Automating payroll processes supports Krifa’s values in practice
By switching to Paychex Europe’s cloud-based solutions, Lessor Payroll and Lessor Workforce, Krifa’s payroll administration has gained significantly more flexibility. The high level of automation and user-friendliness in the solutions also supports Krifa’s core value: People first.
Summary
With 185,000 members and 530 employees, Krifa is one of Denmark’s largest cross-disciplinary trade unions. The organization traces its roots back to 1899 and is founded on Christian values. Krifa works to promote dialogue and job satisfaction — and supports individuals through every stage of working life.
Krifa’s efforts are measurable: for three consecutive years, Krifa has been named Denmark’s best unemployment insurance fund based on customer service, and ranked as the third-best trade union by LoyaltyGroup.
Digitalization backed by strong values
Employees are at the center of everything. This is reflected in the culture, the aesthetic architecture of the workplace, and the strong focus on continuously automating and simplifying work processes.
“Our values are visible — they are displayed as wall decorations in our buildings. And we live by them every day,” says Lone Jensen, Payroll and HR Consultant at Krifa. “For example, we meet every morning to sing by the piano because it builds community. But our values are also reflected in our choice of IT solutions. We prioritize efficient and modern processes — especially within payroll administration.”
Having consistent and synchronized data across payroll and time registration has given us great freedom in our work and better insight into our data. At the same time, security, GDPR, and legal changes are handled automatically. That is a major strength of 100% integrated solutions
– Lone Jensen, Payroll and HR Consultant at Krifa
From paper-based processes to digital solutions
Lone Jensen has worked at Krifa for more than 30 years and has experienced the digital transformation first-hand.
“Before 2009, many processes were paper-based. We had a custom-built database for time registration and an HR system that was no longer maintained. The payroll system worked, but when we were introduced to Paychex Europe’s integrated solutions, it made sense to bring everything together.”
Lessor Payroll in the cloud:
Freedom, security, and self-service
In 2023, Krifa took the next step and moved payroll to the cloud. The transition was fast and smooth between two payroll runs.
“Efficient operations and employee satisfaction go hand in hand. That’s why a cloud solution was a natural choice. We have full control — while Lessor Payroll frees up resources and gives us greater flexibility. We no longer need to maintain local servers. We also avoid manual updates and integrations with, for example, SKAT and CPR, because processes are automated. We benefit from automatic date management and flexible payroll scheduling. All of this prevents errors and slow processes without compromise. We have full flexibility to adjust the setup ourselves and create new pay components,” says Lone Jensen.
“The system also supports our flexible salary packages and employee benefits program, where employees can choose benefits such as extra days off, paid internet, or savings. Pension solutions are also flexible — and everything is handled easily within the system,” adds Katrine Wilkenschildt, Payroll Administrator at Krifa.
Lessor Workforce: Ready for new legal requirements
In spring 2025, time registration was also moved to the cloud — partly to meet the new working time registration requirements introduced in 2024.
“Previously, we only registered absence because all employees are salaried staff. But with the new regulations, we needed a user-friendly and reliable solution. In Lessor Workforce, employees can register working hours quickly and accurately. It integrates smoothly with the payroll system, and data is transferred between systems via API,” explains Lone Jensen.
“Lessor Workforce also offers an app, so employees can easily register time via mobile. It has to be easy — otherwise it becomes a barrier to getting all 600 employees, including our local boards, to register,” adds Katrine Wilkenschildt.
“Having consistent and synchronized data across payroll and time registration has given us great freedom in our work and better insight into our data. At the same time, security, GDPR, and legal changes are handled automatically. That is a major strength of 100% integrated solutions,” says Lone Jensen.
A partnership in continuous development
“Paychex Europe delivers stable solutions and fast support. We have been a customer for 16 years and have experienced that support has improved significantly — we receive quick and thorough answers. There is also a great opportunity to find answers ourselves through the many guides available directly in the system,” says Lone Jensen.
She also highlights the value of participating in Paychex Europe’s customer network group:
“I exchange knowledge with other companies and gain inspiration for how the solution can be adapted. Danish payroll is complex, and we share a common interest in minimizing manual errors. The network is open and valuable.”
For organizations considering similar solutions, Lone has clear advice:
“Start by defining your needs. Explore which solutions fit your organization — and be thorough in checking integration possibilities and implementation. It is important that everything works from the start and that data flows seamlessly across systems. Choose a vendor you trust — and who responds quickly. You will need that.”
About Krifa
Krifa is a cross-disciplinary unemployment insurance fund and trade union with 185,000 members across industries. The organization traces its roots back to the late 1800s and works to promote job satisfaction and well-being. Krifa employs 530 people and has a local presence across Denmark.
