Empowering Your Team: Choosing the Best HR Software and Systems

1. BambooHR

BambooHR is a cloud-based HRIS designed for businesses of all sizes. It brings all your employee, payroll, time, and benefit information together in one place. BambooHR simplifies complex hiring, onboarding, and payroll management processes with its user-friendly interface and extensive features.

Key Features

• Hiring & Onboarding
• Benefits Administration
• Scheduling & Time Tracking
• Record Management
• Payroll

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Rich feature set
• User-friendly, requiring minimal training
• Robust ATS and employee self-service portal

Cons

• Limited time-tracking solutions
• Lack of talent ranking tools

BambooHR’s strength lies in its ability to consolidate a wide range of HR tasks into a user-friendly and straightforward package. The platform minimizes the learning curve typically associated with comprehensive HR software, making it accessible and efficient.

2. Workday

Workday is ideal for mid- to large-sized companies that need custom HR and financial management across multiple locations. Workday HCM is a cloud-based HR software that provides a comprehensive suite of HR services to help you manage your workforce effectively. It offers many features, such as employee profile support for over 200 countries and seamless integration of HR and finance functions.

Pros & Cons

• Second highest number of app integrations among our picks
• 24/7 phone and online support
• Integrates HR and finance
• Employee profile support for 200-plus countries

Cons:

• Pricing isn’t transparent
• No free version
• Software can be difficult to navigate

Key Features

Workday offers industry-tailored solutions for healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and technology/media industries. Some of its standout tools include:

• Work experience optimization tools
• Workforce analytics
• Career and staff planning

Workforce Analytics

Workday’s workforce analytics solutions are add-ons that use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to help you surface insights for better business decision-making and planning. It offers over 2,800 pre-built and customizable dashboards so you can easily see the data you want to. You can even embed those reports in strategic places for instant insights when making decisions. And, you can create rules that dictate who can access such reports, ensuring sensitive worker information is never compromised.

Workday is suitable for small, midsize, and large businesses. The platform offers industry-tailored solutions for healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and technology/media industries.

3. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is an all-in-one platform designed to handle payroll and HR tasks. It offers expert support and analytics for data-driven insights. HR professionals can use this tool to keep digital records, automate compliance tasks like tax filing, streamline onboarding, and analyze trends for better decision-making.

Key Features

• Automate repetitive tasks
• Automatic reminders and notifications
• Basic and advanced reporting
• Custom dashboards
• Data visualizations
• Employee development and learning tools
• Integrations with Google Drive, Slack, Gmail, and more
• Pre-built HR templates, like attendance and feedback trackers

Pros

• All-in-one solution
• Employee self-service for an improved employee experience
• Improves employee engagement

Cons

• Limited integrations
• Cannot automate some tasks
• Lack of reporting features and customization
• Reports are siloed and can’t be combined across modules

ADP Workforce Now is an integrated HR software solution that includes payroll, onboarding, personnel data management, benefits administration, and time & attendance management.

4. Gusto

Gusto is a cloud-based HR platform designed to simplify payroll and HR tasks for small businesses. It offers automated workflows, one-stop recruiting, hiring, and onboarding, along with a full suite of time and performance tools. Gusto is user-friendly and helps businesses manage both employees and contractors efficiently.

Key features of Gusto include:

• Automated payroll processing
• Employee benefits management
• Time tracking and PTO management
• Hiring and onboarding tools

Gusto has earned a strong reputation, with a 4.7-star rating on Capterra and a 4.5-star rating on G2. Users appreciate its comprehensive features and ease of use. However, some users have reported that customer support can be slow at times.

Gusto is suitable for businesses of all sizes, including single-employee businesses and independent contractors. It is especially beneficial for small businesses looking to scale.

While Gusto offers a rich set of features, it can become pricey with higher-tier plans and add-ons. Despite this, its ability to automate essential payroll tasks makes it a valuable tool for small businesses.

5. Zenefits

Zenefits is an all-in-one human resources (HR) software that can streamline benefits, hiring, onboarding, and payroll in an intuitive platform. Zenefits simplifies building a comprehensive HR infrastructure. With features encompassing core HR, records management, scheduling, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, and recruitment tools, Zenefits provides a seamless solution in addition to robust compliance management features.

