10 Best Canadian HR Software of 2023: Reviewed & Compared

BrightHR is a software solution for managing HR tasks in small to medium-sized businesses. Its purpose is to make managing employee data, schedules, absences, expenses, training, and secure document storage more efficient.

Why I picked Bright HR: I chose BrightHR because it provides expert guidance on employment relations and health and safety (through BrightSafe and BrightAdvice) to help businesses comply with Canadian laws and regulations. Additionally, it offers secure and unlimited document storage, which is essential for Canadian businesses to manage their data securely.

Bright HR Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include an innovative clocking app called Blip that allows employees to clock in and out of work without making contact. Additionally, the absence management system simplifies the process of tracking and managing employee absences, such as leaves, vacations, and time off in lieu.

Integrations include Gmail, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and PTO Genius.

NOTE: Pricing shown in the sidebar is in USD. Please visit the vendor’s website to confirm Canadian pricing details.

ADP is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform designed to simplify and streamline payroll, HR, and tax services for businesses of all sizes.

Why I picked ADP: I chose ADP because it allows Canadian businesses to manage their workforce from one dashboard with accurate information. Additionally, ADP Workforce Now has cross-border capabilities, enabling Canadian companies to handle employees in both Canada and the US with one HR solution.

ADP Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include a robust payroll management system that handles all aspects from wage calculation to payment processing, and a comprehensive HR service suite that covers onboarding, benefits administration, and performance management.

Integrations include FinancialForce, Infor, Oracle, SAP, SuccessFactors, Workday, QuickBooks, Cornerstone, Greenhouse, and iCIMS.

Collage HR is a comprehensive human resources information system (HRIS) that automates and simplifies people management for small to medium-sized businesses. This tool is designed to replace manual tasks and spreadsheets with a user-friendly and feature-rich platform.

Why I picked Collage HR: I selected Collage HR for its commitment to following Canadian labor laws, which allows companies to effectively handle their core HR operations while complying with the country's legal guidelines. Additionally, Collage HR utilizes Canadian data centers, a crucial consideration for businesses with data storage requirements within the country.

Collage Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include a streamlined employee benefits management module that caters to Canadian companies offering diverse benefits packages. Additionally, Collage HR's time off management feature is tailored to meet Canadian employment standards, easing the administration of leaves of absence. Its advanced reporting and analytics capabilities provide valuable insights, aiding in data-driven decision-making.

Integrations include Slack, Gmail, Indeed, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Greenhouse, JazzHR, Green Places, and PTO Genius.

NOTE: Pricing shown in the sidebar is in USD. Please visit the vendor’s website to confirm Canadian pricing details.

Folks HR is a comprehensive human resources management software developed for the unique needs of small to medium-sized businesses in Canada. With a focus on simplifying HR processes and enhancing productivity, this cloud-based solution provides real-time HR data management, facilitates digitization of HR tasks, and ensures secure storage of critical information.

Why I picked Folks HR: I chose Folks HR for its comprehensive range of HR solutions and its capacity to tailor them to the unique needs of small businesses in Canada. Its software operates on the cloud, offering flexibility and convenience with continuous access available 24/7.

Folks HR Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include an innovative HR dashboard for real-time tracking of HR data and a paperless process approach that digitizes HR tasks. Folks HR also prioritizes data security, using advanced encryption algorithms to safeguard user data.

Integrations are available with payroll software like Optimum, and with leading third-party HR management tools such as Kissflow, HR Cloud, Zoho People, and ADP. Additionally, it can be incorporated with your existing business software to enhance current operations through an API.

HRDownloads is a software platform that offers a range of features and services to help businesses manage various aspects of HR, compliance, and workplace safety.

Why I picked HRDownloads: I selected HRDownloads for their dedication to HR compliance in every Canadian region. They provide a reliable service that helps companies stay up-to-date with the latest HR regulations, greatly reducing compliance risks. Moreover, their extensive HR content library is tailored to fit the unique needs of every Canadian industry and region, and it comes with a wealth of resources like training materials and job descriptions.

HRDownloads Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include HR consulting services, including expert advice and support for HR-related issues. They also offer a range of training programs that cover a variety of HR-related topics, including compliance, performance management, and leadership development.

Integrations include ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR, Paychex Flex, QuickBooks, and Sage HRMS

Celayix is a workforce management and employee scheduling tool designed to streamline and automate the scheduling process, improve communication, and enhance overall efficiency in managing workforce-related tasks.

