Category: HM Digest

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HumanManager Champions Data-Driven HR to Shape Workplace Culture 

From July 29–30, our team proudly showcased how technology can transform workplace culture at the 11th ICTEL Expo, hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). 

The event brought together leaders in tech, business, and policy to explore how innovation is driving Africa’s digital economy. At our booth, we engaged with key stakeholders, demonstrating how data-driven HR can enhance employee experience, boost performance, and align people strategies with organisational goals. 

In his media interview during the Expo, our MD, Udy Ngele, stressed that while technology will keep evolving, the challenge of retaining high-performing employees remains. 

“Organisations must use data to understand and respond to workforce needs, build strong cultures, and reward excellence. A transparent and human-centred workplace is essential for long-term growth,” he shared. 

Udy also spoke about the importance of automating HR processes, from onboarding to payroll, backed by actionable insights. He reminded organisations that culture is shaped by deliberate choices, not chance, and urged leaders to combine technology with empathy to build workplaces where people thrive. 

From startups to large enterprises, our solutions are helping organisations create inclusive, high-trust environments that connect employee experience with business outcomes. 

We also took pride in being part of a platform that showcased how far Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has come. Reflecting on his career, Udy recalled a time when the tools and training for local tech adoption were scarce.

“Today, more young professionals are making smoother transitions into tech — and that’s real progress.” 

HumanManager has powered HR and payroll for diverse sectors and businesses. Its features include Employee management, Payroll, Leave management, Expense management, Performance, Learning management system, Financial Service, as well as Payroll Outsourcing services. 

The two-day Expo featured keynote speeches, panel sessions, startup pitches, and networking with top leaders like Lagos State’s Commissioner for Innovation, NIPOST’s Postmaster General, NCC’s EVC, and NIMC’s DG. 

As we look ahead, we remain committed to building locally adaptable, intelligent HR solutions that help African businesses manage talent efficiently and equitably. This is how we’ll continue shaping the future of work with innovation, inclusion, and impact. 

Driving Innovation in HR & Business Solutions 

L–R: Marketing Manager, HumanManager Limited, Deborah Eke; Managing Director, HumanManager Limited, Udy Ngele; Lead, Brands and Marketing, SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, Tosin Areo; and Business Development Manager, HML, Opeyemi Olutan, at the 11th edition of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry ICTEL Expo, held in Lagos, Wednesday. 

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HumanManager is Showcasing the Future of Work at ICTEL EXPO 2025 

We’re stepping out. And we’re doing it big. 

We will be LIVE as the 11th ICTEL EXPO kicks off on July 29th & 30th at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. Not just exhibiting but showing what the future of HR tech looks like when built through the lens of people, possibility, and Africa-first innovation. 

With the theme “Leveraging Technology for Innovation and Development in Africa,” this year’s event couldn’t be more aligned with our mission. From our early days solving payroll headaches to building smarter, people-centered tools for managing leave, expenses, compliance, and embedded finance, we’ve always believed that great workplaces start with intentional systems.

What to Expect 

We’ll be hosting live demos, sharing product updates, and connecting directly with business leaders, decision-makers, and tech enthusiasts who want to simplify how they manage their workforce. 

Also, we’ll be taking the main stage to share the story of how we’ve evolved from a bold innovation inside SystemSpecs to becoming a standalone company driving change across industries. 

It’s an opportunity to show how we’re helping organisations: 

✅Build resilience with intelligent HR systems 

✅ Align people and purpose 

✅ Turn workforce data into smarter decisions 

✅ Support the realities of modern work in Africa 

More Than Just Tech 

“In today’s workplace, technology must move beyond automation – it must enable trust, insight, and empowerment at scale. At HumanManager, we are engineering not just systems, but platforms of possibility – where data becomes decisions, and people become purpose-aligned assets in shaping the future of work. This is more than HR tech. It is about building institutional resilience and unlocking the full potential of our continent’s workforce,” says our Managing Director, Mr. Udo Ngele. 

For us, it’s not just about writing code or pushing product updates. But shaping how people experience work from the first day on the job to their biggest career wins. 

We’ve seen what’s possible when African talent meets bold thinking. We’re now turning that belief into tools that help teams not only work better and thrive.

Join Us at ICTEL 

Venue: Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, VI, Lagos 

Date: July 29–30, 2025 

Time: 9AM–6PM daily 

If you’ll be attending (or know someone who is), stop by our booth. Ask questions. Explore what’s new. And see how we’re helping reshape HR for Africa one innovation at a time. 