Zenefits is tailored for companies with at least five employees, making it ideal for businesses that navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Whether you’re in healthcare, financial services, nonprofits, or beyond, Zenefits offers the compliance support you need while remaining versatile for a wide range of industries.

What sets Zenefits apart is its flexibility – you can tailor your HR plan to your precise needs by incorporating a range of add-on services into any of the three fundamental plans they offer.

Zenefits truly shines in compliance management, featuring a dedicated compliance monitoring dashboard and automated COBRA and tax calculations. This added layer of security ensures that your HR processes are always in line with regulations.

Zenefits Features

• Hiring & Onboarding
• Benefits Administration
• Scheduling & Time Tracking
• Record Management
• Payroll

Zenefits Pricing and Plans

Zenefits is designed for businesses with a minimum of five employees. For those with contractors or freelancers, they offer a specialized track at a discounted rate, ensuring that HR excellence is accessible to all businesses, regardless of their size or structure.

6. Namely

Namely is an HR, payroll, benefits, and talent management platform that was launched in 2012. It currently serves more than 1,200 midsized companies. Namely caters directly to mid-sized businesses, pinpointing its ideal fit for companies with 25 to 1,000 employees. Functioning seamlessly as a unified HR and payroll powerhouse, it is a versatile solution across diverse sectors, encompassing e-commerce, finance, life sciences, technology, and beyond.

Key Features

• Hiring & Onboarding
• Benefits Administration
• Scheduling & Time Tracking
• Record Management
• Payroll

Pricing

The entry-level plan from Namely HR is affordable for any size business. However, pricing for other plans isn’t publicly available because each business will require a custom plan.

Support

We had an excellent experience with support. Plus, Namely HR recently expanded its support offerings by providing 24/7 phone support to its clients.

Namely’s social-media-inspired newsfeed feature creates an interactive and engaging environment, making the recognition of employee achievements a breeze, ultimately boosting overall employee engagement.

7. Paycor

Paycor is a versatile HR software that not only helps with payroll but also streamlines document management, automates workflows, and improves performance. You can even add extra features like recruiting tools and scheduling assistance to tailor it to your needs.

A standout attribute is Paycor’s AutoRun feature, which allows you to schedule, review payroll for potential errors, and process it from virtually anywhere. Moreover, it keeps you informed with timely notifications should any issues arise.

Paycor earns a 4.4-star rating on Capterra with 2,769 user reviews and a 3.9-star rating with 720 user reviews on G2. Users say they like the combination of HR and payroll features in one solution and how easy it is to use. They also like that the platform helps them stay in the loop on compliance updates they need to adhere to. However, some say it is difficult to get hold of the right customer support representative to address their issue and problem resolution can be a slow and tedious process.

With Paycor, you’re not just managing payroll; you’re orchestrating a comprehensive, streamlined approach to human capital management.

Paycor is one of the best HR software choices for small businesses, especially those primed for growth. It offers a variety of HR add-ons, making it the ideal choice whether you’re starting or expanding your business journey.

We also like Paycor’s transparent employee reports. You can have instant access to your headcount, turnover rate, compensation levels and absenteeism. Company-wide communication is also easy with mobile push notifications and chat messages.

8. SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a powerful HR management solution that helps you handle all parts of your employee lifecycle. It's a deeply customizable program that can manage performance evaluations, compensation, documents, and employee feedback. While the interface might seem a bit old, it doesn't take away from its capabilities.

Key features include:

• Centralized employee information database
• Custom workflow builder to automate various tasks
• Electronic signature capabilities
• Integrations with popular software
• Interview scheduling tools
• Multiple languages supported
• Pipeline management tool to simplify hiring
• Productivity-tracking tools
• Reporting and analytics
• Schedule- and shift-planning modules
• Tools for broadcasting company-wide announcements

SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite offers cloud-based solutions that connect core HR and payroll, talent management, sales performance management, people analytics, and workforce planning.

