The Power of Personio: What happens when HR gets the right tools

Here's the standout finding: HR teams are reclaiming an average of 16 hours per week, per team member.

That's two full working days returned to strategic initiatives instead of administrative tasks.

The productivity gains are measurable across every HR function:

• 39% greater HR productivity: HR teams save nearly 2 out of every 5 hours they used to spend on manual, repetitive work

• 82% of customers report time savings from automation: From payroll to onboarding, smart automations eliminate repetitive tasks

• 67% report reduced HR rework: Less time fixing errors and chasing approvals

Where some of the time back comes from:

• 30% decrease in time spent managing payroll

• 28% improvement in hiring and recruiting efficiency

• 30% decrease in time spent managing rewards and benefits

“Personio makes administrative tasks less time-consuming, allowing us to focus more on strategic initiatives. It’s very user-friendly for all departments. It makes tasks simpler and more transparent for employees.“

Thalia Christopoulou

Senior HR & Operations Officer, SEO London

One of the biggest challenges facing HR professionals is the credibility gap with leadership. You know your recommendations are right, but when the CFO asks for numbers to back it up, you're often left scrambling through outdated spreadsheets.

Our research reveals a dramatic shift when HR teams have access to real-time, reliable data:

• 60% report improved decision-making quality

• 45% feel more confident delivering on strategic goals

• 63% spend significantly less time generating reports

“When the board asks for fresh numbers, regarding the growth of the company or metrics regarding diversity, it is just one click away and I have what I need.“

Anna Gullstrand

Chief People & Culture Officer, Mentimeter

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When HR can demonstrate clear strategic value, everything changes. Here are the numbers that make CFOs take notice:

For finance leaders:

• 13% overall HR cost savings = measurable budget reduction

• 44% report cost reduction due to avoiding errors = direct bottom-line impact

• 50% reduction in rerunning payroll = operational efficiency

For executive teams:

• 19% report improved employee productivity = increased output

• 50% report faster time to value from onboarding = quicker ROI on new hires

• 39% improvement in HR productivity = strategic resource allocation

In Europe's tight labour market, retention has become critical for business survival. With an ageing population and fewer young workers entering the market, every hire matters more than ever.

The retention and onboarding advantages are measurable:

• 50% report faster time to value due to more effective onboarding

• 17% faster ramp up for new employees

• 9% increase in employee retention

• 37% found employee satisfaction scores improved

With the cost of replacing an employee ranging from 50-200% of their annual salary, even a 9% improvement in retention for a 100-person company could save €33,750 - €135,000 annually.

Beyond the numbers, there's something more profound happening. HR professionals are rediscovering why they chose this field:

• 63% say HR are significantly more satisfied in their roles

• 62% feel more motivated and get more enjoyment at work

• 45% feel more confident delivering on strategic goals

“I use Personio every day now. I can’t imagine my job without it. I don’t think it would be as enjoyable.“

Jen Aitchison

Office Manager, Deliciously Ella

The data doesn't lie: HR teams with the right tools are transforming their organisations. But these headline figures are just the beginning.

Inside the full 2025 Power of Personio report, you'll discover:

• Breakdowns by company size: See exactly how businesses like yours are achieving these results.

• Results by digitisation journey: Compare outcomes for businesses moving from spreadsheets versus those switching from other HR solutions

• Real compliance outcomes: How 63% of businesses found it significantly easier to stay compliant with GDPR and employment law 

…and much more. 

The question isn't whether intelligent HR works — the data proves it does. The question is: how will you use it for your own strategic advantage?

Visit the complete Power of Personio report and discover exactly how to reclaim those 16 hours per HR team member per week.

About the research: The Power of Personio 2025 report is based on survey responses from nearly 350 Personio customers across Europe and the UK.