ADP’s annual global payroll survey explores the major drivers of payroll transformation. This year’s results show that payroll leaders will need to become more forward thinking, and teams will have to work smarter to meet increasing demands.
Here are five key findings from the 2025 survey:
1. Skill shortages continue to bite
Six in 10 respondents reported that the payroll service they deliver was affected by staff shortages, making it necessary to think creatively about how to fill open roles.
2. Artificial intelligence and automation are coming to the fore
With productivity under scrutiny, more companies are relying on technology tools to streamline processes, expedite repetitive tasks and support some of their more complex requirements, like data analytics.
3. Payroll teams are raising the bar on the employee experience
Over half of respondents believe that within two years, their organizations will introduce a mix of nontraditional pay methods, such as digital wallets or prepayment cards, or provide faster access to earned wages.
4. Data security is in the spotlight
Fifty-eight percent of respondents said their organizations have developed playbooks and contingency plans for cyberattacks and system outages across all their businesses.
5. Systems integration is high on the agenda
More respondents than last year reported that payroll data has been integrated with key business applications, especially when companies have a global payroll solution across all countries.
Download ADP’s 2025 global payroll survey for more in-depth analysis and learn how to maximize the potential of payroll in the months ahead.