The Employee Central module covers most core HR needs, from managing new hires to handling current employees, whether they work in-office or remotely. It includes global compliance, employee profiles, a self-serve employee portal, and an organizational chart. Adding new employees is easy with SAP's walkthrough, and managing a time-off calendar is intuitive.

9. Kronos Workforce Ready

Kronos Workforce Ready is a comprehensive HR software designed to streamline various HR tasks. Efficiency unleashed: choosing the best HR payroll software is made easier with Kronos, thanks to its robust features.

Key features:

• Ability to automate repetitive tasks
• Automatic reminders and notifications
• Basic and advanced reporting
• Custom dashboards
• Data visualizations
• Employee development and learning tools
• Integrations with Google Drive, Slack, Gmail, and more
• Pre-built HR templates, like attendance and feedback trackers

Kronos Workforce Ready offers a centralized platform that enhances productivity and simplifies HR management. Its integration capabilities ensure seamless connectivity with other essential tools, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.

10. Ultimate Software

Ultimate Software, now part of UKG after merging with Kronos, offers a comprehensive suite of HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions. Ultimate Software has helped us integrate our 2000+ decentralized workforce into one HR system. This integration is especially beneficial for companies with large hourly workforces.

Key Features

• Centralized employee information database
• Custom workflow builder to automate various tasks
• Electronic signature capabilities
• Integrations with popular software
• Interview scheduling tools
• Multiple languages supported
• Pipeline management tool to simplify hiring
• Productivity-tracking tools
• Reporting and analytics
• Schedule- and shift-planning modules
• Tools for broadcasting company-wide announcements

Pros

• Robust T&A system
• US and global payroll solutions
• Competitive PEPM (per employee per month) pricing

Cons

While Ultimate Software offers a wide range of features, some users may find the system complex to navigate initially. However, the benefits far outweigh the learning curve.

11. Ceridian Dayforce

Ceridian Dayforce is a comprehensive HR software solution designed to streamline various HR processes. It offers a unified platform that integrates payroll, benefits, workforce management, and talent management. This integration helps enhance charity operations with the best CRM software, ensuring that all HR functions are seamlessly connected.

One of the standout features of Ceridian Dayforce is its real-time data access, which allows HR professionals to make informed decisions quickly. The software also includes compliance management tools to help organizations stay up-to-date with ever-changing regulations.

Key Features

• Real-time data access
• Integrated payroll and benefits
• Workforce management
• Talent management
• Compliance management tools

Customer Support

Ceridian Dayforce provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring that help is always available when needed. The self-serve employee portal allows employees to access their information and perform various tasks independently, reducing the burden on HR staff.

With Ceridian Dayforce, organizations can scale and adapt in the changing world, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.

12. Rippling

Rippling is an all-in-one global HRIS platform that combines HR, payroll, and benefits with a wide range of integrations. It offers a customizable and easy-to-use interface, along with advanced security features. This creates a consistent user experience, whether running payroll, requesting PTO, or creating a custom report. Rippling is the one HRIS system that can support your US or global team by bringing all their data into a single system. It does this out of the box, without patching.

Rippling is a multipurpose workforce management platform with use cases for not only HR, but also finance and IT. When it comes to Rippling’s HRIS software, the platform offers tools for managing onboarding and offboarding, time and attendance, employee benefits and compensation, and talent recruiting.

Key Features

• Onboarding and offboarding
• Time and attendance tracking
• Employee benefits and compensation
• Talent recruiting

Rippling streamlines HR and payroll workflows, managing the entire employee lifecycle. Unlike systems built on legacy software, Rippling provides a unified suite of HR applications built from the ground up to work seamlessly together.

13. Paycom

Paycom is an efficient and user-friendly HRIS system that includes applicant tracking, onboarding, payroll, and HR metrics. This is a wonderful, cost-friendly solution for businesses looking to streamline their HR processes.

Key Features

• Applicant Tracking
• Onboarding
• Payroll
• HR Metrics

Customer Reviews

Paycom earns a 4.4-star rating on Capterra with 874 user reviews and a 4.2-star rating on G2 with over 1,170 reviews. Users say the software is easy to use and that customer service is responsive and helpful. They appreciate having a designated specialist who knows their business and works as an advisor.