Because we don’t just build HR software. We build tools that help people feel seen, supported, and empowered to do great work. 

Join our growing LinkedIn community: The HR Growth Circle for more insights, updates, and conversations. 

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Future-Ready HR: Equipping Students with Practical Skills That Matter

HumanManager partners with UNILAG to shape tomorrow’s workforce.

As the workplace evolves at breakneck speed, the demand for agile, tech-savvy, and people-focused HR professionals has never been more urgent. At HumanManager, we’re not just observing this shift; we’re helping to drive it by investing in the next generation of talent.

Our partnership with the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one of the ways we’re closing the gap between academic knowledge and practical, industry-ready HR skills.

In our most recent engagement, we trained about 200 300-level students through an interactive, hands-on session that went beyond the classroom. These future professionals explored real-world HR processes, from payroll outsourcing and performance tracking to digital records and leave management, using the same software HR teams rely on.

Our team didn’t just demonstrate the HumanManager features. We brought real insight into what it takes to manage people and systems effectively in a tech-driven workplace. The feedback? About 200 students left more informed, confident, and empowered to pursue impactful HR careers.

At HumanManager, we believe that building tomorrow’s workforce starts today, by showing up, sharing what we know, and inspiring the kind of curiosity and confidence that goes beyond theory.

Learn more about our services at Explore more at www.humanmanager.net

Because we don’t just build HR software. We build people. Keep the momentum going, join our community – The HR Growth Circle.

Be part of a community of future-minded professionals, mentors, and learners shaping the world of work together.

🔗 Join here

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The Power of Mission, Vision, and Values in Building a Strategic Framework 

By Opeyemi Olutan 

In today’s fast-evolving business environment, particularly in Nigeria, there is no gainsaying that the success of any organisation largely hinges on its ability to build and integrate a solid strategic framework. Central to this framework are three powerful elements: mission, vision, and values, which not only define its essence but also serve as the guiding principles that shape its culture and long-term goals. 

The company’s mission articulates its purpose, stating why it exists and the problems it seeks to solve. HumanManager, a leading HR and payroll company in Nigeria, has a clear goal: “To simplify and optimise human resource processes while driving efficiency and accuracy in payroll management”. By helping businesses focus on their core activities rather than the administrative burden of HR operations, HumanManager ensures its clients can thrive. 

On the other hand, the vision defines the organisation’s aspirational future. It paints a picture of where the company wants to be and is a source of inspiration for its employees and stakeholders. HumanManager’s vision could be “To become the go-to HR and payroll solutions provider across Africa, offering innovative tools that align with the continent’s dynamic business needs”. 

However, the mission and vision alone are insufficient without values. Values represent the organisation’s core beliefs and principles. It defines how the company conducts business and interacts with its stakeholders. For HumanManager, values such as integrity, customer-centricity, innovation, and excellence are critical. These values help build customers’ trust and differentiate the company. 

Relating this to the Nigerian business space, organisations often face unique challenges such as regulatory complexities, fluctuating economic conditions, and talent retention struggles. For a company like HumanManager, aligning its mission, vision, and values with the needs of Nigerian businesses is critical. For instance, its payroll solution addresses the pain points of compliance with Nigerian labour laws and tax regulations, ensuring businesses stay compliant. 

Despite the importance of mission, vision, and values, a key principle from Luke 14:28 underscores the need for careful planning: “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” This biblical wisdom applies directly to building a strategic framework. For businesses, it means being realistic about their resources and capabilities before embarking on ambitious projects. 

This principle is evident in HumanManager’s approach to product development. Before launching new modules or features, the company invests in research to understand its customers’ needs. By counting the cost and ensuring readiness, HumanManager then delivers solutions that add real value, avoiding the pitfalls of half-baked implementations. 

In the Nigerian context, where many businesses operate with limited resources, companies must evaluate whether they have the financial, human, and technological resources to execute their strategies. Without this, they risk building a foundation they cannot complete, leading to wasted effort and lost credibility. 

Another aspect of building a strategic framework is ensuring internal and external alignment with the mission, vision, and values. Client loyalty is better achieved when companies deliver products and services to their target markets which are fully a reflection of the image they seek to project.

Moreover, the power of a clear mission, vision, and strong values extends to attracting and retaining talent. HumanManager’s commitment to excellence and innovation not only enhances its reputation but also ensures it attracts top talent who are motivated to contribute to the company’s success. 

Building a strategic framework also requires adaptability to technological advancements and shifting market dynamics. For HumanManager, staying true to its mission, vision, and values while adapting to these changes is key. Whether it is integrating new technology or responding to client feedback, the company remains flexible without compromising its core principles. 

