognised, they will soon become disillusioned. Morale will also take a hit if the reward for good work is more work! In addition, before they inevitably head for the exit, overworked employees are also more susceptible to stress and burnout.

Money, Money, Money – While the allure of more money for similar work can be difficult to ignore; the influence of pay and other financial incentives on employee turnover throughout the UK appears to be waning. The contemporary, millennial dominated workforce tends to place more emphasis on flexible working opportunities and career progression to name but a few alternative desirables.

Daily Commute – Trapped for hours on end in traffic, multiple busses, a stray elbow on the train; oh yes, a troublesome daily commute could soon see even the most content of employees seeking pastures new!

Revolutionise your HR processes with the award-winning Ceequel® Software Suite!

Our dynamic human resource management software contains over 20 standard views, delivering a comprehensive overview of company personnel. Create detailed employee records comprising of: personal details, employment history, appraisal information, qualifications, absences and any previous disciplinary incidents. In addition, all training and development activities and new starter inductions can be managed effectively utilising our innovative Training, Skills and Resource Matrix and New Starter Wizard respectively.

Furthermore, our intelligent time and attendance solutions enable organisations to coordinate contrasting shift patterns and flexi-time balances. Remote clocking and employee activity tracking features are also available to monitor employees working off-site.

If you would like to learn more about Ceequel®, please contact ELF Productivity. A range of brochures are also available to download from our website, click here to view our downloads section.

Following in the footsteps (or paw prints) of household names: Google, Amazon, Nestle and (maybe not so surprisingly) Pets at Home; an increasing number of UK workplaces are becoming ‘pet-friendly’. This rapidly growing trend has seen organisations on both sides of the Atlantic introducing perks such as monthly ‘bring your dog to work’ days or on-site pet crèches; some even enroll pets as company employees!

Throughout this post, we’re going to investigate the positive impact that our furry friends can have on employees and organisations as a whole, taking into account findings from a number of recent surveys. Some of the finer details will also be addressed with regard to the successful implementation of ‘pet-friendly’ workplace policies.

Let’s start with the positives:

Reduction in Employee Stress Levels – The rise in employee absences attributable to stress and other mental health issues has been well documented over the past year. Interestingly, a study conducted by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management discovered that employees who interacted with their pets during the day experienced a noticeable increase in stress-reducing hormones.

Improved Employee Performance & Job Satisfaction – These two go hand in hand, happy and content employees are generally productive employees! According to recent figures, UK-based ‘pet-friendly’ organisations enjoyed considerable reductions in absences and increases in employee productivity and performance. Furthermore, when quizzed on the subject, employees of ‘pet-friendly’ companies were also more inclined to work longer hours.

Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle – Many of us spend a significant proportion of our day sitting in one place which can be detrimental to our health. A ‘pet-friendly’ workplace however, provides a number of opportunities for employees to become more active, dog owners in particular. Your pooch needs walkies and so do you! If you live within walking distance of the office, great; if not, make sure you get out for a brisk walk at lunchtime.

Team Building – ‘Pet-friendly’ initiatives can also be effective drivers with regard to improving trust, communication and collaboration between colleagues. A recent university study investigating the effects of workplace pets on organisational culture and atmosphere found that employees of ‘pet-friendly’ organisations tended to have a better rapport with their co-workers.

Unique Selling Point (USP) – It’s all about standing out from the crowd at the end of the day! Positioning yourself as a ‘pet-friendly’ organisation can do wonders for your company profile and brand image. Market research suggests that ‘pet-friendly’ organisations are perceived to be warm and forward-thinking. In addition, pet owner perks also play a crucial role in attracting top talent to your business and reducing staff turnover, most notably with millennial candidates.

Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it?

Before you start making room for beds, play pens, water bowls and squeaky toys; here are those aforementioned finer details:

Firstly, the implementation of ‘pet-friendly’ policies creates considerable work for an organisation’s HR department. Risk assessments should be carried out to ensure the workplace is suitable and that all pets visiting the workplace possess the appropriate temperament to do so. Any allergies or phobias suffered by employees must also be taken into account. Company protocols outlining the responsibilities of pet owners and any corresponding documentation would then need to be distributed to all staff members.

