written by About Bayer in Romania
Bayer is one of the leading companies in the life sciences sector, with a strong presence of over 25 years on the Romanian market. The company’s activity is focused on three main areas: agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and consumer health products. With a vast portfolio of innovative solutions and a firm commitment to sustainability, Bayer plays a key role in the development of the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors in Romania. Currently, the company has over 250 employees locally and continues to expand its operations, investing in modern technologies and strategic partnerships to support progress in its areas of activity.
Initial Challenges and Reasons for Outsourcing
Before partnering with Smartree, Bayer’s team faced difficulties in managing payroll and personnel administration. Payslips were delivered in PDF format, making them hard to verify, and data was transmitted via email, in a format difficult to track. The timekeeping system was not integrated with the payroll system, which meant that tracking worked days and leave was done manually, using an internal platform lacking essential features. Leave requests were collected on paper, without a digital archiving solution.
In addition to these difficulties, the previous provider did not offer a digital module for personnel file management or an automatic notification system for important documents and events such as ID expiry, probation periods, or required employee certificates. Moreover, employees did not have access to a self-service portal to check their contract history, payslips, or available leave days, which led to frequent requests to the HR department. Over time, these issues caused delays, errors, and additional workload for the HR team.
For Bayer, outsourcing payroll and personnel administration became a necessity. Efficient payroll management and the elimination of fiscal or legal risks were essential objectives, especially in a context where labor laws and tax regulations change frequently. Furthermore, transitioning to a modern digital system provided the guarantee of a faster, more accurate, and more accessible process for all employees. Thus, Bayer chose Smartree as a trusted partner to improve and streamline these processes.
Why Smartree?
Bayer’s decision to choose Smartree as a partner for payroll and personnel administration was based on several factors. First, the team’s expertise and ability to ensure continuous legal compliance were essential aspects. Internal management of these processes had become increasingly difficult, and the risk of errors could have had significant consequences.
Additionally, Smartree provided access to modern software solutions that not only automate payroll but also enhance transparency and efficiency. By implementing integrated systems, all necessary information is now centralized and easily accessible, eliminating repetitive administrative tasks. Throughout the collaboration, Smartree has continuously adapted and improved its services, responding promptly to legislative changes and Bayer’s needs.
Results and Tangible Benefits
The collaboration with Smartree brought visible improvements within the first few months. The payroll process became more accurate, eliminating errors that could previously occur. Data is now managed in a modern system that is easy to access and verify, significantly reducing the time allocated to payroll administration.
For the HR team, outsourcing this process allowed for a reorganization of activities, enabling more time to be dedicated to strategic initiatives such as recruitment, professional development, and enhancing organizational culture. Automation significantly reduced manual tasks, enabling more efficient resource management. This increased efficiency is the result of a long-term partnership built on trust and performance, which this year celebrates 10 years of success.
Impact on Employees
One of the biggest changes was in the employee experience, as they now benefit from a self-service system where they can quickly access their salary history, contracts, and available leave days. There is no longer a need to contact HR for every inquiry, making the entire process faster and more efficient.
Whenever there were questions or uncertainties regarding salary calculation, tax withholdings, or other financial matters, the Smartree team provided prompt support and detailed explanations, contributing to a better understanding of the payroll process.
A Partnership Based on Efficiency and Tailored Solutions
Throughout the partnership, Bayer has appreciated the collaboration with Smartree as efficient and solution-oriented. The support provided was consistent and tailored to the company’s needs, which strengthened the relationship between the two teams. Whether it was about optimizing existing processes or integrating new technological solutions, Smartree demonstrated flexibility and commitment in delivering quality services.
Bayer’s Recommendation for Other Companies
Looking back, the Bayer team considers outsourcing payroll and personnel administration to be a beneficial strategic decision.
“Choosing a partner who understands the industry’s specifics and provides tailored solutions is essential. At the same time, the provider must use platforms with fast access to information and reports,” said Lavinia Stupariu, HR Specialist at Bayer.
“We are honored to collaborate with Bayer, a benchmark name in the Romanian market, constantly expanding. We appreciate the trust given throughout the 10 years of partnership, and we remain committed to continuing to offer strategic support tailored to the company’s needs. We believe a solid partnership is based on mutual learning and continuous development, and our goal remains to be a trusted ally for Bayer,” said Carmen Smeu, Chief Operating Officer at Smartree.
About Smartree
Smartree is a market leader in payroll and personnel administration outsourcing services in Romania. With 25 years of experience, Smartree offers comprehensive solutions to optimize HR processes, helping companies save time and resources.
The Smartree team includes over 100 professionals and uses proprietary, state-of-the-art software platforms to provide integrated payroll, personnel administration, and HR consulting services.
Thanks to its expertise and personalized approach, Smartree has strengthened its market position, with an extensive portfolio that includes both multinational companies and local organizations, all benefiting from solutions tailored to their specific needs.