In conclusion, mission, vision, and values are the cornerstones of any successful strategic framework. For companies like HumanManager operating in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, these elements provide direction, inspire trust, and drive sustainable growth. However, as Luke 14:28 reminds us, planning and preparation are equally important.  

As HumanManager continues to empower African businesses with cutting-edge HR and payroll solutions, its unwavering commitment to its mission, vision, and values serves as a powerful example for others to follow and remain focused, resilient, and ready to achieve greatness. 

See how aligning your mission, vision, and values can boost your success. Explore our solutions at https://www.humanmanager.net and start your journey today…?

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Tips to Stay Ahead in 2025 

By Olakunle Yusuff

As we approach the end of the year, it is common practice for individuals and organisations to reflect on the journey so far and set their sights on the opportunities ahead. Organisations usually plan strategies that maximise employee potential and align individual contributions with broader goals, while individuals redefine their goals and position themselves as indispensable assets in their workplace. 

Whether you’re an employer or an employee, 2025 presents a fresh canvas to stand out and make a lasting impact. To do this, you must focus on the following: 

  1. Embrace Lifelong Learning 

Continuously upskill to stay relevant in your field by learning digital skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation tools and soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration.  

Take advantage of online learning platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or company training programs. Also, volunteer to be a part of impromptu projects within the organisation. This allows you to work with that person that you admire their skills.  

  1. Prioritise Adaptability 

No doubt, the pace of change in technology and business models will accelerate. Therefore, be open to learning and adopting new tools, workflows, and roles. You must show flexibility in taking on cross-functional tasks or projects. Be on top of the changes that are going on in your industry and share what you know with others. 

  1. Leverage Technology 

Master tools that enhance productivity, collaboration, and innovation. Automation is now the order of the day, which automation tools are you learning and mastering in 2025? What automation tool is available to make your current job role easier and ultimately more enjoyable? Find it, learn it, master it. 

  1. Focus on Impact 

Identify ways your role contributes to organisational success and align your work with the company’s goals and measurable outcomes. Also, regularly report and celebrate milestones achieved.  

5. Cultivate a Personal Brand 

This is one that many do or have not given a thought. A strong professional identity sets you apart. Build an online presence on LinkedIn or industry-specific platforms. Join industry-specific groups, participate in discussions, ask relevant questions and share thought leadership content, such as articles, tips, or case studies. 

6. Foster Strong Relationships 

Network within and outside your organisation. The easiest way to start this is by seeking and offering mentorship to others. Attending virtual and in-person industry and social events to expand your connections to get in the mix of what’s going on. If you can afford it, join a social club; while it is good for business, it also might be good for your well-being. 

7. Prioritize Wellness  

Incorporate wellness practices to stay productive and maintain mental health. Pay attention to what you eat and drink, set boundaries for work hours, participate in wellness programs and adopt mindfulness techniques. Now is the time to have your physician on the speed dial, especially if you are over 40. 

8. Be Proactive and Innovative 

Take the initiative to solve problems and improve processes. regularly suggest ideas for efficiency or innovation. Stay informed about trends and propose how they can benefit your team. 

9. Develop Leadership Skills 

Employers value employees who can lead projects and inspire teams. Again, volunteer for leadership opportunities in projects. Take courses in conflict resolution, team management, and strategic thinking. These are soft skills that you would find helpful even outside of the workplace. 

By focusing on these areas, you will thrive in your role and position yourself as an asset in a rapidly evolving workplace. Which of these strategies would you like to explore? You do not have to do all the above at once; it is a process that you should enjoy as you strive to be and do better in 2025.

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Prioritizing self-care on busy days 

By Olakunle Yusuff 

Let’s face it, even with flexible work structures—remote, hybrid, full-time, part time, and others—you sometimes feel overwhelmed and casually say, “I am tired.” It is familiar, right? We live in a fast-paced world such that balancing work, family, recreation, and others, often leaves little or no time for self-care.  

Here are four effective strategies to prioritise self-care, even on your busiest days, and maintain a balanced state of physical and mental health:

1.) Regular Exercises 

 Exercising is one of the best ways to keep high energy levels and reduce stress. A brisk walk, short run, or home workout—regular physical activity boosts mood, improves focus, and helps manage stress. An early morning or break time session of 20-30 minutes’ walk around your neighborhood or office block may just be what makes the difference. Make exercise a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. 