No matter what species your employees belong to, workforce management is always a walk in the park with Ceequel® Software Suite!

Developed by award-winning time and attendance specialists ELF Productivity, Ceequel® delivers a true holistic solution to an organisation’s: time and attendance, access control, human resource management and shop floor data capture requirements.

To learn more about Ceequel®, please contact ELF Productivity. A range of brochures are also available to download from our website, click here to view our downloads section.

And the winner is… ELF Productivity!

The accolades just keep on coming here at ELF Productivity. In October 2016, we were included in Acquisition International’s Top 50 Technology Companies; today, we are delighted to receive the ‘Best Time and Attendance Systems Specialists 2017’ award from Softech International Magazine (Softech INTL).

Available in over 50 countries, Softech INTL features the latest developments from leading companies in the software and technology sectors. Their ‘2017 International Software and Cloud Services Awards’ recognise the outstanding achievements of torch carrying organisations who exhibit: innovative thinking, dedication and exceptional work ethic; three criteria undoubtedly synonymous with ELF Productivity and our innovative Ceequel® software suite.

Developed in house by ELF Productivity and currently in operation at thousands of sites throughout the UK; Ceequel® is a dynamic, feature-rich modular workforce management solution comprising of: Time and Attendance, Access Control, Human Resources, Shop Floor Data Capture, E-Manager, Employee Self Service and Mobile Apps.

In addition to the unrivalled functionality delivered by our time and attendance software offering; ELF Productivity’s commitment to client satisfaction ensures that our customers receive cost effective, user-friendly solutions precisely matching their bespoke requirements. A full turn key installation service is provided along with initial system training for all users and on-going technical support; simply put, we are here for our customers every step of the way!

If you would like to learn more about Ceequel® Employee Management Software, please contact ELF Productivity for a free of charge consultation. To view our Softech INTL article, please click here.

More and more organisations are turning to workforce management software in a bid to eradicate inefficiencies, simplify processes, reduce costs and improve managerial decision making. With a vast array of options available, how do companies choose the ideal solution for their requirements?

A survey was recently conducted throughout Europe to determine the key criteria for organisations when selecting suitable workforce management software solutions. Respondents included HR, IT and Operations Managers from companies across the corporate landscape, employing over 1,000 people.

Despite the contrasting natures of the industry sectors within which the surveyed organisations operate, five frequently recurring core requirements were revealed. We will discuss each criterion in more detail before touching upon the unparalleled functionality of Ceequel® Employee Management Software, developed by ELF Productivity.

Dynamic Adaptability – 96% of respondents enforced that workforce management software must be suitably adaptable to bespoke requirements. The popular opinion was that a software offering should improve, repair or modify an organisation’s existing systems and infrastructure as opposed to replacing them.

HR & Payroll Transparency – Over 55% believed that workforce management software should deliver seamless integration with regard to HR and Payroll departmental processes.

Robust Employee Clocking Data Capture – 52% stressed the importance of real-time employee clocking information, readily accessible in a secure location for authorised personnel.

A Viable Cloud Solution – When quizzed on existing business problems which a new system would ideally rectify; almost half of respondents outlined a number of issues with regard to the cloud.

Mobile Applications – 45% required functional mobile applications to monitor and support remote working employees.

Deployable via the cloud or utilising a client’s existing infrastructure, Ceequel® is a feature-rich modular workforce management solution specifically designed to enhance the productivity and profitability of any organisation. All Ceequel® modules share one database, complementing each other seamlessly whilst eradicating the need for duplicate entries.

A closer look at our Time and Attendance Systems, Human Resource Management Software and Mobile Applications:

Ceequel® Time and Attendance contains all the necessary tools required by organisations to monitor employee attendance effectively from clock card to payroll. All employee attendance data is collected in real-time and processed to the highest degree of accuracy, including: basic and overtime hours worked, flexitime, annualised hours, Time off in Lieu (TOIL), holiday allowances according to length of service and any other customer specific calculations.

