In this review, I'm going to share my analysis and evaluation from hands-on experience with BambooHR. But first, if you're just beginning your search for the best human resources information system (HRIS), check out my picks of the best HRIS systems.
You probably already know BambooHR is among the most popular HRIS systems out there, but you might want to better understand what's good and not so good about it. This in-depth BambooHR review will walk you through the pros and cons, features, and functionality to help guide you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your organization.
BambooHR presents itself as a strong candidate for small to midsize businesses in search of an intuitive and cost-effective HR software solution. It’s commonly used by HR departments, recruiters, and managers to automate HR processes and manage employees. It helps businesses save time, stay organized, and maintain compliance.
BambooHR's streamlined user interface and efficient onboarding tools facilitate swift implementation and employee onboarding. The platform covers essential HR functions, including employee records management, PTO tracking, and performance reviews, providing a solid foundation for basic HR needs. Its best features are its intuitive user interface, customizable workflows, mobile app, and integrations with popular software like Google Workspace.
BambooHR® Evaluation Summary
- From $10/user/month
- Free demo available
Pourquoi faire confiance à nos avis sur les logiciels
Nous testons et évaluons des systèmes de logiciels RH depuis 2019. En tant qu’experts RH, nous savons à quel point il est crucial et difficile de prendre la bonne décision lors de la sélection des logiciels. Nous investissons dans une recherche approfondie pour aider notre public à faire de meilleurs choix d’achats de logiciels. Nous avons testé plus de 2 000 outils pour différents cas d’utilisation de gestion RH et rédigé plus de 1 000 avis détaillés sur les logiciels. Découvrez comment nous restons transparents & notre méthodologie d’évaluation des logiciels.
BambooHR® Overview
pros
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The modern, intuitive interface makes it simple to find information and complete tasks. The free trial includes dummy data so you can test out the user experience easily.
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Excellent employee engagement features, including the Employee Community.
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Employee self-service features help staff access their data, request time off, sign documents, and more.
cons
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Benefits administration, payroll, and time tracking are paid add-ons (and some are only available to U.S. customers)
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Not a ton of wiggle room if you require lots of platform customization.
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Native payroll is limited to the United States. Global payroll is only available through a third-party EOR provider.
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Comment nous testons et évaluons nos outils
Nous avons passé des années à construire, affiner et améliorer notre système de test et d’évaluation des logiciels. La grille d’évaluation est conçue pour saisir les nuances de la sélection des logiciels et ce qui rend un outil efficace, en se concentrant sur les aspects critiques du processus décisionnel. Ci-dessous, vous pouvez voir exactement comment fonctionne notre test et notre système d’évaluation à travers sept critères. Cela nous permet de fournir une évaluation impartiale des logiciels basée sur les fonctionnalités principales, les caractéristiques remarquables, la facilité d’utilisation, l’intégration, le support client, les intégrations, les avis clients et le rapport qualité-prix.
Fonctionnalités principales (25 % de la note finale)
Le point de départ de notre évaluation est toujours la fonctionnalité principale de l’outil. Dispose-t-il des fonctionnalités de base qu’un utilisateur s’attend à voir ? Certaines de ces fonctionnalités principales sont-elles réservées à des forfaits plus élevés ? En substance, nous nous attendons à ce qu’un outil soit à la hauteur des capacités de base de ses concurrents.
Fonctionnalités remarquables (25 % de la note finale)
Ensuite, nous évaluons les fonctionnalités remarquables, peu courantes, qui vont au-delà de la fonction principale habituellement présente dans les outils de ce type. Un score élevé reflète des fonctionnalités spéciales ou uniques qui rendent le produit plus rapide, plus efficace, ou offrent une valeur ajoutée à l’utilisateur. Nous évaluons également la facilité d’intégration avec d’autres outils généralement présents dans la pile technologique pour étendre la fonctionnalité et l’utilité du logiciel. Les outils qui proposent de nombreuses intégrations natives, des connexions tierces et un accès API pour développer des intégrations personnalisées obtiennent les meilleurs résultats.
Facilité d’utilisation (10 % de la note finale)
Nous prenons en compte la rapidité et la simplicité d’exécution des tâches définies par la fonctionnalité principale à l’aide de l’outil. Un logiciel bien noté est bien conçu, intuitif à utiliser, offre des applications mobiles, propose des modèles, et permet de simplifier des tâches relativement complexes.
