Similarities on point – An EM 2024 Special by Gramoz Lekaj
As Europe watches the European Championship 2024 in awe, you may be wondering what football and payroll could have in common. At first glance, these two worlds seem to have nothing to do with each other, do they? But if you take a closer look, you’ll discover some really fascinating parallels that might interest both football fans and payroll professionals. Personally, I find it incredibly fascinating to compare these two areas and often find myself thinking about it in my everyday life.
Imagine Lionel Messi preparing to take a free kick. The precision with which he shoots the ball into the top corner is breathtaking. The payroll team has to be just as precise when it comes to calculating wages, maintaining data and complying with legal regulations. A small mistake could lead to major financial and legal consequences. Every figure must be correct, every payroll run must be accurate, just as every shot on goal by Messi must be perfect in order to score a goal.
Teamwork is essential in football. Each position – whether striker, midfielder or goalkeeper – has specific tasks that contribute to the team’s success. In payroll too, everyone involved, from the HR Administrator, HR Specialist and HR Business Partner to the HR Manager and Financial Accounting, must understand their role and work together smoothly. Every task must be carried out accurately and promptly to ensure that payroll runs are correct and on time. If just one person in the team is not performing optimally, the entire system can falter – much like a football team that can only be successful if all the players work in harmony.
A football coach must constantly develop and adapt strategies in order to react to the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. In the same way, payroll management must react flexibly to changes in labor and social security laws or corporate structures. And not only in a national, but also in an international context. Agility and the ability to adapt quickly to new conditions are crucial in payroll.
Just as constant training and adapting to new playing tactics are crucial in football, payroll professionals must also continuously learn and develop. The world of payroll is dynamic, with constantly changing legislation and tax rules. A payroller must always be up to date, just like a football coach who is constantly studying the latest training methods and playing formations.
Although football and payroll may seem very different at first glance, they share fundamental similarities. As you watch Euro 2024, remember that the same principles for success apply both on the pitch and in the office. Teamwork, precision, adaptability and continuous learning are key elements in both areas. Just as Messi is admired for his free kicks and Klopp for his tactics, the invisible heroes in the payroll team deserve recognition for their precise and strategic work.
Comparable to a football team that compensates for weaknesses through transfers and training, we offer tailor-made solutions. Thanks to our large network and expertise, we can provide you with targeted support where you have gaps – both operationally and strategically. Contact us at an early stage to find the right time for an interim assignment.
HR Unlimited AG is an owner-managed company specializing in interim management based in Glattpark Opfikon, Switzerland, and has been offering such assignments in Switzerland and abroad for more than 22 years. HR Unlimited AG is Tanja Biel, Andreas Biel, Balz Schlittler, Marcel Brader, Christian Hobi, Martin Hegglin, Christoph Müller, Andreas Gnepf, Gramoz Lekaj, Guido Hediger, Benjamin Roth, Kadir Kirmizitas, Fabian Feller and a large pool of highly qualified and personally trusted interim managers.