I’m an HR person at heart. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources, Organizational Behavior from the University of North Texas and am a Certified Executive Leadership Coach. My role allows me to leverage my personal and professional experiences to make a difference.
“Paylocity is committed to creating positive employee experiences and a culture rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion, which makes me proud to be part of the team.”
More about Tauhidah Shakir:
Headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, Paylocity (NASDAQ: PCTY) is an award-winning provider of cloud-based HR and payroll software solutions. Founded in 1997 and publicly traded since 2014, Paylocity offers an intuitive, easy-to-use product suite that helps businesses automate and streamline HR and payroll processes, attract and retain talent, and build culture and connection with their employees. Known for its unique culture and consistently recognized as one of the best places to work, Paylocity accompanies its clients on the journey to create great workplaces and help all employees achieve their best.For more information, visit www.paylocity.com
Welcome, Tauhidah! Could you share what piqued your interest in human resources, leading you to steer the helm of Paylocity as the VP of HR?
My journey into the world of HR was a blend of academic exploration and a growing curiosity about the dynamics between employees and employers.
My initial studies in psychology provided me with a foundation for delving into the interplay between individuals and their work environments. However, it was when I transitioned my major to organizational development that I truly found my calling.
Exploring how companies can cultivate environments that nurture their employees’ potential and well-being fascinated me. The ability of effective HR practices to drive business success by optimizing the human element became increasingly clear to me.
What truly interested me was the ‘why’ behind the behaviors and interactions that shape workplaces. Uncovering the motivations that drive employees and employers alike and finding ways to align those motivations for mutual benefit resonated deeply with me.
Joining Paylocity was a natural progression for me. Paylocity’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance HR practices and streamline workforce management aligns perfectly with my vision of how HR can drive positive change. The opportunity to join a forward-thinking company like Paylocity, where innovation and employee well-being converge, felt like a perfect fit.
Today, my journey in HR continues to be fueled by a desire to create meaningful impact and transformation in the workplace. In my role at Paylocity, I am dedicated to crafting strategies that not only foster employee growth and engagement through DEIA but also empower businesses to succeed through their most valuable asset: their people.
What are the most pressing challenges HR leaders face today, and how have you been successfully triumphing over them in your role?
Leaders today are confronted with a range of pressing challenges that underscore the dynamic nature of modern workplaces. Communication, recognition, and work-life balance have emerged as pivotal areas that require strategic attention. As an HR leader, I recognize these challenges and have been dedicated to devising effective strategies that triumph over them, fostering an environment where employees thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Communication has taken on a new dimension in our hyper-connected world. With information flowing constantly and effortlessly, employees now expect a seamless exchange of communication within their work environment. In this context, we’ve strategically harnessed the power of technology to streamline communication. Paylocity Community has emerged as a game-changer, enabling us to communicate swiftly and frequently with our employees. This platform not only facilitates quick dissemination of information but also serves as a channel for recognizing employees. By leveraging technology to meet communication needs, we’ve ensured that employees stay informed and engaged, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Recognition, another critical aspect, has gained prominence as employees seek validation and appreciation for their contributions. With Paylocity Community, we’re able to acknowledge employees’ achievements and contributions publicly, fostering a culture of appreciation. By celebrating employees’ successes, we cultivate a positive work environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to excel.
The quest for work-life balance has also become increasingly significant. Employees seek opportunities to complement their personal and professional lives, and HR leaders play a crucial role in facilitating this equilibrium. At Paylocity, we’re committed to ensuring that our employees have the means to recharge and contribute beyond the workplace. Encouraging the utilization of paid time off (PTO) and providing Volunteer in Action (VTO) hours aligns with our goal of promoting holistic well-being. By actively encouraging employees to invest in their passions outside of work, we contribute to their overall happiness and engagement.
Through these efforts, we’ve not only addressed pressing HR challenges but also created an environment where employees feel heard, valued, and supported in their pursuit of professional and personal fulfillment.
What exceptional characteristics make Paylocity’s comprehensive suite of HR & payroll solutions the go-to HR platform for businesses?
Paylocity’s comprehensive suite of HR and payroll solutions stands out as the go-to HR platform for businesses of all sizes. Of note, Paylocity is recognized for its user-friendly interface, which simplifies complex HR processes and empowers users to navigate the robust platform with ease.
Paylocity’s dedication to innovation extends to our mobile app, enabling HR professionals and employees to access vital information and perform tasks on the go, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
Additionally, our focus on employee engagement and development sets our solution apart. The Paylocity platform includes features that foster communication, collaboration, and feedback among employees and managers, thereby enhancing workplace satisfaction and productivity. From performance management tools to learning and development resources, Paylocity’s suite supports a holistic approach to employee growth.
How do you go about drafting HR policies in a manner that is inclusive of employee requisites, Paylocity’s business objectives, and ongoing industry trends?
Crafting HR policies that strike a balance between employee needs, Paylocity’s business objectives, and the dynamic landscape of industry trends requires a collaborative approach. At Paylocity, our strategy is rooted in a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and the collective wisdom of our diverse teams.
