Practical, not theoretical
We apply AI where it already delivers measurable results - in our delivery methodology, our managed services, and the solutions we bring to customers.
Zalaris Finland
Simplify work life. Achieve more.
2026 is already well underway. In this issue we have brought together a number of key and timely topics — from AI and pay transparency to system modernisation and summer payroll.
Our principles
Contents
In this issue
Outcome-first, always
Every AI capability we surface starts with a question: what does this actually change for the person using it? If we can't answer that, it doesn't make it into our offering.
European at heart
Built on deep expertise across European payroll legislation and HR practice - AI that understands the complexity you actually face, not a generic global template.
04
Payroll system infrastructure needs modernising too
05
Payroll services during the summer holiday season
06
Webinars, blogs & global newsletter
Zalaris Client Event 2026Horisontin Huippu, Kalasatama, Helsinki — Helsinki's highest meeting and event venue
Keynote speaker: Jarno Alastalo
Techno-philosopher · Author · Founder of Suomi24
Jarno explores the frontier where technology collides with humanity. His new book Black Box was published in early 2026.
Techno-philosopher · Author · Founder of Suomi24
Jarno explores the frontier where technology collides with humanity. His new book Black Box was published in early 2026.
We have stepped into the world's largest AI laboratory. Companies are automating everything they can, as fast as they can. Machines are now taking over the part of work we recognised as work. Routines, repetition, answers. When these disappear, a question remains that no one has truly prepared for: what is left for the human? Two paths lie ahead. On the first, we become the dumb users of intelligent machines. On the second, machines are used as an extension of our own thinking. The most valuable skill of the future is not speeding up processes — it is human slowness, the ability to meet another person in a way no machine can. Which path is yours?
Jarno Alastalo
Jarno Alastalo, Techno-philosopher · Author · Founder of Suomi24
Company news
Changes to Zalaris ownership structure
The changes to Zalaris's ownership structure are progressing as planned, with the goal of strengthening our ability to serve you even better. The partnership with Norvestor supports long-term development, brings additional resources, and enables us to continue developing our services and expertise.
Current work is focused on integration planning and ensuring business continuity. The aim is for the transition to bring our clients improved service, a broader knowledge base, and greater development resources.
From a client perspective, business continues as normalContracts, services, and contact persons remain unchanged. Service quality and delivery capability stay strong — our focus remains on day-to-day collaboration and client work.
- Contracts, services, and contact persons remain unchanged
- Service quality and delivery capability stay strong
- The aim is to strengthen long-term growth and development
We thank you for your trust and are happy to discuss this topic further whenever needed.
Changes to Zalaris ownership structure
The changes to Zalaris's ownership structure are progressing as planned, with the goal of strengthening our ability to serve you even better. The partnership with Norvestor supports long-term development, brings additional resources, and enables us to continue developing our services and expertise.
Current work is focused on integration planning and ensuring business continuity. The aim is for the transition to bring our clients improved service, a broader knowledge base, and greater development resources.
From a client perspective, business continues as normalContracts, services, and contact persons remain unchanged. Service quality and delivery capability stay strong — our focus remains on day-to-day collaboration and client work.
- Contracts, services, and contact persons remain unchanged
- Service quality and delivery capability stay strong
- The aim is to strengthen long-term growth and development
We thank you for your trust and are happy to discuss this topic further whenever needed.
71%
Well acquainted with the Directive's requirements
82%
Have already started preparations
18%
Consider their readiness complete and tested
Pay transparency requires more than just reporting
The research shows that successful implementation requires:
- A clear job architecture and grading framework that supports comparison of equal-value work
- Consistent pay structures and comparable data across countries and business units
- Integration with recruitment, pay processes, and HR's day-to-day operating models
- A strong governance model, clear ownership, and management commitment
Status in Finland
The legislative changes required by the Pay Transparency Directive in Finland are delayed from the original schedule. Based on information available at the time of publication (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health), the government bill is expected to be brought before parliament in week 25. Zalaris is monitoring the situation closely and will keep clients informed of any developments.
Looking ahead
Over the next 12–18 months, success will depend on moving from planning to practical implementation: getting data and systems into shape, testing processes, and embedding pay transparency into normal HR operations — even while national regulation continues to evolve.
Technology
Payroll system infrastructure needs modernising too
The Zalaris PeopleHub platform within the SAP ecosystem has been in use since 2001. Over those 25+ years, the service and how it is used has evolved enormously, yet the interfaces and integrations used by clients have remained largely unchanged.
- 1
2025 - 2026
Platform modernisation is being carried out in phases. The majority of systems have already been migrated to the new environment — the production system will be migrated at the end of June.
- 2
Coming weeks
SSO, VPN, and SFTP functions will be finalised. We ask all clients to prioritise this work where necessary.
- 3
2027
SAP S/4HANA upgrade completed. SAP support for the platform secured through to 2040.
- 4
2040
Long-term support confirmed. A secure, modern, and durable service environment for years to come.
Payroll services during the summer holiday season
Submission schedules for payroll data
During the summer, holidays on both the client side and among Zalaris specialists may affect processing times. We recommend submitting payroll data well in advance, but no later than within the agreed deadlines.
Cover arrangements during annual leave
If approvers or contact persons in your organisation are on holiday, we recommend confirming cover arrangements and the necessary authorisations well in advance to avoid delays in payroll processing.
Change requests
During June and July, our primary focus will be on ensuring smooth pay processing — we will not generally be taking large new change requests into production.
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