Ceequel® Human Resources is a true client server solution capable of streamlining an organisation’s HR departmental processes; delivering a complete overview of company personnel. Automated features are available for historically time consuming HR activities such as new starter inductions and return to work procedures. In addition, all organisational training and development activities can be managed effectively with our dynamic training, skills and resource matrix.

Ceequel® Apps are designed for iPhone, Android and Windows devices and available to download from Apple App Store, Google Play and Windows Store. The Ceequel® Clock application enables remote working employees to clock in or clock out at the touch of a button. The Ceequel® Serve application provides remote working personnel with a condensed version of Ceequel® Employee Self Service allowing them to: view their clocking history, submit absence requests and access or edit their personal information. In-App tracking is also available to calculate production by employee, allocate labour costs to activities and capture hours spent on projects.

If you would like to learn more about Ceequel® Employee Management Software, please contact ELF Productivity for a free of charge consultation.

‘Ah Monday, my favourite day of the week’, said by no one, ever!

As another weekend becomes a fond but distant memory, many employees will be returning to work with a case of the Monday blues. Even those who love their job are in need of a little Monday motivation from time to time.

Well here it is, that spark of inspiration you’ve been searching for, check out these five top tips to get your working week off to a flyer:

A Good Night’s Sleep on a Sunday – We all want to prolong the weekend as much as possible and let’s face it, once we go to bed on a Sunday night our weekend is over. However, studies have shown that every hour of lost sleep has a detrimental impact on a person’s concentration levels whilst increasing susceptibility to both distraction and procrastination. Next time you’re considering staying up late watching football highlights, films or the latest episode of your boxset; hit record, turn off your TV and go to bed. You will also have something to look forward to when you get home from work; sounds like a win-win situation to me!

Don’t Skip Breakfast – There’s a reason why they call it the most important meal of the day! In addition to providing a much-needed energy boost, a healthy breakfast can also have a positive impact on memory capacity and improve your mood. Furthermore, skipping breakfast can lead to a number of health issues with regard to a person’s weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Embrace That Positive Attitude – Think less ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ by The Boomtown Rats and more ‘What a Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong! Every new week is a fresh start, a new chance to be more productive; embrace all that you can accomplish. Whenever you’re faced with a mountainous in-tray, unfinished reports due in a matter of hours or dozens of unread emails on a Monday morning; stay focused on the positives. Who feels better already?

Pace Yourself – ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’. There’s a long working week ahead, ease your way into it. Many productive employees utilise Monday morning to create a plan of action for the rest of the week, ensuring all urgent tasks are prioritised accordingly. On the other hand, you may wish to get off and running as soon as possible. If this is the case, start with a relatively simple activity. Most importantly, your first objective upon arrival at the office should be that morning cup of tea or coffee; ignore at your own risk!

Fresh Air – Escaping the office for a short fresh air break can do wonders for our productivity, particularly with regard to combating the dreaded afternoon slump. Alternatively, you may prefer to invest in some office greenery! A recent study revealed that the additional oxygen derived from office plants delivers sufficient energy to increase an employee’s productivity by 40%.

Hit the ground running every Monday with Ceequel® Employee Management Software!

Our award-winning time and attendance software suite is specifically designed to enhance the productivity and profitability of any organisation. For a free of charge consultation, please contact ELF Productivity.

According to research carried out by the CIPD, an increasing number of employees expect to continue working beyond the age of 65. Of the 16,565 working adults surveyed, over a third of respondents were of the opinion that they will work past the traditional retirement age. Interestingly, the figure rose to 49% among workers over the age of 55. Furthermore, when it comes to the new widely anticipated retirement age, 70 is the new 65!

When quizzed as to why employees would want to remain in the workplace; staying mentally fit and earning sufficient income to enjoy life, including going on holidays, were the two most common responses. However, despite the 2011 eradication of the default retirement age and the recently launched government strategies to ‘retain, re-train and recruit older workers’; the CIPD study revealed a number of issues with regard to the general awareness of pension regulations and employers’ capacity to support maturing employees.