2.) Meditation Break 

Meditation breaks, no matter how short, can help you reset and stay relaxed or focused. A 5-minute session of mindfulness or deep breathing can clear your mind and reduce anxiety. These moments allow you to step away from the chaos and return to your tasks with a refreshed mindset. Breaks such as this may be most useful at the peak of your workload or start of day.  

3.) Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones 

Spending time with family or friends helps you to decompress, share your thoughts, and feel supported. A brief phone call to a loved one during work hours or even a shared meal can uplift your spirits. Take advantage of lunch break to engage in non-work-related conversation. It is important to remember that meaningful relationships are part of what keeps you grounded. 

4) Personal Time 

Do you have me time? Are you hard, fast, and disciplined with it? Enclosing yourself in your library to read a non-work-related book or exploring your hobbies could be the tonic that gives you that mental or physical relief. Plan your me time ahead, make it regular, and be consistent. 

To achieve great physical and mental well-being, it is important that you are intentional about your work-life balance. A plan to exercise, meditate, socialise with friends and family, and most importantly, having your me time must be a priority. 

Olakunle Yusuff is the Brand & Marketing Lead at HumanManager Limited. He shares his personal fitness journey with anyone who is looking to stay fit or seeking accountability partners. 

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HumanManager Limited Champions Innovation at Kogi State Stakeholders Forum 

Ademiluyi addressing the Forum

Managing Director of HumanManager Limited (HML), Adekunbi Ademiluyi, at a pivotal Public and Private Stakeholders’ Strategic Engagement Meeting, held in Kogi State, stressed the importance of collaboration and long-term commitment to fostering innovation and development within the State.  

Organized recently by the Kogi State Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, the event was focused on developing a roadmap and policy for public and private partnerships.  

Ademiluyi who represented the SystemSpecs Group Managing Director, John Tani Obaro, highlighted HumanManager’s extensive experience in partnering with financial technology services and key stakeholders across various sectors in Nigeria. 

She noted the company’s numerous awards and involvement in scholarship programs and educational partnerships, stressing the significance of starting from the grassroots level, particularly focusing on children and education.  

“We are here for the long haul and not just making speeches. It starts with us and with our children,” she added. 

Emphasising the unique geographical advantage of Kogi State, the only state in Nigeria with ten local borders, and the potential for establishing transportation hubs and innovation zones, she queried: “Are we ensuring that there is a transportation hub, not just interstate, but intercountry as well?”  

The event concluded with a call for continuous collaboration and mentorship. “We hope that as we are having this conversation, you will guide us and let us know how we can work together,” Ademiluyi said. 

HumanManager, a member of the SystemSpecs Group, is a leading provider of innovative solutions for human capital management, payment, and identity management. Our mission is to empower organisations with the tools they need to achieve their strategic goals and drive sustainable growth. 

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Reinventing HR Processes in the Digital Era 

At the HR Tech Playground in Ghana recently, HumanManager in partnership with HR Focus and MTN Ghana, shared insights on the theme “Reinventing HR processes in the digital era”. The event provided a platform to discuss the revolutionary changes taking place in the HR landscape and the unprecedented opportunities that come with it. 

Our conversation focused on the challenges faced in traditional HR processes, emphasising the need for a comprehensive digital solution that can adapt and scale with organisational needs. The spotlight was on our innovative HR Information System (HRIS) and payroll software, designed to address these challenges head-on. 

HumanManager was highlighted for its ability to streamline administrative tasks, reduce errors, and free up HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. Additionally, it centralises all HR data, providing a sole source of truth and actionable insights. The software is also automatically updated to reflect the latest labour laws and regulations, ensuring compliance management. 

Looking ahead, innovation now borders on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance predictive analytics for talent management, blockchain for ensuring data security and transparency, and mobile-first solutions to cater to the increasing workforce.  

A commitment was made to stay ahead of the curve, and continuously improve HumanManager to meet the evolving needs of employees and employers alike.  

At the event, we highlighted how HumanManager HR and Payroll software is setting the pace in digital HR through its comprehensive solution to the challenges faced using traditional HR processes. The engaging session received positive feedback and sparked meaningful discussions on the future of HR management systems. 

Want to transform your HR processes? Visit www.humanmanager.net or contact us here for a demo. 

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‘Identity management crucial for financial inclusion’ – Adekunbi Ademiluyi 

Adekunbi Ademiluyi, Managing Director of HumanManager Limited (HML), a leading provider of human resources management solutions in Africa, has stressed the need for a holistic Identity Management System (IMS) to achieve financial inclusion. 

She said this as a Keynote Speaker at the inaugural Nigeria Fintech and Financial Inclusion Roundtable held recently in Lagos, Nigeria.  

