The name “Human Resources” has long been associated with the essential functions of hiring, payroll, and employee management. However, the modern workplace is changing, and so are we.
At payabl., we are thrilled to announce that we are renaming our HR Department to the People Department, reflecting not just a title change but a broader shift in how we operate and think about our people.
When we shared the news internally, the immediate questions followed: "Does this name really matter?" "Can it impact the company?" The answer to both is a resounding yes.
Why the change?
The shift from HR to People Department isn't just cosmetic – it’s reflective of how our role within the company has evolved and of how we will operate going forward. Here’s why it matters:
Beyond traditional HR: Over time, our responsibilities have expanded far beyond recruitment and compliance. We now oversee talent development, culture-building, and employee well-being. The new name reflects this more comprehensive role.
People-centric culture: At payabl., we have always placed people at the centre of what we do. By renaming our department, we reaffirm that our employees are the driving force behind our success. This isn't just about functions – it’s about creating a workplace where every person feels valued, respected, and empowered to grow.
A forward-thinking company: As a fintech innovator, we constantly push boundaries, and that includes how we support our team. Changing the department name is symbolic of our commitment to staying ahead, innovating not only in technology but in how we care for our employees.
Here’s how Jolita Strasunskaite, our Chief People Officer, sums it up:
“At payabl., we are a people-first company. This change to the People Department is not just symbolic, but it embodies everything we stand for. It’s a reminder that every individual here contributes to our collective success and that, as a company, we’re committed to their well-being and individual success. This shift is about celebrating your dedication and building an environment where we all thrive together.”
Elevating HR to strategic leadership
The change to the People Department is more than just a name adjustment; it represents a shift in how HR functions within the business. Traditionally, HR Departments are viewed as transactional: a necessary function but often disconnected from business strategy. Today, businesses, especially those in fintech, are recognising that people management must be an integral part of their strategy.
At payabl., we see our People Department as a strategic partner in every facet of the business. Our team is actively involved in:
- Recruiting and onboarding
- Talent and skill development
- Employee engagement and retention
- Performance management
- Health, well-being, and compliance
- Workplace culture and succession planning
This transformation ensures that our people strategy is always aligned with our business objectives, driving growth and innovation.
The risk of falling behind
Companies that stick with a transactional HR approach risk falling behind. When HR is out of sync with business goals, the consequences are real: misalignment in talent acquisition, poor performance management, and decreased employee engagement. Employees notice when the company’s words don’t match its actions, and the result is a workforce that’s disengaged and disconnected.
By contrast, businesses that invest in their people as strategic assets build stronger cultures, attract top talent and drive long-term success. At payabl., the new People Department embodies our commitment to not just managing our workforce, but fostering an environment where every team member can thrive.
A future-focused People Department
Renaming our HR Department to People is just the beginning. Moving forward, we will be focusing even more on:
Empowering leadership and team collaboration
Our People team will work with leadership and managers across the company to cultivate strong, supportive leadership and effective team collaboration. By enabling leaders to mentor, motivate, and build cohesive teams, we will ensure a more engaged and productive workforce.
Driving data-informed decision making
We will harness the power of data-driven decision-making. By leveraging employee engagement data, performance metrics, and predictive analytics, we will anticipate and address people-related challenges before they become issues. This approach will help align people strategies with the company's growth objectives and ensure long-term success.
Creating continuous learning and development opportunities
Our People team will continue to prioritise not only onboarding but also ongoing development. We will invest in building a learning culture where employees at all levels have access to growth opportunities, whether through structured development programmes, mentorship, or cross-functional projects. This will help foster innovation, retain top talent, and ensure that our people grow along with the company.
Promoting well-being and inclusion
As the workplace evolves, so too must our focus on employee well-being and creating an inclusive culture. The People team will implement programs that support mental, emotional, and physical health while driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that create a sense of belonging for all employees.
In short, this is a reflection of our larger transformation, a recognition that our people are at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to innovate and grow, the People Department will continue to play a critical role in shaping our future.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey!