Published on

29 Oct 2024

Since joining Popay Mauritius in 2021 as an HR and Payroll Consultant, Shaila Ragoomundun has transformed client experiences through dedicated training and support. From managing eight simultaneous payrolls to helping clients digitalize their processes, she’s known for her exceptional patience and crisis management skills, especially during the 2023 Sudan conflict.

Hello Shaila, we are eager to know more about you and your role at Popay. Can you give us a brief history of your time with the company?

Hi Asha, sure! I joined Popay in July 2021 as an HR and Payroll Consultant. At that time, Popay Mauritius was a small organization with only five staff members. Right from the start, I was involved in various projects, including one named Elper. Alongside my project work, I received training on Core HR and Payroll systems. Elper project was challenging as I had to process eight payrolls simultaneously. After completing the Elper project, I continued to take on new projects and provided ongoing support.

How did you land at Popay?

Before joining Popay, I spent about eight years in programming. I found programming quite monotonous and was looking for a change. While browsing a job board, I came across an advertisement for Popay. The name intrigued me, so I decided to apply, and here I am!

How would you describe your role at Popay?

My role involves system configuration, implementation, training, and providing client support.

What does your ideal week at Popay look like?

I work on a hybrid schedule, going to the office three times a week and working from home two days a week. My work from home days start early at 7:30 AM and usually end around 6 PM. I begin with checking emails, sorting and forwarding those that need to go to the technical department, prioritizing my tasks, preparing for meetings, and working on pending issues. Currently, I’m handling several projects, around 15.

What’s the best compliment you’ve received from a client?

Clients often tell me that I have a lot of patience. Also, whenever clients need me, I am always there for them!

One client, from Rwanda, was a quick learner and eager to understand the Popay system. I trained her through the system thoroughly. When the project went live, during the last meeting, in front of the Director, she praised me a lot and mentioned that with my rigorous training, she was able to use the system effectively.

How do you empower your customers?

I provide support and training to my customers. I also helped one client from Burundi, for the transition from paper-based processes to digital systems. She was so used to paper works and was the only one doing HR and payroll herself. She had significant difficulties adapting to digitalization, so I invested around six months in her training, paying attention to minor details. Eventually, she was able to use the system confidently.

What do you like about working at Popay?

In my previous work, I worked like a robot. At Popay, there is less job pressure, I can work calmly. I appreciate the sense of satisfaction that comes from my work. Timely payroll processing so that each and every employee on our systems receive their salary on time to meet their financial commitments. I like the management style of Popay.

Can you share a moment of satisfaction you’ve experienced at Popay?

One significant experience was working with a client in Sudan. I started working with them in January 2022, collaborating with the HR and Payroll Manager. Later in 2023, there was a devastating crisis in the country when a war broke out, and their operations were severely disrupted. The Manager’s laptop was stolen. Many people had to flee the country to relocate to other countries. To ensure he could leave Sudan, the Manager needed urgent help to process backdated payrolls for all his staff. I stepped in immediately and processed all their payrolls myself, ensuring they received their payslips in time. Some employees even needed their payroll in USD. We worked till late at night to complete everything on time to allow the smooth transition of those employees.

What steps do you take to ensure the system runs smoothly?

I make sure the system is bug-free by the end of the month to facilitate smooth and timely salary processing.

What motivates you to work?

Colleagues, Director, customers who are easy going!