HRTech Interview with Brad Kaluzna, Vice President and General Manager, HCM Solutions – Enterprise at Paychex

Brad Kaluzna, Vice President and General Manager, HCM Solutions – Enterprise at Paychex chats about the future of HCM and HRTech in this catch-up with HRTech Series:

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Hi Brad, tell us about yourself and your journey in HRtech. What’s it like being VP and GM at Paychex?

I’m currently the Vice President and General Manager of HCM Solutions for Enterprise at Paychex, where I focus on helping enterprise businesses navigate their human capital management needs. I joined Paychex in 2024 and bring over 20 years of industry experience in B2B sales leadership and operations, focused on HCM, workforce management, and supply management software. Throughout my career, my passion has been helping businesses find the right solutions to manage and grow their workforce effectively. 

HCM solutions are enabling HR teams to work better across levels: what thoughts do you have surrounding the future of HCM?

Organizations want to focus on their day-to-day needs without getting bogged down by time-consuming administrative tasks, and increasingly advanced HR technology is enhancing collaboration across all levels. However, new regulations, staying ahead of industry innovations, and employee relations challenges often distract organizations from serving their customers effectively. As a result, more businesses are turning to HCM solutions to streamline their HR needs, allowing them to concentrate on what they do best.

Looking ahead, technology will be a key differentiator in the HCM space, and, as a digital provider, we’ve witnessed this firsthand. AI is transforming how people and organizations operate, and we are proud to be at the forefront, delivering world-class AI-driven solutions to our clients. 

Read More on Hrtech : Leveraging Machine Learning for Real-Time Detection of Workers’ Compensation Fraud

How will AI play a more integral role in HRTech as time goes by? What are you most excited about?

Organizations today are rapidly evolving, recognizing that staying ahead requires seamless AI integration. From an HR perspective, we see how implementing AI boosts productivity for our customers. At Paychex, we’re committed to leveraging AI for both internal HR functions and external customer use, not just by adding AI to legacy processes, but by rethinking how businesses operate and where AI can drive the most impact.

With more than 50 years of experience serving millions of clients and tens of millions of employees, we have one of the richest datasets in the industry, which gives us a competitive edge in AI-driven innovation. Our Paychex Recruiting Copilot, developed in partnership with Findem, revolutionizes hiring for small and medium-sized businesses by using an AI-powered natural language search to analyze millions of candidates, helping employers overcome hiring challenges. Additionally, Paychex Flex^® Engage enhances employee engagement with tools for collaboration, recognition, and performance management, all while fostering transparency in compensation. These innovations are reshaping the way businesses attract, engage, and retain talent in the AI era. 

Can you talk about Paychex’s product roadmap briefly and what users can expect down the line?

During my time at Paychex, I’ve seen the organization’s strong commitment to innovation. In just the past six months, we’ve launched new product innovations designed to help our clients stay focused on their business priorities while we handle their HR and employment challenges. This not only allows businesses to operate more efficiently but also addresses both organizational and employee-related challenges. Innovation is a core value at Paychex, and we remain dedicated to evolving our offerings to provide best-in-class service. Looking ahead, our roadmap is focused on delivering world-class solutions for businesses of all sizes that anticipate our clients’ needs, bringing them the solutions of tomorrow, today. 

For HR teams looking to replace some of their HRTech / HCM solutions in 2025: What key tips would you share with them?

As organizations look to replace their HRTech and HCM solutions in 2025, choosing a partner that prioritizes continuous innovation is essential. A company that not only provides technology and services, but also evolves those technologies, ensures it can address future businesses needs, often before organizations even recognize them. For instance, our Business Leader’s Priorities 2025 study found that one-third (34%) of leaders spend more than 10 hours a week on HR administration tasks. At Paychex, we understand that implementing an HCM partner can help provide leaders with time back for key business needs and decisions.

Additionally, businesses should seek partners they can grow with. While many providers excel in a single specialty, finding a comprehensive partner that can support a wide range of needs is far more valuable in today’s landscape. A partner with diverse solutions and offerings can seamlessly adapt as your business evolves, unlike those limited to a single function with a point solution. Paychex exemplifies this approach, working closely with both leaders and employees to drive meaningful organizational growth and success. 

A few challenges that can be expected and faux pas that HR teams should avoid when deploying AI and new HRtech into their processes?

When speaking with clients, I always emphasize the importance of “de-risking” an HCM transition. Moving from one provider to another can be challenging and I’ve seen companies struggle to integrate their internal resources into a new HCM system. Having an experienced partner by your side ensures a seamless transition, preventing disruptions that can blur client expectations in the excitement of new technology. The key for HCM providers is to stay focused on the client’s core issue and deliver a solution that makes the transition as smooth as possible. Ultimately, the greatest value we can offer is ease—when clients experience a hassle-free implementation, they see firsthand how technology can drive real impact, reinforcing the critical role of an HCM in achieving their business goals. 

Five daily habits and best practices you’d leave anyone in HRtech with before we wrap up. 

When selecting a human capital management partner…

1. Never Overlook Payroll Processing – Payroll is fundamental, and while many companies are capable, expertise and innovation set the best providers apart. Ensure your payroll partner has a proven track record in both accuracy and technological advancements.
2. Prioritize People – The strength of any HRTech provider lies in its people. Look for organizations with experienced, tenured professionals who truly understand the industry and are committed to delivering exceptional service.
3. Keep Innovation at the Forefront – The best partners don’t just offer technology; they solve real business challenges with meaningful impact. Always evaluate whether a company is continuously innovating and whether a sales team can clearly articulate how their solutions drive success.
4. Seek a Unified Employee Experience – Partnering with multiple fragmented systems can create inefficiencies. Instead, choose a provider that delivers a seamless, integrated solution with a single user interface to enhance both the employee and employer experience.
5. Choose a Forward-Thinking Partner – Ensure the organization you work with is financially secure and well-managed at the executive level. Look for a provider with a strong leadership team that aligns with long-term business goals.

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