3 OKR examples for Payroll Automation

What are Payroll Automation OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.

To aid you in setting your goals, we have compiled a collection of OKR examples customized for Payroll Automation. Take a look at the templates below for inspiration and guidance.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Building your own Payroll Automation OKRs with AI

How to create great OKRs for any scenario in seconds

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

1. Go to Tability's plan editor
2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
3. Use natural language to describe your goals

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

How to improve existing OKRs with AI feedback

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

1. Go to Tability's plan editor
2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
3. Click on "Generate analysis"

Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Our Payroll Automation OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Payroll Automation Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1. OKRs to streamline and optimize the payroll process

ObjectiveStreamline and optimize the payroll process
KRImplement automated payroll software by reducing manual entry by 50%
Train employees on utilization and benefits of the software
Select suitable automated payroll software for the company
Gradually transition from manual entry to automated system
KRDecrease processing time by 20% through improved payroll system efficiency
Identify bottlenecks in the current payroll system
Train staff on efficient payroll system practices
Implement automation for repetitive payroll tasks
KREnsure 100% accuracy in payroll calculations and payments each cycle
Implement double-checking system for payroll calculations
Train staff on accurate payroll processing
Regularly update and review payroll software

Use template

2. OKRs to streamline human resources tasks including payroll and work permits

ObjectiveStreamline human resources tasks including payroll and work permits
KRDigitize 90% of human resources documents using automation software
Convert 90% of HR documents using automation software
Train HR staff to use digitization automation software
Select appropriate software for automating document digitization
KRAchieve a 100% success rate in obtaining work permits for necessary employees
Prepare accurate and complete application packages
Track permit application progress timely
Ensure eligibility requirements are met by all employees
KRCut payroll process time by 30% with new software integration
Train staff on new software utilization
Implement and monitor software efficiency regularly
Identify and procure suitable payroll processing software

automation streamlining hr-specialist payroll-officer human-resources payroll-processing

Use template

3. OKRs to optimize payroll process for efficiency

ObjectiveOptimize payroll process for efficiency
KRReduce manual payroll processes by 40% to minimize human error
Implement automated payroll software system in the company
Train HR employees on using the new software
Monitor and adjust software for efficiency
KRIncrease payroll automation by 50% for enhanced productivity
Evaluate and adjust operations for continuous improvement
Train staff members on new automated payroll systems
Research and select advanced payroll automation software
KRAchieve 30% reduction in payroll processing time by improving workflow
Implementing automated payroll software or system
Identify and eliminate redundant payroll processing steps
Train staff on efficient payroll processing procedures

payroll-automation efficiency hr-employees staff-members hr-team operations-team

Use template

Payroll Automation OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Payroll Automation OKRs

Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
It will highlight poorly set OKRs
It will surface execution risks
It improves transparency and accountability

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Payroll Automation OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.