Getting Started with Kronos at Sainsbury’s
If you’re working at Sainsbury’s, you’ve probably heard about Kronos. It’s the system we use for pretty much everything related to work schedules, timesheets, and pay. Here’s what you need to know to get up and running.
What’s Sainsburys Kronos All About?
Kronos is Sainsbury’s workforce management platform. These days, it’s actually part of something called UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), but most people still call it Kronos. Whatever you call it, this is where you’ll go to check your rota, clock in and out, see your payslips, and sort out holiday requests.
It handles all the behind-the-scenes stuff too. Your manager uses it to approve overtime and keep track of attendance. For a company with over 150,000 employees, it’s what keeps everything running smoothly.
Logging In for the First Time at Kronos Sainburys
Getting into Kronos is straightforward once you know where to go. Head to the official login page at:
Don’t panic when it redirects you to a Microsoft login page – that’s completely normal. Just use your Sainsbury’s email address as your username, click next, and enter your password. If you’ve got two-factor authentication set up, you’ll need to complete that step as well.
Some stores might use a different server. If you’re having trouble, there’s an alternative login at https://ukg-sainsburys.kronos.co.uk/login/
Still stuck? Give the Tech Service Desk a ring on 0345 603 2638. They’re usually pretty helpful.
Setting Up Your Account
When you first start at Sainsbury’s, HR will set up your Kronos account automatically. You should get an email with your login details and a temporary password within your first week. Make sure you change that password the first time you log in, and set up your recovery options while you’re at it.
If you haven’t received anything after five working days, chase up your HR administrator. Sometimes things slip through the cracks.
Why the Switch to UKG?
Back in 2020, Kronos merged with another company called Ultimate Software, and they became UKG. Sainsbury’s moved over to the new system because it’s more reliable, works better on mobile, and has better analytics. Think of it as Kronos getting a major upgrade.
The transition hasn’t happened everywhere at once, so check with your manager about which version your store is using. Some colleagues are still on the old Kronos, while others have moved to the new UKG Pro app.
One thing to note: the UKG Pro app sometimes asks you to reset your password before it’ll work properly. It’s a bit annoying, but once you’ve done it, you’re good to go.
The best feature? Definitely the inbox tab. Any time your manager changes your schedule, you’ll get a notification immediately. No more showing up for shifts that have been moved.
Using the Mobile App
You can do almost everything on your phone these days. Download the UKG Workforce Central app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone). Search for “UKG Workforce Central” or “Kronos Mobile” and you’ll find it.
When you open the app for the first time, it’ll ask for a server URL. Enter:
https://sainsburys.kronos.net/wfc
If that doesn’t work, double-check with someone in HR about your store’s specific server address. Once you’re connected, everything syncs automatically – your schedule, time-off requests, all of it.
For the newer UKG Pro desktop version, try this server address instead: https://sainsburysretail-sso.prd.mykronos.com/wfd/home
How Your Pay Works Through Kronos
Every time you clock in, Kronos is tracking your hours. At the end of your pay period, your manager approves your timesheet, and it gets sent to payroll. They process everything through something called the UKG Pay module, and your payslip shows up in your MySainsburys account.
It’s worth checking your hours regularly. If something looks wrong, it’s much easier to sort it out straight away than weeks later when you’ve forgotten the details.
Interestingly, when some stores tested the new UKG Dimensions system in late 2023, they saw absenteeism drop by 12% in three months. Turns out when people can swap shifts through the app instantly instead of waiting for manual approval, they’re less likely to just not show up.
Common Questions
How do I check my upcoming shifts? Log into the app or website and go to “My Schedule.” You’ll see everything – your shifts, approved holidays, and any recent changes.
How long is the probation period? Usually 12 weeks for most roles, though it can vary. During probation, your attendance and performance get reviewed through Kronos data and feedback from your manager.
What’s this 12-hour rule I’ve heard about? It means you can’t be scheduled for shifts with less than 12 hours rest between them. Kronos won’t even let managers create a rota that breaks this rule – it’s built into the system.
Can they let me go during probation? Yes, they can. Probation means your employment is conditional. If there are issues with attendance or performance, you’d usually get feedback first, but dismissal is possible during this period.
How many sick days can I take? There’s no hard limit, but if you call in sick three or more times in a short period, it’ll trigger an attendance review. Kronos tracks everything, and HR will follow up if they spot a pattern.
Kronos – or UKG, whatever you want to call it – is just part of working in retail these days. It might seem like a bit of a faff at first, especially if you’re not tech-savvy, but once you get the hang of it, it actually makes life easier. Being able to check your schedule from your phone or swap shifts with a few taps beats the old paper rota system hands down.
Give it a proper go, and if you’re struggling, don’t be shy about asking your colleagues or calling the help desk. Everyone was new to it once.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to help out.