Using analytics and reporting in HR and payroll systems to make data-driven decisions in the education sector

20th April 2023

As the education sector continues to evolve, the role of HR and payroll teams has become increasingly important. HR and payroll teams are responsible for ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time, managing employee records, and maintaining compliance with regulations. However, with the help of HR and payroll systems, these teams can also leverage data, analytics and reporting to make data-driven decisions that can help improve the overall effectiveness of an educational institution.

Analytics and Reporting in HR and Payroll Systems

Analytics and reporting in HR and payroll systems allow educational institutions to gather, analyse, monitor and track data related to their workforce, including absence, performance and employee demographics. This data can be used to identify trends, such as employee turnover or low attendance rates, and make data-driven decisions to address these issues, as well as reports that provide valuable insights into how a school or academy workforce is performing. Essentially data and analytics significantly help to identify areas for improvement and inform strategic decision-making.

Benefits of Analytics and Reporting in HR and Payroll Systems

Identifying Areas for Improvement: Analytics and reporting can help HR and payroll teams identify areas for improvement in a school or academy trust’s workforce. For example, if an institution has high employee turnover, analytics and reporting can help identify the underlying causes of this issue, such as poor employee engagement or inadequate compensation.
Tracking Employee Performance: Analytics and reporting can help track employee performance, allowing HR and payroll teams to identify top performers and areas where employees may need additional training or support.
Improving Resource Allocation: Analytics and reporting can help educational institutions allocate resources more effectively by identifying areas where resources may be underutilized or where additional resources may be needed.
Improving Compliance: Analytics and reporting can help ensure compliance with regulations related to payroll, taxes, and benefits. This can help institutions avoid costly fines and penalties for non-compliance.
Enabling Data-Driven Decisions: Analytics and reporting allow HR and payroll teams to make data-driven decisions based on real-time data. This can help institutions make more informed decisions and improve overall performance.

Analytics features to look for in an HR and Payroll system

Real-time information to give you an accurate view of your workforce
Single School or MAT-wide view so you can gain an overview or focus on specific schools
Link to individual records enabling you to access employees and action tasks quickly and easily
Customisable dashboards to will allow users to gain quick and relevant insights specific to their own areas of interest.

Analytics, Reporting and People Strategy

Analytics and reporting in HR and payroll systems can support a school or academy trust’s people strategy by allowing HR and payroll teams to identify and address workforce issues early on, alleviating the impact on an establishments overall performance. For example, if analytics and reporting show that a school is experiencing high employee turnover, HR and payroll teams can use this data to develop retention strategies that may include adjusting compensation packages, offering additional benefits, or improving employee engagement. By identifying and addressing workforce issues through data-driven decision-making, educational institutions can create a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce, which can ultimately lead to improved outcomes.

Analytics and reporting in HR and payroll systems can provide valuable insights into a school or academy trust’s workforce, allowing HR and payroll teams to make data-driven decisions that can improve performance, increase employee satisfaction, and drive success. By leveraging these tools, educational institutions can stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex and competitive sector.