The challenge

Following its spin-off from IBM, Kyndryl needed separate HCM and payroll systems to support the standalone business. Operating in over 80 countries, they had a complex network of 47 different payroll vendors which needed to be reviewed and consolidated.

They asked Change Associates to help lead the change programme.

What we did

• Assembled a team with deep expertise in global payroll, time, attendance processes, and vendor systems.
• Conducted a discovery phase to review payroll operations, suppliers, and systems in each country.
• Recommended territory-specific strategies and identified opportunities for consolidation and process improvements.
• Planned and managed payroll migration, collaborating with the client and vendors.
• Ensured rigorous system setup, integration testing, and accurate data migration to avoid payroll disruptions.
• Supported payroll processing teams to understand new systems, processes, and the benefits of the changes.

The result

• Every payroll was successfully migrated, with all employees paid correctly

• The number of vendors halved from 45 to 23, resulting in simpler, more cost-effective processes

• Kyndryl and local payroll teams had the evidence and confidence to launch a second phase of payroll consolidation

“Change Associates quickly understood the best route forward and were fantastic in helping us engage with our in-country teams and vendors. Without their help, we would have taken twice as long to get to a solution.”
VP, HR Operations and Payroll