Meraki People and ELMO

As People & Culture specialists, Meraki People have extensive experience with various HR automation software. Through real-world application, the MK People team has found ELMO to be, without a doubt, the most user-friendly, intuitive, and scalable solution available.

Not only are Meraki People proud to partner with ELMO, but they are also one of the select few trusted ELMO resellers. This means you can count on their team to support you every step of the way—from start to finish.

When Marika Kelly, the founder and director of MK People, first encountered ELMO, she was working as Head of People and Culture at a mid-sized organisation, overseeing the implementation of a new HR system.

Faced with the challenge of finding an HR Information System (HRIS) that could streamline her team’s workload, Marika took a thorough approach. “I did my due diligence, researched the market, and narrowed it down to two options. ELMO was one of them,” she shared. Ultimately, she selected ELMO, and it wasn’t just the software features that won her over – it was the hands-on support and commitment from the ELMO team.

Through this initial experience, Marika gained a firsthand understanding of the value ELMO could offer businesses. “The implementation support we received was phenomenal,” she recalled, singling out ELMO’s commitment to delivering more than just a ‘plug-and-play’ system. Working with their implementation consultant, Marika found that ELMO’s onboarding went beyond just the basics. “It was about getting real, practical results, and their team was invested in making sure we succeeded,” she said.

Little did she know at the time that this experience would set the foundation for a much deeper partnership that would come to play a central role in her own business journey with MK People.

When Marika launched MK People, a consultancy focused on helping companies develop strong, positive workplace cultures, she recognised a familiar challenge faced by many of her clients.

“Most of our clients are so bogged down with the administrative part of HR that they never get to work on the cultural elements that truly matter,” she explained. This was when she realised the transformative potential that ELMO’s platform could bring to her clients, helping them automate routine processes so they could refocus on high-impact cultural initiatives.

Reconnecting with ELMO, Marika learned about their partner program, which allows consultancy firms like MK People to recommend ELMO to their clients. What stood out to her was ELMO’s approach to partnership, which placed the client experience front and centre.

“Unlike other HR providers who approached me with a focus on the financials – how much we’d make from partnering – ELMO’s team was focused on delivering a positive, seamless experience for clients. It felt like a true partnership rather than just a transactional arrangement,” Marika shared.

As her relationship with ELMO grew, Marika quickly discovered that this commitment was genuine. The ELMO team worked with her directly, ensuring she had the tools and resources necessary to offer her clients a smooth, supported experience. “We could get clients onboarded without the usual headaches, knowing they’d be looked after right from day one,” she noted.

This confidence in ELMO’s customer support has allowed MK People to build stronger, long-lasting relationships with clients, as they know they’re introducing them to a comprehensive solution backed by a highly engaged support team.

The partnership between MK People and ELMO soon began showing benefits for MK People in unexpected ways. “The impact of the partnership has been immense, opening up new revenue streams and opportunities that I hadn’t initially foreseen,” Marika said.

From what began as a solo consulting venture, MK People has now grown to a team of six people in just two years, a success story that Marika attributes largely to her relationship with ELMO.

“Our partnership with ELMO has been a major driver in our growth and has allowed us to support clients in ways we never could have before.”

Marika’s journey with ELMO also evolved from simply recommending the platform to becoming one of ELMO’s certified resellers. This transition expanded MK People’s service offering significantly, positioning them not only as consultants but as a full-fledged HR tech solutions provider.

This shift allowed MK People to support clients from initial strategic discussions to full HRIS implementation, adding value across multiple stages of the HR transformation process. “Now we don’t just recommend ELMO; we can implement it, train on it, and offer ongoing support, which creates a much more holistic experience for our clients,” Marika explained.

Currently, revenue generated from ELMO related services – through both direct client referrals and ELMO initiated projects – contributes an additional 10-15% to MK People’s overall revenue. This boost has not only supported MK People’s expansion but has also positioned the business for continued growth, with ELMO serving as a core component of their long-term strategy.

One of MK People’s standout clients, Early Settler, partnered with ELMO to implement an HR system for over 650 staff across Australia and New Zealand. With complex needs, including Registered Training Organisation (RTO) requirements, the project presented unique challenges.

“The client’s HR team actually left halfway through the build, which created some unexpected hurdles,” Marika shared. Despite these challenges, MK People and ELMO worked together to successfully deliver the project on time, a testament to the robustness of the ELMO platform and the effectiveness of their partnership. “The automation features we implemented completely transformed their business. The client was thrilled with the efficiencies ELMO brought,” Marika added.

Beyond individual success stories, MK People’s overall client satisfaction and retention rates have increased since integrating ELMO into their service offering. By ensuring that clients have access to “quick responses, a great demo, and favourable pricing,” Marika has been able to develop stronger relationships that often lead to repeat business. She described ELMO as integral to her strategy for growing and nurturing these client connections. “It’s a relief to know we’re delivering a solution that we can fully stand behind,” she said.

For Marika, ELMO has redefined what a successful business partnership looks like. “The ELMO team genuinely cares about our success,” she reflected. From celebrating key milestones to offering personalised support across departments, the team at ELMO has become an invaluable asset to MK People.

“The ELMO team are ‘people people,’ and that’s why I love working with them. They’re not just pushing a product – they’re truly interested in helping us grow.” This sense of alignment goes beyond surface-level collaboration and has reinforced Marika’s confidence in working with ELMO as her primary HR software provider.

Unlike other potential HR partners who focus primarily on revenue, Marika appreciates ELMO’s ongoing commitment to product development and client satisfaction. “It’s not a company that rests on its laurels. They’re always innovating, which means I can offer my clients the latest and greatest without worrying about outdated software,” Marika explained.

This commitment to continuous improvement has been invaluable for MK People, as it ensures they’re always equipped with cutting-edge tools to support their clients’ evolving needs.

Through her partnership with ELMO, Marika has been able to not only grow MK People’s revenue and client base but also solidify its position as a trusted HR solutions provider in the market. “Our partnership with ELMO is now a prominent part of our business,” Marika shared.

Where ELMO once was a useful tool in MK People’s toolkit, it has now become central to the consultancy’s service offering and growth strategy. “We’re committed to this partnership for the long haul. It’s allowed us to offer a more complete solution to our clients, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

When asked what advice she’d give to other businesses considering a partnership with ELMO, Marika stressed the importance of having the right motivation. “Go into it because it’s truly the best solution for your clients,” she advised.

For Marika, the success of MK People’s relationship with ELMO has stemmed from a mutual commitment to client satisfaction and a genuine drive to deliver the best possible outcomes. “The financial benefits will follow if you focus on delivering value first,” she said, adding that the partnership with ELMO has been one of her most rewarding business decisions.

As MK People looks to the future, Marika is confident that ELMO will continue to play a crucial role in her business’s success. “With ELMO, we’re prepared for whatever’s next. It’s a partnership built on shared goals, aligned values, and a real commitment to making a difference for our clients,” she concluded.

In Marika’s eyes, ELMO is not just a partner but a catalyst for growth—a true ally in MK People’s mission to improve workplace culture and efficiency for businesses across Australia.