Why I picked Celayix: I selected Celayix for its advanced cost-benefit analyzer that allows Canadian businesses to generate their business case in minutes. This tool helps businesses assess the potential benefits and return on investment they can expect from implementing Celayix's workforce management software.

Celayix Standout Features and Integrations:

Celayix stands out with its robust scheduling features, including self-scheduling, shift bidding, and real-time communication. These features help businesses save time and improve overall workforce management. Additionally, Celayix provides an advanced employee mobile app and supervisor platform that allows for efficient employee check-in/out using geofencing and real-time employee attendance monitoring. 

Integrations: Celayix offers a range of data connectors for real-time and batch modes, but for more details or specific inquiries, contact them directly.

Avanti is a human capital management (HCM) software designed to help Canadian businesses manage their workforce. The platform integrates payroll, human resources, and time & attendance to streamline HCM processes from recruiting to retirement.

Why I picked Avanti: I selected Avanti because of its focus on mid-sized Canadian businesses, a demographic often overlooked by other HRM tools. Avanti caters to this group's specific needs and legal requirements, ensuring compliance with Canadian payroll legislation.

Avanti Standout Features and Integrations:

Avanti’s comprehensive suite of features integrates payroll, HR, and time and attendance, creating a seamless experience from recruitment to retirement. Its workforce management tools encompass everything from employee scheduling to performance tracking, while its recruiting and onboarding functionalities ensure a streamlined hiring process. Avanti simplifies benefits administration, allowing companies to easily handle health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Integration details are not available, but Avanti does provide G/L exports and API endpoints for custom data integration.

Synerion is a cloud-based workforce management software that’s designed to help businesses manage their workforce more efficiently by providing real-time data on labor costs, automating time-consuming tasks, and improving employee productivity.

Why I picked Synerion: One of the reasons why I opted to include Synerion is because of its exceptional labor costing features. The software enables businesses to easily track where the most time is being spent on projects, allowing for precise and informed evaluations of profitability. With Synerion's Labour Costing software, you can compare planned vs. actual time to ensure projects stay on budget. It also allows you to accurately pay employees different rates depending on the tasks they perform, and to identify and take action to reduce non-billable hours. 

Synerion Standout Features and Integrations:

One of the notable features of Synerion is its automated timekeeping processes, which make tasks more efficient and reduces the risk of errors. The software's scheduling tools also improve shift planning and management, while its absence management capabilities ensure accurate employee time-off tracking. Additionally, real-time labor cost data helps businesses adjust their budgeting and profitability accordingly. 

Integrations include ADP, BambooHR, Ceridian, Deluxe, Desjardins, Nethris, Okta, Quickbooks, and Sage.

Payworks is a cloud-based total workforce management solution designed to offer payroll, human resources, employee time, and absence management for Canadian businesses.

Why I picked Payworks: I chose Payworks because it is specifically designed to comply with Canadian labor laws and regulations to minimize risks and ensure compliance. Additionally, the personalized customer support Payworks provides includes dedicated service representatives who offer extra reassurance to HR deparments.

Payworks Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include applicant tracking to streamline recruitment and workforce analytics that offer insights into workforce data. Their analytics feature allows you to easily interpret critical workforce data. Additionally, Payworks provides HR advisory services to ensure compliance with labor standards and legislation. 

Integrations include QuickBooks online and Xero.

Pricing depends on your payroll frequency and province. 

NOTE: Pricing shown in the sidebar is in USD. Please visit the vendor’s website to confirm Canadian pricing details.

Guusto is a Canadian employee recognition software and rewards platform designed to provide flexible, real dollar-value rewards without mandated accounts for all users.

Why I picked Guusto: I decided to go with Guusto due to its clear and straightforward pricing system. Their subscription fees are only charged to those who send recognition, which is a fair and reasonable approach. What really impressed me was their policy of crediting back unclaimed gifts, ensuring that every penny invested goes directly to benefit the employees. 

Guusto Standout Features and Integrations:

One of Guusto’s standout features is that it allows users to donate a day's worth of access to clean water for each gift sent. Additionally, businesses have the option to start with a free account that allows them to send unlimited rewards and then easily transition to automated milestones and manager-specific budgets as they scale. 

Integrations include HRIS systems like ADP Workforce Now, Alexis, HR Partner, and Ceridian Dayforce, SSO tools like Generic SAML, Microsoft Azure, OpenID, and Goole, and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack.

NOTE: Pricing shown in the sidebar is in USD. Please visit the vendor’s website to confirm Canadian pricing details.