Novo Case Study

Novo and activpayroll: 12+ Years of Payroll Partnership

Client

Highlight

12+ years of payroll support

Industry

Healthcare

Regions

APAC

Solutions

Payroll

12+ Years Payroll Partnership

130-150 Employees Supported

Across 3 Entities

Managing Workforce Growth Through an Established Payroll Model

Novo is a leading global healthcare company focused on driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity and rare disease. As its workforce and organisational structure have evolved in the region, its payroll requirements have changed alongside them.

Since January 2013, Novo and the Group of Companies have partnered with activpayroll to provide payroll support across entities in Malaysia and Singapore. Over the course of the partnership, activpayroll has supported three Novo Nordisk entities across the region, with Singapore payroll support continuing until September 2025.

In Malaysia, Novo Nordisk Pharma Malaysia has grown from 79 employees in 2013 up to 150 employees till date. Despite this increase in headcount, the underlying payroll process has remained relatively consistent, with additional employees and their information incorporated into the regular payroll cycle without significant changes to how payroll is managed.

The partnership has also included more complex payroll requirements. For several years, activpayroll supported split payments for expatriate employees, with salaries paid in both host and home country currencies. While this arrangement has since been simplified, managing this requirement was an important part of supporting Novo Nordisk's payroll needs as its workforce evolved.

For Alicia Yee, Head of P&O at Novo, flexibility, timely support and accuracy have been important throughout the relationship. Clear communication and timely payroll inputs have also helped maintain a straightforward process.

Managing Organisational Change

The partnership has also supported changes to Novo Nordisk's organisational structure and employee movements between entities.

In Malaysia, Novo previously operated two entities. Novo Nordisk Pharma Operations saw its business area reduce significantly during 2025 before ceasing operations. The remaining employees were transferred into Novo Nordisk Pharma Malaysia, with the relevant employee information incorporated into the existing payroll cycle.

The partnership also included payroll, e-leave and bank administration support in Singapore until September 2025.

A clear payroll calendar has also supported organisational changes. At the beginning of each year, dates are provided for submitting reports, receiving information for verification and releasing payments. This gives the Novo team a clear view of the information and deadlines required throughout the payroll cycle.

Keeping Pace with Changing Payroll Requirements

Local payroll requirements can change over time, and timely information is an important part of managing those changes.

The Novo team receives updates on developments including labour law and social security changes. These updates complement the information already available internally and help identify any adjustments required within payroll.

Payroll requirements have also varied across the region. In Singapore, the payroll service included monthly expatriate pension calculations, Singapore CPF processing and separate reporting requirements for different business areas.

Regular communication has helped changes to be incorporated into the payroll process as requirements evolve.

Reliable Payroll Support

For Novo, the practical value of a long-standing payroll relationship is having a process that can continue to run reliably as the organisation changes.

The payroll process generally runs without issues, giving the HR team confidence that payroll will be released on time and employees will receive their salaries as expected.

This has allowed Alicia to take a relatively hands-off approach to payroll. Having progressed from Senior HRBP to Head of P&O, she has worked alongside the payroll relationship for more than 12 years and has seen it continue through changes in both her own role and the organisation.

Results

12+ Years

Of payroll partnership with Novo

79 → 150 range

Novo Nordisk Pharma Malaysia headcount supported by activpayroll, growing from 79 employees in 2013 to 150 till date.

3 Entities

Supported across Malaysia and Singapore over the course of the partnership.

Over the course of the partnership, Novo Nordisk has been able to accommodate workforce growth, employee transfers and organisational changes within a consistent payroll framework.

For the HR team, this provides continuity as requirements change, with timely support available when adjustments are needed and less day-to-day intervention required when payroll is running as expected.

A Partnership Built on Reliability and Trust

The long-standing relationship has been underpinned by timely support, accuracy, speed and flexibility.

Over more than 12 years, these qualities have helped provide a consistent payroll service as Novo’s workforce and organisational requirements have changed.

From workforce growth and employee transfers in Malaysia to changing local requirements and payroll support for Singapore until September 2025, activpayroll has provided continuity as Novo Nordisk's regional requirements have evolved.

Global Payroll

Overcome complexity and achieve compliance to ensure employees are paid on time, every time, no matter the location.

Payroll

Global Mobility

Enable your employees to work across borders, keeping up with ever-changing laws, tax regulations and employment law.

Mobility

Global HR

Utilise our HR services to support your compliance, HR projects and gain advisory support.

Human Resources