Pricing

Paycom offers no pricing transparency and users must request a demo and a custom quote to learn these details. It also does not report a free trial or a free version. However, users seem generally satisfied with the value they receive for the price, despite competitors charging slightly lower prices.

Automation Tools

Paycom offers a comprehensive feature set for small business HR, payroll processing, and labor management. Throughout these tools, automations help companies scale their processes for a better employee experience, data accuracy, and reduced labor costs around HR processes. For example, it offers a self-service payroll tool, allowing employees to do their own payroll. It also offers automatic time tracking that syncs to payroll for accurate data every payroll run.

Paycom is a complete HR software solution that helps businesses manage their HR processes efficiently and effectively.

14. PeopleSoft

PeopleSoft is a comprehensive HR software solution designed to manage various aspects of human resources. It includes functionalities like employee records, payroll, and benefits. This makes it a versatile tool for any organization.

Key Features

• Centralized employee information database
• Custom workflow builder to automate various tasks
• Electronic signature capabilities
• Integrations with popular software
• Interview scheduling tools
• Multiple languages supported
• Pipeline management tool to simplify hiring
• Productivity-tracking tools
• Reporting and analytics
• Schedule- and shift-planning modules
• Tools for broadcasting company-wide announcements

Benefits

PeopleSoft offers a range of benefits that can help streamline HR processes. The centralized database ensures that all employee information is stored in one place, making it easy to access and manage. The custom workflow builder allows for automation of various tasks, saving time and reducing errors.

PeopleSoft HRIS (Human Resource Information System) is a system for managing HR data. It includes functionalities like employee records, payroll, and benefits.

Conclusion

In summary, PeopleSoft is a robust HR software solution that can handle a wide range of HR tasks. Its comprehensive features and benefits make it a valuable tool for any organization looking to improve its HR processes.

15. ClearCompany

ClearCompany is a comprehensive HR software that helps businesses manage their talent lifecycle. It offers a range of features designed to streamline HR processes and improve employee engagement.

Key Features

• Centralized employee information database
• Custom workflow builder to automate various tasks
• Electronic signature capabilities
• Integrations with popular software
• Interview scheduling tools
• Multiple languages supported
• Pipeline management tool to simplify hiring
• Productivity-tracking tools
• Reporting and analytics
• Schedule- and shift-planning modules
• Tools for broadcasting company-wide announcements

Benefits

ClearCompany's centralized database makes it easy to access and manage employee information. The custom workflow builder allows HR teams to automate repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing errors. With electronic signature capabilities, signing documents is quick and hassle-free.

Integrations

ClearCompany integrates with many popular software solutions, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you need to connect with your payroll system or your favorite productivity tools, ClearCompany has you covered.

User Experience

Users appreciate the intuitive interface and the ability to customize workflows to fit their specific needs. The software supports multiple languages, making it accessible for global teams.

ClearCompany is a powerful tool for managing the entire talent lifecycle, from hiring to onboarding to performance management. Its robust features and user-friendly design make it a top choice for HR professionals.

16. Sage HR

Sage HR is a cloud-based human resource management platform designed for small to midsize businesses. It helps companies attract, engage, and nurture top talent all in one place. Sage HR makes it easy to streamline onboarding, build custom HR workflows, and gain insights into employee performance.

Key features include:

• Accurate time-tracking tools
• Analytics and reporting
• Configurable onboarding tools
• Customizable dashboards to manage employee data
• Customizable employee feedback surveys
• Employee development and training courses
• Employee self-service tools
• Payroll management features
• Reminders, announcements, and notifications

With Sage HR, businesses can efficiently manage payroll, track expenses and timesheets, and make HR documentation easily accessible for employees.

17. Zoho People

Zoho People is a comprehensive HR software designed to streamline various HR processes. It offers a user-friendly interface that makes managing employee data, attendance, and performance a breeze.

