In an interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Simon Prévost, Vice-président for Desjardins Employer Solutions, shared his journey from a background not initially focused on payroll and HR to leading a division of Desjardins Group. He explained how his transition into the role came after his predecessor’s retirement, necessitating him to quickly learn the technical aspects of payroll and HR. He emphasized that his colleagues’ passion and expertise were instrumental in helping him navigate the learning curve. As he delved into his insights, Simon highlighted Desjardins’ commitment to customer service, robust payroll management systems, and the upcoming launch of a new HR management solution, which promises to streamline HR operations and enhance business continuity.
Simon Prévost has over 30 years’ experience in the business world, including more than 15 years in the financial sector.
With a diversified track record, he has worked in both the public and private sectors, in a wide variety of fields.
With Desjardins Group since 2014, Simon Prévost is responsible for Desjardins Employer Solutions, a business unit that offers payroll, human resources and time management solutions to companies of all sectors and sizes across Canada.
Simon, with a background not initially focused on payroll and HR, what motivated your shift into leading Desjardins Employer Solutions, and how did you navigate the learning curve in this specialized field?
I became the Director of Desjardins Employer Solutions when my predecessor retired. Desjardins Group required a seasoned manager to oversee the growth of the business unit and I was asked to jump in. I soon realized that payroll and HR specialists are very passionate people. My colleagues taught me much of what I needed to initially know to understand the technical aspects of the field, as well as the challenges and opportunities that go with it. Since payroll and HR are in constant evolution, like most specialists in this field I continue to learn every day.
Could you elaborate on what sets Desjardins Group apart in the payroll and HR management sector, particularly in terms of technology and customer service?
What sets Desjardins Group apart in the payroll and HR sector first and foremost is the service we provide. Clients receive support and expertise from over 480 advisors whose primary goal is to ensure every client has the best possible experience. Our advisors answer questions about technical issues and payroll regulations, offering assistance through every step of the payroll process. Regular communications and legislative updates are sent to clients to keep them current throughout the year and assist with their year-end activities. Regulatory updates are continual and automatic. In terms of technology, our cloud-based solutions are tailored to meet the needs of all companies regardless of their size. Clients also benefit from a financial institutions’ high security standards and the protection of personal information.
In your view, why is having a robust payroll management system crucial for businesses, and what common challenges do businesses face that your services help to address?
There are many reasons why it is essential for companies to have a robust payroll management system. The two main reasons are to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster and data confidentiality. Providers have highly secure servers, multi-site operations and redundant backup systems to minimize the risk of data loss or payroll processing delays. Companies can therefore continue to pay their employees on time, while ensuring data confidentiality.
Secondly, in the context of labour shortages, common challenges faced by companies are lack of manpower and employee retention. On the payroll side, our platform ensures that their pay is accurately calculated and delivered to employees on time. Respecting these aspects demonstrates to employees that their financial well-being is important to the employer and that their work is respected; which contributes to their loyalty. To attract new talent, employer branding plays a crucial role. Our HR platform enables you to promote your brand right from the start of the hiring cycle.
From your extensive experience, what strategies have proven most effective for businesses looking to attract and retain top talent, especially in competitive markets?
Developing an employer brand is an important part of standing out in the marketplace and attracting candidates. At its core, employer branding is often about a company’s values. Today, candidates look at much more than a job description and salary before accepting a job. They want the organization they work for to be aligned with their own values. The candidate experience begins as soon as your job is advertised and continues throughout the employees’ lifecycle with an organization.
The work environment is crucial to retain top talents. Employees talk openly with others; whether in person or on social media about their experience with a company. Your reputation in the marketplace also depends on it. When we talk about the work environment, we’re talking about the work climate, the tools to get the job done, the training offered, opportunities for advancement, employee benefits, and so on.
With the upcoming launch of your new HR management solution in June, what can clients expect in terms of features and benefits, and how do you see this impacting their operations?
This solution will enable efficient and effective HR management, such as onboarding, centralization of employee records, management and at-a-glance overviews of important employee events, and so on. Additional modules for recruitment, talent management, time & attendance and expenses will also be available for companies with broader needs. By optimizing the digital transformation in HR, companies will further ensure the confidentiality of important information exchanges, save time on administrative tasks, and improve overall communication with employees. Many of the activities that promote and encompass attracting and retaining top talent will be available in this solution.
