These are Erik Bekkåsen’s thoughts
The world of payroll is rapidly evolving. Shaped by higher employee expectations and advancing regulatory frameworks, we are in the middle of a business shift. So what does it mean? Erik Bekkåsen, Director of HR and Payroll Services Nordic at Azets, shares his perspective on the time we are in right now, and the visible trends shaping the future.
Growing Expectations from Employees
“Future employees expect more than just a paycheck,” Erik explains. “They want clear, active investment in their development and engagement.” This trend reflects a shift in priorities, where factors like workplace design and culture now play a vital role in employee satisfaction. Features once considered luxuries, such as social spaces or recreational areas, are now essential in creating environments where people want to work.
Higher Demands for Pay Transparency
Transparency in salaries is becoming an important topic Erik highlights the likelihood of increased access to data on pay equity within organizations. “While individual salaries might not be disclosed, employees could see averages for similar roles or demographics,” he notes. This move towards openness is driven by EU directives and an increasing demand for fairness and accountability in compensation.
“Any organization with significant disparities in pay will face challenges,” Erik warns. Employers must prepare for a future where salary structures are more transparent and equitable, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
Clients Want More ESG Reporting
Another area gaining traction is environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Erik points out that clients are already asking for detailed ESG data, often validated by third-party audits. “We track so much data already—company cars, travel mileage, flight details—but we need to leverage this to support climate accounting,” Erik says. This trend underscores the need for payroll systems to align with sustainability goals, offering solutions that facilitate comprehensive reporting.
Data Security is Vital
As payroll becomes more data-driven, security is essential. “Clients need to trust that their data is safe,” Erik emphasizes. “This isn’t just about compliance, it’s about maintaining confidence in the services we provide.” Ensuring robust data security will remain a top priority for payroll providers, especially as digital transformation accelerates.
Preparing for 2030 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Erik discusses the importance of anticipating generational shifts and technological advancements. “We’re already seeing trends that will define the near future, but others are just on the horizon. By 2030, the landscape could look very different,” he reflects. Preparing for these changes now will be crucial for businesses aiming to stay competitive.
Supporting Businesses Through Change
“Our role is to ensure businesses are ready for what’s coming, whether that’s regulatory changes, new reporting requirements, or evolving employee expectations,” he says. By offering tailored solutions and clear guidance, payroll providers can help organizations navigate this complex and dynamic landscape.
The payroll landscape is at a turning point. As Erik Bekkåsen illustrates, meeting the challenges of tomorrow will require innovation, transparency, and a proactive approach to both technology and culture. For businesses ready to embrace these changes, the future of payroll presents an opportunity to build trust, foster engagement, and lead with purpose.