Key Features

• Employee database management
• Attendance tracking
• Performance appraisal
• Leave management
• Customizable workflows

Pricing

Zoho People offers competitive pricing starting at $9 per user per month for HR and payroll modules. This makes it an affordable option for small to medium-sized businesses.

Integrations

With over 60 integrations, Zoho People can easily connect with other tools you may already be using, enhancing its functionality and making it a versatile choice.

Mobile App Features

The mobile app allows admins to approve and manage requests, post updates, and announcements. Employees can view the company social feed, benefits, and PTO.

Support and Training

Zoho People provides 24/7 phone support and case management, ensuring that help is always available when you need it.

Security and Compliance

Zoho People uses AES 256-bit encryption and offers two-factor authentication, role-based permissions, and SOC1 audit compliance to keep your data secure.

Zoho People is a robust HR solution that combines affordability with a wide range of features, making it a great choice for businesses looking to streamline their HR processes.

18. Freshteam

Freshteam is a modern HR software designed to streamline your hiring process. It offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for HR teams to manage job postings, track applicants, and collaborate with hiring managers. Freshteam also integrates seamlessly with other business tools, ensuring a smooth workflow.

Key Features

• Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
• Employee Onboarding
• Time Off Management
• Employee Database

Benefits

Freshteam helps you save time by automating repetitive tasks. It also provides valuable insights through analytics, helping you make data-driven decisions. The software is scalable, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Freshteam is an excellent choice for companies looking to improve their hiring efficiency and overall HR operations.

19. Trakstar

Trakstar offers a platform that facilitates performance management by enabling real-time tracking and evaluation of employee performance. It primarily focuses on helping businesses streamline their performance management processes.

Key Features

• Real-time performance tracking
• Employee evaluations
• Goal setting and tracking
• Feedback and reviews

Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive performance management tools
• Customizable evaluation templates

Cons

• Limited integration options
• Higher cost for small businesses

Trakstar is especially beneficial for companies looking to enhance their performance management systems with real-time tracking and evaluation capabilities.

Pricing

Trakstar offers various pricing plans to suit different business needs. However, it is generally considered to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, making it more suitable for medium to large-sized businesses.

Conclusion

Trakstar is a robust performance management tool that excels in real-time tracking and employee evaluations. While it may be pricier, its comprehensive features make it a valuable investment for businesses aiming to improve their performance management processes.

20. Breezy HR

Breezy HR is a user-friendly HR software designed to simplify the hiring process. It offers a range of features to help businesses attract, manage, and hire the best talent. With Breezy HR, you can streamline your recruitment workflow, making it easier to track applicants and collaborate with your team.

Key Features

• Automated job postings
• Candidate management
• Interview scheduling
• Team collaboration tools

Benefits

• Ease of use: Breezy HR is intuitive and easy to navigate.
• Time-saving: Automate repetitive tasks to focus on what matters.
• Improved collaboration: Share notes and feedback with your team seamlessly.

Breezy HR is an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their recruitment process without the hassle of complex software.

21. iCIMS

iCIMS is a powerful HR software designed to streamline the recruitment and onboarding process. It offers a customizable solution that helps track and manage applicants efficiently. With iCIMS, you can simplify interview scheduling, gather feedback, and create hiring workflows with ease.

Recruitment and Onboarding

For recruitment, iCIMS assists with headcount planning and ensures a smooth transition from the final interview to onboarding. The software automates many time-consuming tasks, making the onboarding process faster and more efficient.

Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)

iCIMS serves as a central hub for managing employee information. It is particularly favored by larger companies with 50 or more employees due to its robust capabilities. The software helps maintain employee data, ensures compliance, and reduces administrative workload, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

iCIMS is an excellent choice for companies looking to enhance their HR processes and improve overall efficiency.

22. Lever

Lever is a powerful tool designed to enhance the hiring process for companies of all sizes. It focuses on mastering recruitment by providing a comprehensive guide for successful hiring. Leveraging technology with ATS, virtual interviewing tools, and data-driven decision-making helps create efficient recruitment processes.

