WINN-DIXIE WILL PUT HR INFORMATION ON SECURED NETWORK

DEENA AMATO-McCOY

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The human resources department at Winn-Dixie Stores here will be fielding far fewer calls from associates seeking basic information, when the retailer launches a client-server application that will provide data via a secured computer network later this year.

Associates will be able to access information such as benefits packages, internal policies such as vacation and sick leave, training sessions, associate birthdays, even address changes and company investment updates and revisions through the human resource management application.

Mickey Clerc, director of public relations for Winn-Dixie, confirmed that the system is expected to be live by the fourth quarter. He declined to comment further on the project.

Associates will be able to access the information on Winn-Dixie's company server, from any personal computer within the chain or from a remote site. A password will gain associates access to the secured network.

"This is a whole new way of providing self-service, while empowering employees with company information," said a source familiar with the situation. "It is a positive way of communicating and reporting news and policies to employees at all levels within the company."

Associates will also be encouraged to provide input on-line, via electronic mail and by responding to various surveys focusing on employee satisfaction, compensation and improvements, according to the source.

The system generates graphics that will allow the service to be user-friendly and intuitive. In addition, there will be "a voice responsive feature that will allow associates to use a PC-connected microphone to request information," rather than a mouse, said the source.

Following the rollout of the self-service human resources program, sources told SN that Winn-Dixie plans to launch a similar service in January 1998 for employees to access their personal payroll information.

"Through this application, associates can update and research information associated with their payment history, tax information and company stock plans," said the source.

Information available on-line will include direct deposit information, tax issues, payroll research and updates on expenses and bonuses.

The software, ULTIPRO for Windows, is provided by Ultimate Software Group, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.