When it comes to payroll and HR, no one understands the day-to-day reality better than the people doing it. That is why our recent session at the Zellis independent User Group (ZiUG) National Meeting was so valuable – because it was not just about AI in theory, it was about what our users really want AI to do.
From the packed workshop room to pages of scribbled ideas and sticky notes, one thing stood out: this community is not asking whether AI has a place in payroll and HR, it is asking how it can make life easier, faster and still people-focused.
In this blog
Our roadmap: Ideas into action
Real people, real needs
We asked, “What would our users like to see AI do in payroll and HR?”
The feedback was practical, honest and refreshingly direct. Our users told us exactly where they would like AI to lend a hand: the repetitive checks that drain time, the messy data that creeps in unnoticed, and the manual tweaks that hold up smooth processes.
From catching duplicate expenses to nudging managers to approve leave, the message was clear: people want AI that spots things sooner, flags what needs fixing, and takes everyday admin off the to-do list, without removing the human judgement that keeps payroll and HR fair and personal.
One note summed it up perfectly: “Can it replace numerous emails to managers?” If AI can handle routine reminders, teams can focus on the conversations and decisions that really matter.
Cleaner data, quicker answers
Data quality came up time and again. Many of our users asked for help spotting anomalies such as overtime codes that do not match, pay variances that need explaining, or name changes that slip through and cause payroll headaches later.
We learnt that what payroll professionals want is simple: fewer surprises on payday and more confidence that what goes in is right the first time. That is exactly where AI-enabled payroll is the answer.
Zellis’ AI toolset works quietly in the background to spot inconsistencies, check compliance rules, and surface anything that might need a second look. So teams stay in control.
Working smarter, not harder
Beyond data checks, the wish list for AI is all about giving time back. Imagine having ELLA answer routine pay queries, run quick reports on trends or even prepare the questions that managers would ask anyway. For example: “Has absence spiked this month? Why is this cost centre suddenly over budget?“
What people want are prompts, not puzzles. Simple, natural questions and clear, useful answers. And they want this support when they need it, not just at month-end.
Whether helping an employee understand a payslip or helping a payroll team spot a hidden risk, ELLA keeps everyone one step ahead.
What we heard about trust
Many users also shared honest thoughts about trust. Sticky notes marked ‘Governance’, ‘Data Quality Issues’ and ‘Detracting from the human element’ were clear reminders that trust must sit at the heart of any AI rollout.
That is why our approach has always been to build human-first AI. The goal is not to replace expertise but to enhance it. ELLA works within existing rules, security and data permissions, so HR and payroll professionals can have peace of mind.
Our roadmap: Ideas into action
This feedback does not sit on a whiteboard gathering dust. It is shaping what is coming next. We are building AI into every layer of our platform, from real-time payroll checks to anomaly explainers and predictive insights that make reporting smarter and faster.
The roadmap also includes things like automating PAYE scheme transfers, better handling of parental leave and rolled-up holiday pay, and real-time dashboards that highlight trends before they become issues. Behind the scenes, Zellis’ AI tools are learning all the time, making each of these tasks simpler, clearer and more reliable.
A positive future, together
This session was a powerful reminder that AI is only ever as good as the people it supports. It can handle the heavy lifting on checks and admin, but the real value is in freeing teams to spend time where it really counts: solving challenges, supporting employees and driving better outcomes for every organisation.
It is not about choosing between people or AI. It is about giving great people better tools so they can do their best work, with fewer distractions.
We are proud to be developing AI that reflects the ideas, concerns and ambitions of our users, and we are excited to keep building it together.
Key takeaways
- Payroll and HR professionals are interested in how AI can make life easier, faster and still-people focused.
- May users additionally asked for help spotting anomalies such as overtime codes that do not match, pay variances that need explaining, or name changes that slip through and cause payroll headaches later.
- Beyond data checks, the wish list for AI is all about working smarter, not harder – freeing up time for high-value tasks.
- All in all, AI is only ever as good as the people it supports.
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