The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas has reduced administrative workload by more than 600 hours per year after implementing an integrated HR and payroll system to manage its seasonal workforce of up to 3,000 employees across 16 locations.
The nonprofit organization, which serves more than 240,000 people annually in North Texas, uses UKG Ready software to handle hiring, onboarding and benefits enrollment for a workforce that is 90% part-time and expands significantly during summer months.
Seasonal hiring challenges addressed
The organization’s biggest efficiency gains come during peak hiring periods when hundreds of additional staff members join for summer programming. Previously time-consuming manual processes for onboarding new employees and rehiring returning workers have been largely automated.
“We know when there’s going to be a hiring crunch, and UKG makes it easy for managers to build and post jobs online and track applicants in real time,” said Susan Desilets, associate vice president of human resources at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.
The automated onboarding process saves approximately 30 minutes per new employee, totaling about 300 hours during summer hiring. An additional 300 hours annually are saved through reduced paperwork requirements for new hires, according to the organization.
Data-driven wage decisions
Real-time workforce analytics have helped the YMCA make strategic financial decisions, including raising its minimum hourly wage from $9.00 to $14.00 over several years to better compete for talent.
“I can’t understate the pivotal role of UKG in ensuring we’re making sound fiscal decisions in service of our people,” said Desilets. “We can analyze trends and financial models for our minimum hourly rates in UKG Ready, which gave us the confidence to raise our hourly minimum wage.”
The organization has also reduced payroll processing time, allowing it to pay hourly employees one week in arrears instead of the previous two-week turnaround.
Financial wellness tools for part-time workforce
To address the financial challenges faced by part-time and seasonal workers with fluctuating hours, the YMCA implemented UKG Wallet, which provides employees early access to earned wages and financial wellness resources.
“We implemented UKG Wallet to give employees options when it comes to their pay,” said Desilets. “UKG Wallet has also contributed to higher retention rates.”
The mobile application allows staff to clock in and out, request time off, view pay information, select benefits and access company announcements through a centralized hub.
Technology supports community mission
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, which has served the North Texas community for 140 years, employs 2,400 people during regular operations and more than 3,000 during summer months. The organization promotes healthy living, youth development and social responsibility through its programs.
“With UKG Ready, we don’t just manage a company, we support a community,” said Desilets. “UKG ensures we have the right people in the right place to serve our community at large, while giving our employees the tools to succeed in their roles.”
The workforce management system helps coordinate staff across diverse roles including lifeguards at multiple locations, camp counselors at two summer camps, and fitness center employees.