Pertaining to the awareness of pension regulation; over a quarter of respondents aged 55 or over were unaware that the state pension age will increase to 66 by 2020. Almost half of workers aged between 35 and 54 were similarly oblivious to the planned further age increase to 67 by 2028. In addition, 36% of the employees researched were unaware that they had to pay National Insurance contributions for 10 years in order to obtain a minimum state pension. Likewise, 32% did not know that 35 years’ contribution was required for a full state pension.

Rather damningly, only a quarter of respondents felt that their current employers were adequately equipped to support employees over the age of 65. The CIPD was keen to emphasise the importance of breaking down ‘organisational barriers’ preventing mature employees from thriving in the workplace. The CIPD elaborated on this point, stating that employers must re-evaluate their people management processes and working patterns to cater for older workers. Numerous benefits of a multi-generational workforce were also outlined, including the positive impact that highly experienced employees can have on their younger colleagues from a mentoring perspective.

Is your organisation equipped to support a broad and diverse workforce?

Developed by ELF Productivity, Ceequel® Software Suite will streamline your workforce management processes significantly. Our intelligent time and attendance systems deliver unparalleled flexibility with regard to configuring multiple complex shift patterns and simplifying employee clocking to payroll processes. In addition, employee skills matching and job movement features are available through our innovative human resource management software; ensuring that your staff are assigned to the tasks which best suit their abilities, qualifications and experience.

For more information, please contact ELF Productivity.

Here we are again, the end of another working week; how was it for you, productive?

As the weekend approaches, have you accomplished everything that you set out to do?

If the answer is no, the devil as they say, might well be in the detail!

A recent survey investigating the opinions of UK-based office workers, revealed that some employees spend a staggering 62% of their time at work planning their activities. Although I am a big believer that a little prior preparation is certainly effective in preventing poor performance; surely more time should be spent doing rather than planning. With that in mind, here are six super ways to work smarter and simplify how you manage your time:

Measure Your Productivity – By monitoring your progress as you work, you will develop an understanding of how long it takes to complete certain tasks. In addition, the specific times of the day or week when your peak productivity periods occur, will also be revealed. Employee activity tracking software could potentially prove invaluable when monitoring employees as they move from one activity to another.

Maximise Peak Productivity Periods – Once your optimum productivity periods have been identified, it’s time to schedule your most important tasks (MIT’s) around those peak cycles. Many people feel more energised in the morning and will try to complete their MIT’s before the dreaded mid-afternoon slump.

Stick to Daily Goals / MIT’s – At the end of your working day, make a note of around three MIT’s which must be completed the following day. This enables you to hit the ground running the next morning with a clear focus. More often than not, a spanner will be thrown into the works that will disrupt your rhythm. When this happens, many people go back to their to-do list and spend the next half an hour or so re-arranging their activities. Simply, remain focused on which tasks are most important or urgent, prioritise them accordingly and take it one step at a time.

Delegate – When faced with numerous unfinished tasks with deadlines fast approaching; never be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes, delegating certain activities to colleagues may be the only way to ensure that deadlines are satisfied. Ever heard the saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’?

Avoid Overload – We’re all guilty of over-estimating our own capabilities from time to time. We’re only human at the end of the day and overloading ourselves can lead to tiredness and stress. When working on long projects, break them up by setting mini-milestones; once a milestone is reached, have a short break before moving on to the next one.

Just Get on With It – Stop wasting all that energy worrying about your workload and trying to meticulously plan every second of your day. All you can do is get on with it and try your best!

As one of Europe’s fasting growing time management companies; helping our clients get the most out of their time at work is what we’re all about at ELF Productivity. Our award-winning Time and Attendance and Human Resource Management Software solutions have revolutionised traditional Payroll and HR administrative processes. If you would like to learn more about Ceequel® Employee Management Software, please contact ELF Productivity.