Central to our process is the establishment of a Culture & Policy Committee, a collective body that embodies cross-functional collaboration. Comprising not only HR leaders but also business leaders and dedicated representatives focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), this committee ensures we have a spectrum of viewpoints and experiences shaping our policies.
Our approach starts with open dialogue and brainstorming sessions that bring together professionals from various disciplines within our organization. This diverse group, with different functional areas and backgrounds, enables us to consider policy implications from multiple angles. We recognize that each perspective enriches the conversation, leading to more comprehensive and balanced policies.
Throughout the drafting process, we emphasize alignment with Paylocity’s overarching business objectives. Our policies are crafted to support our strategic goals, fostering an environment where our workforce thrives and our organizational growth is sustained.
Additionally, we remain focused on industry trends. The committee stays informed about emerging HR practices, regulatory changes, and societal shifts that impact the workforce landscape. This proactive approach enables us to anticipate challenges and opportunities and design adaptive and responsive policies.
By fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard, we ensure they resonate with our employees, uphold our values, and drive the company forward in a rapidly evolving HR landscape.
How does Paylocity empower brands with its newly launched AI Assist, a generative AI-integrated HCM solution?
Generative AI debuted in the HCM industry for the first time on the Paylocity platform in April 2023, appearing as an embedded feature in Community, Paylocity’s online collaboration hub. By responding to a user prompt that outlines simple details like what they want to communicate, the target audience, and the desired tone, the AI tool generates polished and professional messages, saving valuable time and effort.
Paylocity recently extended generative AI capabilities to streamline the creation of compelling and compliant job descriptions. HR teams and hiring managers can now generate job descriptions that attract high-quality candidates, increasing the pool of potential applicants for each role. This streamlined process not only saves time but also supports an organization’s talent acquisition efforts.
As Chief Diversity Officer, what practical measures do you implement to ensure that not only Paylocity’s DE&I standards are met but they serve as the industry benchmark?
As Chief Diversity Officer, I am committed to fostering a comprehensive and lasting impact both within Paylocity and across the industry.
One key differentiator in our strategy is our expanded focus beyond the traditional DE&I framework. At Paylocity, we emphasize the broader concept of DEIA, where ‘A’ stands for Accessibility. We recognize that inclusivity extends beyond identity to encompass individuals with differing abilities. By embracing this holistic approach, we ensure that our efforts encompass the entire spectrum of diversity, including physical and cognitive differences, thereby creating a more comprehensive and equitable workplace.
While we do monitor industry trends, our primary commitment lies in cultivating an environment of continuous improvement from within. To achieve this, we’ve dedicated considerable resources to internal and external DEIA training. Our employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster an inclusive workplace culture and appreciate the value diversity brings to our organization. These programs are designed to drive awareness, empathy, and action, empowering our workforce to actively contribute to our DEIA goals.
Development programs are another cornerstone of our approach. We believe nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives enriches our organization and industry. We’ve established initiatives that provide mentorship, leadership development, and growth opportunities for individuals who might have been historically underrepresented. By fostering an environment where all employees can thrive, we contribute to a culture of equity and progress.
Recruitment strategies play a pivotal role in our journey toward becoming an industry benchmark for DEIA. We’re dedicated to attracting a diverse pool of candidates for every role. By creating a welcoming and accessible application process, we ensure that the first steps of engagement align with our DEIA principles.
What significant breakthrough do you foresee happening in HCM, and how would Paylocity be playing a trailblazing role in the same?
In the ever-evolving HCM landscape, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to gain prominence. AI is poised to revolutionize how businesses manage their workforce, predict trends, and optimize their HR strategies. Paylocity has emerged as a trailblazer by being the first HCM to introduce Generative AI to its platform. This innovation exemplifies Paylocity’s commitment to leveraging technology to provide its users with efficient, effective, and transformative solutions. With an eye on the horizon, Paylocity’s ongoing dedication to industry advancements ensures its users continue benefiting from the latest HCM technology breakthroughs.
In your view, how can organizations and HR professionals keep the human factor alive amidst all the buzz?
While we see tremendous technological advancements in the modern workplace, addressing the human factor is critical for organizations and HR professionals alike.
First and foremost, nurturing the human factor begins with genuine and meaningful connections. In a world where technology can often distance us, taking the time to engage on a personal level is essential. Face-to-face interactions, even in a digital age, remain indispensable. These interactions not only convey care and empathy but also provide a platform for understanding the individuality of each employee.
Integral to keeping the human element alive is open, honest, and regular communication. The buzz of modern workplaces can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or rumors. Transparent communication effectively addresses these issues by creating a direct line of information from leadership to employees.
To truly keep the human factor thriving, HR professionals should also encourage a culture of empathy and understanding. Empowering employees to balance their personal lives with work responsibilities contributes to their overall well-being. Flexibility in work arrangements and policies that promote work-life balance demonstrate a commitment to employees’ individual needs and aspirations.
By prioritizing personal interactions, championing transparent communication, embracing consistency, and fostering empathy, organizations and HR professionals can create an environment where employees feel valued, understood, and empowered. In doing so, they uphold the essence of what it means to be human in the modern world of work.