Mise en route (10 % de la note finale)
Nous savons à quel point une adoption rapide par l’équipe est cruciale pour une nouvelle plateforme, c’est pourquoi nous évaluons la facilité d’apprentissage et d’utilisation d’un outil avec un minimum de formation. Nous évaluons la rapidité avec laquelle un membre de l’équipe peut s’installer et commencer à utiliser l’outil sans expérience préalable. Les solutions bien notées impliquent qu’aucune ou très peu d’assistance soit requise.
Support client (10 % de la note finale)
Nous examinons la rapidité et la simplicité d’obtention d’aide par téléphone, chat en direct ou base de connaissances. Les outils et sociétés qui proposent une assistance en temps réel obtiennent les meilleurs scores, tandis que les chatbots sont moins bien notés.
Avis clients (10 % de la note finale)
En plus de nos propres tests et évaluations, nous prenons en compte le score net de recommandation (NPS) des clients actuels et passés. Nous évaluons leur propension, s’ils en avaient l’option, à choisir à nouveau l’outil pour la fonctionnalité principale. Un logiciel obtenant un score élevé reflète un NPS élevé de clients actuels ou passés.
Rapport qualité-prix (10 % de la note finale)
Enfin, en tenant compte de tous les autres critères, nous comparons le prix moyen des forfaits d’entrée de gamme aux principales fonctionnalités et considérons la valeur des autres critères d’évaluation. Un logiciel qui en offre plus, pour moins, sera mieux noté.
Core Features
Employee Records
Digital management of employee records is made easy with the platform's secure, centralized database. It efficiently organizes employee information, including emergency contacts, contract details, job responsibilities, salary, and addresses, in a user-friendly manner. The system also provides a centralized “Documents” hub to store resumes, signed documents, task lists, and project workflows. Additionally, the “Assets” hub lists equipment assigned to employees, such as computers, monitors, and other hardware. For miscellaneous items, the “Notes” hub offers a space to store agendas, meeting minutes, and other relevant information.
Hiring
When evaluating BambooHR's hiring capabilities, I found it lacks automatic importation and parsing of resumes, which limits efficient data entry and candidate tracking when recruiting at scale. While it simplifies job posting with an intuitive three-step process, the absence of robust resume handling is a significant drawback. BambooHR can automatically push job postings to major job boards, but setting up connections involves extra steps and permission controls, slowing recruitment efforts. During the free trial, interview emails cannot be sent directly, hindering communication. The platform supports GDPR compliance but lacks information on other international regulations, which could be a concern for global organizations. BambooHR offers strong controls over access permissions, balancing collaboration and data confidentiality. Its pre-built templates and reporting features support comprehensive analytics without additional modules, making it suitable for large organizations needing detailed HR metrics.
Employee Onboarding and Offboarding
The platform streamlines employee onboarding and offboarding workflows. Customizable steps and comprehensive new starter checklists make the onboarding process transparent and self-managed. It provides an easy-to-access space for resources and information, such as employee details via the “Directory” under the People tab, which supports adding new employees, list view, search, and organizational charts. Offboarding templates cover essential tasks, including vacation payout/accrual, disabling access to software systems and shared drives, and collecting company assets.
Time Tracking
A suite of tools allows employees to track work hours, submit time-off requests, and manage various leaves of absence, including paid time-off accruals. Users can easily submit time-off requests and view their remaining sick, bereavement, and vacation balances. Managers can review and approve timesheets and time-off requests, ensuring accurate and efficient time management.
Performance Management
Tools to enhance performance management and employee development are integrated into the platform. Learning and development (L&D) resources and training channels are housed in the “Performance” tab under My Info. The platform includes templates for review cycles, as well as 60- and 90-day performance assessments, making it easy to start an assessment. The Training tab provides templates for various trainings, including security training, unlawful harassment, product trainings, and COVID office protocols. You can track incomplete trainings and assign deadlines to ensure timely completion.
Payroll and Benefits Administration
The platform offers streamlined payroll and benefits administration modules or integrations. It houses employee information, calculates gross and net pay, and disburses payments. Integration with several payroll providers allows for seamless payroll processing and benefits administration. The Benefits tab offers a clear overview of benefits coverage and dependent information, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plans, and any opt-in supplemental benefits. Note that users are unable to try out the payroll and integrations experience via the 7-day free trial.
Reporting & Analytics
The Reports tab helps track signed documents, custom reports (with limited field configuration), and standard reports. Templates include headcount, employee turnover, additions and terminations, and time off used. You can configure custom reports to export assets, contact information, training history, and contract renewals, although details are somewhat limited. For example, generating a report on time-to-hire per recruiter or representative is not supported.
