STARK UK: Transforming the HR operating model
empower® provides a future-proof employee relations model that equips managers with the tools they need, delivers valuable data insights to support STARK UK’s people strategy, and transforms both operations and employee experiences.
STARK UK partnered with AdviserPlus to deliver a transformation of its employee relations (ER) approach, leveraging AdviserPlus’s ER expertise and the innovative empower® platform. The solution includes:
- Advice Line Service: A dedicated advice line gives managers immediate access to expert, professional guidance on ER matters, ensuring advice is consistent, compliant and aligned with best practices.
- empower® case management system: The platform centralises ER case management processes, enabling efficient case tracking, management, and reporting, eliminating issues with version control and policy access.
- Manager guided journeys: Built-in guided workflows support managers through key ER processes such as disciplinaries and grievances, promoting consistency and compliance across the organisation.
- Auto absence case creation: Trigger-based automation creates cases for short-term absences, helping managers proactively address issues before they escalate.
- Management information (MI) and reporting: Advanced dashboards and reporting tools provide HR and business leaders with valuable insights into ER trends, performance metrics and areas for improvement.
Key Fact
60%
reduction in tribunal claims
“Their hard work and dedication to moving at pace and getting under the skin of our business has been incredible. They have enabled us to transform ways of working, empower managers and gain the insight we need to make employee-centric business decisions. Going forward, the partnership will be central to achieving even greater efficiency and enabling HR to provide the best support to the strategic direction of the business.”
STARK UK
A future-proof HR operating model
This employee relations transformation, designed to empower managers rather than overwhelm them, has ushered in a new era of efficiency, ownership and accountability. Key outcomes include:
- Increased manager empowerment: Managers now have greater flexibility in how they access information, supported by 24/7 guided journeys, streamlined processes, and on-demand expert advice, building confidence and capability.
- Collaborative implementation: The AdviserPlus team worked closely with STARK UK, embedding themselves in the business to co-create a solution that is practical, relevant, and fit for purpose.
- Future-ready HR operating model: The result is a robust, scalable model that meets current needs while supporting long-term goals.
- Tangible business impact: This partnership has transformed daily HR operations, reduced risk and costs, and helped cultivate a more agile, skilled, and empowered workforce.
Key Fact
70%
of ER tasks are self-served proactively by managers
Key results: empower® and HR outsourcing in action
70% of ER tasks are self-served proactively by managers
Line managers now have easy access to self-service tools for people-related matters, supported by guided journeys and expert advice. This has increased their confidence in handling employee relations cases.
Currently, 70% of ER tasks are self-served by managers, and feedback from managers using empower® has been positive.
65% more absence cases proactively managed by managers
Streamlined processes, standardised templates, and centralised, easily accessible information have significantly improved admin efficiency, saving both time and resources.
Auto case creation has led to a 65% increase in proactively managed sickness absence cases by managers. Case durations are decreasing, aligning with STARK’s need for a fast-paced, responsive approach.
60% reduction in tribunal claims and 65% drop in legal costs
Consistent application of policies and procedures, expert guidance, and robust audit trails, along with easy, one-click access to DSARs, have reduced the risk of legal challenges and strengthened compliance.
This has contributed to a 60% reduction in tribunal claims and supported a 65% decrease in legal costs. empower® supports managers in taking the right action at the right time, helping to prevent employee relations matters from escalating.
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