Key Features:

• User-Friendly Interface: Switching from spreadsheets to Lever is easy, making it simple to manage candidate information.
• Customizable Workflows: Tailor the hiring process to fit your company's unique needs.
• Collaboration Tools: Teams can work together seamlessly, sharing feedback and insights on candidates.

Benefits of Using Lever:

1. Improved Candidate Experience: Streamlined communication keeps candidates informed and engaged.
2. Data-Driven Insights: Analyze hiring metrics to make informed decisions.
3. Integration Capabilities: Connect with other HR tools for a more cohesive system.

Lever not only simplifies the recruitment process but also empowers teams to make better hiring decisions through technology and collaboration.

In summary, Lever stands out as a top choice for organizations looking to enhance their recruitment strategies and improve overall hiring efficiency. Its focus on data-driven decision-making and user-friendly features makes it a valuable asset for any HR team.

23. Greenhouse

Greenhouse is a powerful HR software designed to streamline the hiring process. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that help businesses attract, evaluate, and hire the best talent.

Key Features

• Customizable hiring workflows
• Advanced analytics and reporting
• Seamless integration with other HR tools

Benefits

• Improves hiring efficiency
• Enhances candidate experience
• Provides valuable insights into the hiring process

Greenhouse stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, making it a top choice for companies looking to optimize their recruitment efforts.

24. JazzHR

JazzHR is a powerful recruiting software designed to help busy business leaders centralize and modernize their hiring approach. Replace time-consuming, manual spreadsheets and streamline your recruitment process with ease. JazzHR offers a variety of features that make it a top choice for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features

• Customizable workflows
• Collaborative hiring tools
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• Seamless integrations with other HR systems

Pricing

JazzHR offers competitive pricing at $35 per user per month, making it an affordable option for companies looking to enhance their recruitment efforts.

Support and Training

JazzHR provides 24/7 phone support and case management to ensure you get the help you need when you need it. Additionally, they offer extensive training resources to help you get the most out of the software.

Security and Compliance

With AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA, and role-based permissions, JazzHR ensures your data is secure and compliant with industry standards.

JazzHR recruiting software allows busy business leaders to centralize and modernize their hiring approach. Replace time-consuming, manual spreadsheets and streamline your recruitment process with ease.

25. Jobvite and more

Jobvite is a powerful tool for managing the hiring process. It integrates with popular job boards and supports digital channels like social media and text to target the best candidates. Its video interviewing feature is a standout.

Workable

Workable is great for recruiting and applicant tracking. It automates hiring tasks and has strong customer support. However, it lacks some core HR tools.

Justworks

Justworks is the best PEO for small businesses. It simplifies HR tasks and offers good customer support.

Breezy HR

Breezy HR helps you manage candidates from different job boards. It automates hiring tasks and has positive user feedback. But, it has limited HR tools beyond hiring and recruiting.

Choosing the right HR software can make a big difference in your hiring process. Look for tools that integrate well with your existing systems and offer strong support.

Conclusion

Picking the right HR software is key to making your team stronger and your company run smoother. By looking at important features, how easy it is to customize, user experience, how it fits with other tools, data safety, support, cost, the vendor's reputation, and how easy it is to set up, you can choose the best option. Good HR software can make your work easier and keep your employees happy. So, take the time to choose wisely and invest in a tool that will help your team and company grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HR software?

HR software helps manage various human resources tasks like hiring, payroll, and employee records. It makes these tasks easier and more efficient.

Why is choosing the right HR software important?

Picking the right HR software can make your company run smoother and keep employees happier. It can also help you find and keep good workers.

How do I decide which HR software is best for my company?

First, think about what your company needs. Look at different software features, how easy they are to use, and if they can work with your other tools. Also, check reviews and ask for demos.

Can HR software help small businesses?

Yes, HR software can help small businesses by making tasks like hiring, payroll, and managing employee records easier. It saves time and reduces mistakes.

What features should I look for in HR software?

Look for features like payroll management, employee records, hiring tools, and performance tracking. Make sure the software is easy to use and can grow with your company.

Is HR software expensive?

The cost of HR software can vary. Some options are affordable and good for small businesses, while others offer more features and can be pricier. It's important to find a balance between cost and features.