Ease of Use
BambooHR is highly user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that simplifies HR tasks for your team. Its clean design allows you to navigate easily, reducing the learning curve for new users. Features like employee self-service and customizable workflows enhance usability, letting your team manage their own data efficiently. Compared to other systems, BambooHR stands out for its straightforward approach, making it a preferred choice for businesses seeking simplicity and ease in managing HR processes.
Integrations
Integrations include Checkr, Greenhouse Software, Culture Amp, TalentLMS, Slack, Google Single Sign-On, Blue Marble Global Payroll, Deel, Oyster, Papaya Global, QuickBooks, and Xero.
New Product Updates from BambooHR®
BambooHR Adds Retirement Savings Powered by Human Interest
BambooHR introduced Retirement Savings powered by Human Interest, helping administrators evaluate and buy a 401(k) plan without leaving BambooHR. After purchase, the plan is automatically added to the Benefits tab, simplifying setup and keeping benefits information centralized. Highlights include:
- Human Interest Integration: Explore and purchase 401(k) retirement plans directly from BambooHR.
- Automatic Benefits Setup: Adds purchased retirement plans to the Benefits tab without manual configuration.
- Payroll Contribution Sync: Synchronizes contribution data with BambooHR Payroll through API to keep deductions up to date.
Visit BambooHR’s official site for more details.
for more details.
BambooHR Adds Contractor Agreement Options and Global Employment Insights
BambooHR introduced flexible contract options for onboarding global contractors through the embedded Remote experience and expanded Ask BambooHR with in-chat answers for Global Employment Powered by Remote. Together, these updates give teams more flexibility during contractor onboarding and faster access to global workforce information. Highlights include:
- Flexible Contractor Agreement Options: Choose to generate a contractor services agreement or continue onboarding without one to match existing legal processes.
- Ask BambooHR Global Employment Insights: Answers questions about EOR employees, contractors, country-specific hiring requirements, onboarding progress, and pricing using Remote data.
Visit BambooHR’s official site for more details.
BambooHR Adds Images to Recognition and Rewards Posts
BambooHR now lets employees add one or more images to Recognition and Rewards posts, making shout-outs more visual and engaging. Images can be uploaded and adjusted during creation, and they carry through wherever recognition is viewed. Highlights include:
- Image Uploads: Add one or more images to recognition posts using PNG, JPEG, GIF, or WebP files.
- Image Resizing: Adjust uploaded images before publishing to better fit the recognition message.
- Feed and Email Display: Shows images in the recognition feed and recognition email notifications.
Visit BambooHR’s official site for more details.
BambooHR Enhances Time Clocks With Break and Shift Tools
BambooHR Time Clocks have expanded timekeeping capabilities by adding break tracking and new shift-related tools. This helps employees manage more of their workday from the clock itself and supports more consistent clock-in behavior. Highlights include:
- Break Tracking: Start and end meal or rest breaks directly from BambooHR Time Clocks.
- Scheduled Shift Validation: Verify scheduled shifts automatically when employees clock in to support accurate attendance.
- Schedule Viewing: View published work schedules directly from the time clock before starting a shift.
Visit BambooHR's official site for more details
BambooHR Adds Searchable Chat Conversations
Ask BambooHR now organizes chat history into distinct, searchable conversations, making it easier to find past answers and keep work streams tidy. With clearer organization and simple management controls, users can revisit prior questions faster and track ongoing topics more effectively. Highlights include:
- Searchable Chat Conversations: Search and access previous AI conversations from a dedicated sidebar.
- Persistent Chat History: Save conversations with automatic titles to revisit ongoing work later.
- Conversation Management: Rename or delete chats to keep conversation history organized.
Visit BambooHR's official site for more details.
BambooHR Adds Post-Hire Drug Test Ordering
BambooHR adds post-hire drug test ordering from employee records, expanding drug test background check workflows beyond pre-employment screening. The update lets HR teams order existing drug test packages without additional configuration while using standardized order reasons for common post-hire scenarios. Highlights include:
- Post-Hire Drug Test Ordering: Order background check packages with drug tests directly from employee records for existing employees.
- Standardized Order Reasons: Select from predefined post-hire testing reasons, such as post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, annual testing, job transfers, and promotions, for a more consistent ordering process.
Visit BambooHR's official site for more details.
BambooHR Expands HR Reporting and Benchmarking
BambooHR introduces new reporting and benchmarking enhancements to help HR teams analyze workforce data more effectively. The updates expand report data sources and improve peer comparison capabilities with AI-powered benchmarking. Highlights include:
- Expanded Report Builder Datasets: Teams can now report on Applicant Tracking, Performance Management, Time Off/Holidays, and Benefits data.
- Benchmarking in Standard Reports: HR teams can compare company metrics against peer organizations directly within standard reports.