According to EFInA, a UK government-backed firm dedicated to deepening financial inclusion in Nigeria, the percentage of adult Nigerians with formal financial services – including bank accounts, insurance, and mobile money – rose to 64 percent in 2023 from 56 percent in 2020. However, only 52 percent of Nigerians have a bank account, as poverty continues to hinder a more comprehensive adoption. 

Against this backdrop, the inaugural Nigeria Fintech and Financial Inclusion Roundtable was convened to explore innovative solutions and strategies for advancing financial inclusion as Nigeria is yet to achieve its 2024 goal of getting 95 percent of its population banked. 

The event featured keynote speakers and panellists including our Managing Director, Adekunbi Ademiluyi; GMD and Chief Executive Officer, Unified Payment Services Limited, Dr Agada Apochi; Head of Group Communications, Security Exchange Commission, Mrs Joy Utubo; and Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange, Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga. 

Ademiluyi underscored the significance of identity management in achieving financial inclusion while establishing HumanManager’s innovative Employee Information System (EIS) and financial services.  

She said: “Financial inclusion begins with identity. Once an individual’s identity is established, a financial account can be opened in their name. When people are integrated into an identity management system through fintech, their money can be securely circulated within the system, promoting greater financial access and inclusion.” 

Adekunbi further emphasised the need for collaboration between banks and fintechs, saying it can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and ultimately deliver better financial service to customers.   

“Initially, banks attempted to compete with fintechs, but they have since realised that collaboration is the way forward. By working together, fintechs can continue to reach out to individuals and facilitate account openings,” she added. 

She also described how HumanManager has played a major part in improving people welfare and their financial empowerment. “We offer freemium solutions on our app such that anyone can learn to improve their welfare.” 

In his keynote address, Dr. Agada Apochi stated that financial inclusion is closely knitted with economic status and only those who are economically empowered can be financially included.  

“We cannot sustain the impact of financial inclusion without prioritising economic inclusion. Beyond achieving individual or organisational economic growth, we can lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty by including them economically and financially” he said. 

The inaugural Nigeria Fintech and Financial Inclusion Roundtable fostered a collaborative environment where industry experts and stakeholders engaged in constructive dialogue and explored innovative strategies to drive financial inclusion in Nigeria.  

As the country continues its journey towards achieving comprehensive financial inclusion, the insights and recommendations gleaned from this event will undoubtedly catalyse positive change, ultimately empowering millions of Nigerians to access financial services and participate fully in the nation’s economic growth.

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HumanManager’s Adekunbi Ademiluyi shares insights into closing the gaps and advancing inclusion for African women 

In a recent interview, our Managing Director, Adekunbi Ademiluyi, discussed the challenges faced by African women in leadership, education, and their overall experiences. Despite some progress, African women still encounter some obstacles hindering their growth.  

Adekunbi emphasised the gender disparity in leadership roles across Africa, attributing it to cultural practices, gender stereotypes, and limited legal protection. To address this, efforts must focus on challenging these practices, promoting equality, and empowering women for leadership roles. 

Education accessibility is a fundamental right, yet girls and women in Africa face obstacles due to insecurity, traditional beliefs, and limited resources, especially in regions like Northern Nigeria.  

Overcoming these issues requires investing in educational infrastructure, providing scholarships, and challenging norms inhibiting girls’ education. Equal education access empowers African women to contribute significantly to their communities and nations. 

Furthermore, Adekunbi highlighted the gender pay gap, where women, including self-employed individuals, earn 34% less than men. Policies and legislation promoting equal pay are crucial in addressing this disparity. Awareness and education about the gender pay gap are also essential, along with fostering workplace cultures that value equality. 

Adekunbi also addressed gender-based violence, stressing the need for regulation and inclusion of women in financial services. Central Banks in Africa have begun initiatives like agency banking to include more women. Expanding these efforts and creating safe environments can empower African women to overcome challenges. 

Overall, concerted efforts are needed to empower African women. By challenging cultural norms, promoting equality, investing in education, addressing the pay gap, and combating gender-based violence, African women can reach their full potential. Collaboration between governments, organisations, and individuals is crucial to create an equitable society where African women thrive and contribute to development.  

Watch the full interview on News Central TV Here  

Adekunbi Ademiluyi is the first female Managing Director of HumanManager, and also an Executive Director of SystemSpecs Group. Her expertise spans over two decades in Financial and Information Technology, Banking, Human Resources Management and Data Management. Follow HumanManager on Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook and X