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.

Measuring KPIs in the recruitment process determines the effectiveness and efficiency of the recruitment strategy and not only evaluates it, but also helps to continuously improve it.

For me personally, the KPI “Time to Hire” is also very important in terms of a positive candidate experience. The shortest possible time to hire shows that the recruitment process is efficient and well organized, which is of course ideal. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Long hiring times indicate inefficient processes, delays in internal/external communication or difficulties in decision-making. Ultimately, this means that candidates usually lose interest in the company or have already found another job.

One factor for the delay, in many cases, is the line manager. Often he or she is not aware of the impact of the delay. Therefore, collaboration between the talent acquisition manager or recruiter is crucial. The two must see themselves as sparring partners, and it is up to the recruiter to show the line manager the importance of time to hire in particular.

By reducing the time to hire, we can optimize the company’s recruitment processes, hire the best talent faster and ultimately increase our competitiveness on the job market. A positive candidate experience also makes a significant contribution to attracting and retaining talent. And this also has a long-term positive impact on the company.

Finally, a tip for all line managers who are planning to hire someone: don’t start the recruitment process just before your vacation. And if you can’t avoid it, delegate this process early… 😊.

In this blog out latest member Stevens, who joined HR Unlimited in early 2024 will be sharing some insights about his life.

His personal story started by sailing the seas of different cultures from the beginning. Stevens has Asian roots, was born in French Polynesia and grew up in Switzerland. He got the privilege to grow up in a multi-cultural environment and was raised bilingual, in French and in German. Venturing through life’s adventure by learning different aspects of life is the core of his story.

With his rigorous morning routine to wake up before 6, taking a moment to meditate, going to the gym and listening to podcasts all morning, self-discipline is very important to him. Growing slowly over time is a mantra for Stevens. Motivated by an endless curiosity for people and his need to learn from different perspectives, Stevens is keen to discover all different angles of life. Every traveling experience to pursue his passion of scuba diving with his husband is a new opportunity to learn from the world and its treasures.

His professional story started at a major Swiss bank, where he discovered the beauty of working with different cultures. Thereafter, Stevens started his engagement in Talent Acquisition and accumulated almost 10 years of experience in this field. With great passion, he engages in various fields of the HR spectrum such as in HR marketing, employer branding, change management, project management and of course talent acquisition, aiming to find the best talents in the market.

His approach to HR is not just about filling positions but about building bridges between various talents and company visions, creating a collaborative work environment for a dynamic world we live in today. Stevens believes that successful organizations invest a big chunk of their resources in fostering a culture of growth paving the way for a successful company strategy. It’s this forward-thinking mindset that cultivates not just productivity but also innovation and adaptability among the workforces. Therefore, if you require assistance in talent acquisition or other areas of HR management, Stevens is the expert you can rely on.

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 23 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, Stevens Moser and a large pool of highly qualified and personally trusted interim managers.

After training as a retail employee, Kadir worked in retail for a few more years. In 2013, when he joined Promotion Tools AG as a Recruiting Specialist, he discovered his passion for people and organization. Having worked for employers in various industries, he has become familiar with all aspects of human resources and has built up a large network in the HR community, which he regularly draws on. Kadir is characterized, among other things, by an exceptionally high level of flexibility and commitment. He has, of course, undergone many further training courses, most recently with the HR Specialist Certificate and SVEB Module 1. And the journey is not over yet…!

As a career changer, he has seized every opportunity in recent years and has repeatedly mastered intermittent challenges. Thanks to his high level of IT affinity, he uses a wide range of IT tools efficiently and, as a power user, can support customers in their operation and provide training for teams. This makes him a self-starter who finds his way around new environments independently and becomes productive very quickly. Kadir is proactive and fully committed to his tasks and to his customers.

Transparency, humanity and a lot of pragmatism in cooperation are important values for Kadir. As a flexible, solution- and service-oriented personality, he is perceived as a calm and thoughtful sparring partner even in hectic situations, who always takes his team along with him. Kadir is an open person who enjoys working in groups. He is characterized in particular by a very high level of customer orientation, an extremely calm manner, as well as stamina and resilience.

Kadir’s heart beats for engines. In summer, he likes to ride his Harley a lot, so he lets his head air out. The tours always include mountains and bodies of water, which he likes to capture with his Insta X360 Cam. He spends his free time with friends and family, for example barbecuing with a cool head and a cool drink in his hand. This gives him new ideas and recharges his batteries.

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 23 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, Stevens Moser and a large pool of highly qualified and personally trusted interim managers.

Benjamin Roth started his professional career by training as a businessman in the tax sector, moved into the software development industry and then worked in finance and controlling for an IT service provider. This brought him into contact with HR topics, which aroused his enthusiasm due to the interface between people and organization. He was given the opportunity to rebuild and manage HR within the company. Through his central role in a company-wide transformation program, Benjamin accompanied the introduction of agile working methods and new forms of organization, which still fascinate him. He complemented this experience with a CAS in Business Transformation Management.

Benjamin holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in process management. He knows how to rethink processes and transfer analog workflows into digital ones, drawing on his experience in the software development industry and the introduction of various software solutions. Benjamin is perceived as an HR sparring partner who communicates transparently, keeps an eye on the “big picture” and works in a solution-oriented manner.

Although he is perceived as a balanced and emphatic person, his rational, analytical approach is a characteristic that has stayed with him from his time in finance and IT and characterizes his structured approach.

In his private life, Benjamin enjoys being out in nature, hiking in summer or skiing in winter. His great passion is boating, whether on the lake or the sea. As an ocean-going skipper, he has been going on cruises for many years, constantly exploring new waters in Europe. This passion has one thing in common with interim management, which fascinates Benjamin both on the water and in the office: Taking responsibility in stormy times, calming situations and steering the ship into safe harbor.