- AI-Powered Benchmark Matching: BambooHR can now automatically generate peer benchmark groups using company size, industry, and location data.
- Custom Benchmark Controls: Organizations can also create manual benchmark groups with customizable filters and peer criteria.
Visit BambooHR’s official site for more details.
BambooHR Improves Background Check Management
BambooHR introduces new background check management improvements to help hiring teams handle screening workflows more accurately and efficiently. The updates improve invitation handling, package administration, and compliance-related contact management. Highlights include:
- Cancel Background Check Invitations: Recruiters can now cancel background check invitations before candidates provide consent.
- Cleaner Screening Workflows: Teams can correct mistakes and resend background check requests without unnecessary orders.
- Custom Package Deletion: Admins can now remove outdated or unused custom background check packages directly from Settings.
- Updated Adverse Action Contacts: Organizations can update Adverse Action contact names and email addresses to maintain accurate compliance notifications.
Visit BambooHR’s official site for more details.
BambooHR Introduces Shift Scheduling in Time and Attendance
BambooHR introduces Shift Scheduling within Time and Attendance, allowing teams to create, assign, and manage work schedules alongside time tracking. This update improves workforce planning by reducing scheduling conflicts and giving employees clear visibility into their shifts. Highlights include:
- Shift Scheduling: Create and manage employee schedules with a calendar view for better planning and coordination.
- Shift Visibility for Employees: Let employees view assigned shifts directly from their homepage and timesheet.
- Clock-In Controls: Set rules to prevent early or unscheduled clock-ins based on assigned shifts.
- Integrated Time Tracking: Keep schedules and actual hours worked aligned for more accurate workforce management.
Visit BambooHR’s official site for more details.
BambooHR's Enhanced Job Search and Background Check Tools
BambooHR introduces real-time job opening search and integrated background check management within the hiring workflow. These updates improve hiring efficiency by reducing manual steps and giving teams better visibility into candidate screening and open roles. Highlights include:
- Real-Time Job Opening Search: Filter job openings instantly as you type to quickly find roles by title, department, location, or hiring lead.
- Integrated Background Checks: Run, track, and review background checks directly in BambooHR with customizable options and real-time status updates.
Visit BambooHR’s official site for more details.
BambooHR® Specs
- 2-Factor Authentication
- 360 Degree Feedback
- API
- Application Tracking
- Attendance Tracking
- Batch Permissions & Access
- Compliance Tracking
- Dashboard
- Data Export
- Data Import
- Data Visualization
- Employee Database
- Employee Engagement
- Employee Incentive Management
- Employee Onboarding
- Employee Training
- Expense Tracking
- External Integrations
- Feedback Management
- Multi-User
- Notifications
- Payroll
- Performance Appraisal
- Scheduling
- Time Management
- Timesheets
- Travel Management
- Vacation & Absence Calendar
Alternatives to BambooHR®
BambooHR® FAQs
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Présentation et histoire de l'entreprise BambooHR
BambooHR est une entreprise de logiciels de gestion des ressources humaines qui propose un système basé sur le cloud pour gérer les données des employés, le recrutement, l'intégration, la rémunération et la performance. L'entreprise se concentre sur la fourniture de services aux petites et moyennes entreprises. BambooHR est une entreprise privée dont le siège social est situé à Lindon, dans l'Utah, et qui emploie plus de 500 personnes.
Plus de 16 000 entreprises dans plus de 100 pays utilisent BambooHR pour simplifier leurs processus RH. Parmi les clients notables de BambooHR figurent Postmates, Change.org, l'Université du Maryland, FreshBooks, ZipRecruiter et Stance.
BambooHR réalise un chiffre d'affaires annuel estimé à plus de 54 millions de dollars. En 2018, l'entreprise a atteint une valorisation d'un milliard de dollars après avoir levé 54 millions de dollars lors d'un tour de financement de Série B. BambooHR est reconnue pour sa culture d'entreprise primée et a été classée parmi les meilleurs endroits où travailler par Great Place to Work et le magazine Fortune pendant plusieurs années consécutives.
Principales étapes de BambooHR
- 2008 : Fondée par Ben Peterson et Ryan Sanders à Lindon, Utah
- 2012 : Levée de 3 millions de dollars lors d'un financement de Série A
- 2016 : Plus de 10 000 clients dépassés
- 2018 : Valorisation d'un milliard de dollars atteinte avec un financement de 54 millions de dollars en Série B
- 2019 : Lancement des fonctionnalités de bien-être des employés
- 2021 : Inscrit dans la liste Forbes Cloud 100
Et ensuite ?
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