Shaws' Cuts HR Costs Online

In just two weeks last fall, 20,000 employees of Shaws' Supermarkets enrolled for health and dental insurance and flexible spending accounts over the Internet via human resources software developed by Cyborg Systems according to the Chicago Sun-Times article. "We were very impressed. In the past, it would have taken three or four months to complete the enrollment process," says Hugh Penney, Shaws' human resources vice president.

Mr. Penney noted that the do-it-yourself program saved the chain $150,000 in administrative costs. Earlier, Shaws' implemented a system to enable its employees to check vacation time, update phone numbers and addresses and view their pay stubs online. Eighty-five percent of Shaw's employees can access the Internet from their homes.

Next month, Chicago-based Cyborg is launching its eCyborg system to combine new products with existing ones. One component will enable managers to analyze their company's data and compare it with data on their industry or competitors that's been obtained from the government or trade groups.

Moderator Comment: How is technology affecting human resources management? What advancements do you see in the future?

Look for more to follow the Shaws example.

• Helping Control Costs - Chicago Sun-Times