Less pressure, more support for HR and payroll

HR and payroll professionals are facing mounting pressure and an ever-increasing workload, according to a webinar hosted by Sage in collaboration with ITWeb. Nkosinathi Mbulumeti, Sales Director for HR and Payroll at Sage in South Africa and the Middle East, stated that HR and payroll are the backbone of people within an organization.

However, the Sage HR and Payroll Leaders Report 2026 revealed that these professionals are more overwhelmed than ever before, with 91% of surveyed leaders reporting significant changes in their role during the past five years, coupled with longer hours and heavier workloads.

Despite the challenges, HR and payroll leaders remain optimistic about the future of their profession and their desire to make a difference. However, they express concerns about workload, burnout, and the evolving role of technology. Mbulumeti noted that while technology offers efficiency, it often adds complexity, creating a systematic challenge.

A survey conducted among webinar participants found that 73% felt overwhelmed by the number of HR or payroll systems expected to be used today. Mbulumeti acknowledged that AI will undoubtedly transform HR and payroll in the next five years, but the professionals are cautious about its implementation. South African businesses, in particular, focus on payroll compliance and accuracy, emphasizing that trust in payroll forms the foundation of employee confidence.

Technology is seen as crucial, but skills and budget limitations hinder progress, especially in small to medium-sized businesses. Mbulumeti emphasized that HR and payroll leaders need support, not more pressure. They require practical technology and responsible innovation, with systems that build trust and tools that scale with reality, not just theory.

Sage South Africa's Senior Payroll Solution Consultant, Hendrik De Bruiyn, demonstrated the features and enhancements of Sage 300 People, an all-in-one HR and payroll solution designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency. The system allows for better paperless management of employee records based on ID numbers, enhancing personnel management with features such as attaching documentation for CCMA hearings and creating equity plans with live tracking of targets, actuals, and variances.

The system also includes AI capabilities, such as providing insights into payslips to explain changes in earnings and tax to employees. Sage has developed a modern and user-friendly UI for payroll, which will be introduced shortly. De Bruiyn assured the delegates that the system is secure, with the ability to hide fields and even single lines, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Future versions of Sage 300 People will incorporate AI to help detect and flag discrepancies in payroll inputs and generate documentation for employees. Sakeena Adams, Regional People Director for Africa and the Middle East at Sage, emphasized that HR and payroll systems like Sage 300 People allow organizations to partner more effectively with business while handling data and automating processes, enabling HR and payroll teams to be more proactive and strategic in their roles.