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 23 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, Stevens Moser and a large pool of highly qualified and personally trusted interim managers.

Benj, as we call him, is now strengthening the HR Unlimited AG team with interim mandates in the areas of HR business partnering, HR digitalization, salary structuring and other HR roles. Benj not only strengthens our team, but also broadens our competencies with already broad HR experience in HR, especially in highly IT-influenced environments. As an extremely broad-minded person, he is an asset to any team. Balanced teams are particularly important to him, which is why he will also set up top teams in your company. He is not only at home in the IT sector and in industry, but can now also support your company in other sectors with passion, excellence, authenticity and creativity.

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 23 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, Stevens Moser and a large pool of highly qualified and personally trusted interim managers.

Gramoz is a proven specialist in the area of payroll with a wide range of experience in national and international companies. His expertise includes knowledge in the areas of payroll, social security, labor law, Abacus and international assignments, complemented by a strong affinity for IT.

His professional journey began with a basic commercial apprenticeship in the freight forwarding industry. However, he discovered his true passion for payrolling in 2016 when he worked as an HR administrator at GPS AG and realized his affinity for numbers and IT tools as well as his great interest in social insurance and payroll. This realization led him to switch to the payroll team after just one year in HR administration. From this point on, he continued his education, including a degree in social insurance and leadership qualifications, which further deepened his expertise and leadership skills.

Over the years, Gramoz has led major digitalization projects, including the implementation of Abacus, the introduction of AbaClik (expense tool) and Payroll with Abacus, as well as project management for the introduction of HRM systems (UKA Solutions & Carema). His ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and software, as well as his up-to-date knowledge of legislative changes in the area of payroll & social security, make him a valued expert in his field.

Gramoz’s personal work philosophy, which is characterized by a deep focus on detail and the constant questioning of his work and processes, drives him to always achieve a high level of precision and efficiency in his work. This philosophy, combined with his analytical ability and zeal, has made him a dedicated and determined professional.

Outside of his professional life, Gramoz is passionate about football. He attaches great importance to his family life and enjoys spending time with his spouse and daughter. Relaxing vacations at the beach together offer him and his family the perfect opportunity to switch off from everyday life and strengthen their close bond.

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 23 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, Stevens Moser and a large pool of highly qualified and personally trusted interim managers.

Stevens joins the HR Unlimited AG team with immediate effect with interim mandates in Talent Acquisition, HR Project Management and other HR roles. Stevens not only strengthens our team, but also broadens our competencies with his long experience in HR, especially in very demanding environments. As a curious person, he is an asset to any team. Sustainability is particularly close to his heart and he is fluent in three languages, German, English and French. He is familiar with various industries and can now support your company with passion, excellence, authenticity and creativity.

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 23 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, Stevens Moser and a large pool of highly qualified and personally trusted interim managers.

It is with great pleasure that I took over the position of Managing Director of HR Unlimited AG on January 1, 2024, succeeding Andreas Biel, who announced his retirement on December 31, 2023. He founded the company around 23 years ago, so I look back on his impressive work with great respect and am aware of the big footsteps he is leaving behind. However, anyone who knows me knows that nothing throws me off course so quickly. I have always been proactive and courageous in tackling new things and I go my own way with focus and great passion. This recipe has worked very well so far and I’m applying it again now.

The coming months will undoubtedly be an exciting time of transition. I am firmly convinced that we will overcome this challenge together as a team and that opportunities will arise as a result. I am very proud of the team that we have built up over the past few years with great sensitivity. Our common goal remains to keep HR Unlimited on course, to continue to grow and at the same time to offer sustainable solutions in the field of interim management. The past has taught us that change is a natural and necessary development in order to be successful in the dynamic business world. And so we have been on the road since 2024 with our adapted strategy and our jointly defined purpose, which is: “Our interim managers fill gaps with excellence, passion and authenticity”.

For me personally, this takeover marks a significant step in my professional development. I look forward to working with each and every one of you with joy and enthusiasm. Our team is our greatest asset and I am convinced that together we can reach new heights. We see this change as an opportunity to bring a breath of fresh air into our company. With team spirit, excitement and positive energy, we will continue to “rock” the interim world.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andreas Biel for his tireless efforts. His vision has not only shaped the company, but also us as a team. To conclude, I would like to quote Andreas Biel, who wrote in the last HR Unlimited News: “So let us remain committed to HR Unlimited with an alert mind and grateful that clients entrust us with their interim mandates – it cannot be taken for granted!”.

With this in mind, here’s to a wonderful 2024 and best wishes,

Tanja Biel

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 23 years. HR Unlimited AG is Andreas Biel, Tanja Biel, Balz Schlittler, Marcel Brader, Christian Hobi, Martin Hegglin, Christoph Müller, Andreas Gnepf, Gramoz Lekaj, Guido Hediger and a large pool of highly qualified and personally trusted interim managers.

Guido strengthens with immediate effect the HR Unlimited AG team for interim mandates in the Comp & Ben area, as well as Payroll topics and thereby massively strengthens our core competence. Guido is a decade-long experienced Payroll Crack, who mainly works on SAP, SuccessFactors, Abacus, etc.. generates added value for our customers. He knows diverse industries and supports from now on also your company with passion, excellence, authenticity and creativity.

HR Unlimited AG is an owner-managed company specialized in interim management, located in Glattpark Opfikon, Switzerland. For more than 20 years, HR Unlimited AG has been offering corresponding assignments in Switzerland and abroad. HR Unlimited AG is Andreas Biel, Tanja Biel, Balz Schlittler, Marcel Brader, Christian Hobi, Martin Hegglin, Christoph Müller, Andreas Gnepf, Gramoz Lekaj, Guido Hediger and a large, qualified pool of interim managers we know personally.