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With so many different compliance software solutions available, figuring out which is right for you is tough. You know you want to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to business operations, but need to figure out which tool is best. In this post, I'll help make your choice easy, sharing my personal experiences using dozens of different compliance software with teams of various sizes.

What is Compliance Software?

Compliance software is a tool that helps businesses adhere to legal, regulatory, and policy requirements. It's purpose is to automate and manage compliance tasks, reduces risk, and ensures organizational practices align with necessary standards and laws.

Key features include monitoring regulatory changes, assessing risks, securing sensitive data, maintaining detailed audit trails, and generating compliance reports. It also provides training for employees on compliance matters, manages company policies, and effectively handles any incidents of non-compliance.

Overviews of the 10 Best Compliance Management Platforms

Here’s a brief description of each compliance management platform. I’ll showcase each tool’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the user interface.

Best compliance software for its global coverage

  • Free demo available
  • Flat rate user pricing, with free HR tool for businesses
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Rating: 4.8/5

Deel is an advanced HR compliance software that helps companies ensure their workforce is getting paid and hired according to local laws and regulations. The software offers features to help manage compliance obligations, such as workflow approvals, document management, and reporting, and covers all the major compliance areas, such as safety, labor law, payroll, benefits, and immigration.

Operating in over 150 countries, Deel has local country experts working in-house to provide consultative approaches for each location you hire from, ensuring compliance in several forms. The platform helps you generate compliant contracts adapted to local regulations and automatically collects compliance documents and licenses, ensuring that all contract terms comply with labor laws.

Deel is user-friendly and offers a range of features to help businesses manage compliance effectively. Recent new features include integrations with popular HR software solutions, allowing you to easily import and export compliance data. Deel is also SOC2-compliant and ISO 27001-certified, giving you peace of mind that your data is secure. In addition to its extensive compliance offerings, Deel provides 24/7 customer support and live chat, ensuring you receive timely assistance. 

Integrations are available with popular software systems like Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable. Deel also has an Open API to support additional custom integrations too.

Deel offers flat user pricing details upon request, as well as a free demo.

Best for compliance and diverse recruiting

  • Free demo available
  • From $295/month

Circa Diversity Recruiting is a DEIB and OFCCP compliance software that assists companies in achieving compliance with the federal government and fostering diverse recruiting practices.

I chose Circa because it specifically addresses OFCCP compliance and helps post jobs to the state Electronic System Delivery Sites (ESDS). This allows protected veterans to apply for jobs first and also helps companies have complete documentation and proof of postings in preparation for OFCCP audits.

What makes it different is its comprehensive approach, including features like job board posting, diversity recruiting and sourcing, employer branding, and DEI content and calendar, as well as connections with veterans, access to a vast network of job boards, and a large candidate and resume database.

Additionally, the platform facilitates talent acquisition by posting to Circa DiversityJobs and other job boards. This distributes job postings across a wide network to attract diverse candidates and help you build a diverse workforce that can future-proof your organization. Also, the platform lets employers show their commitment to diversity and inclusion through employer branding with a company profile that shows a diversity badge and engaging DEI content, resources and events that can improve retention.

Circa integrates with popular ATS and HR systems. This enables seamless data synchronization between platforms, ensuring a unified and efficient recruiting process while maintaining compliance and DEIB efforts.

Best for creating compliant HR documents tailored to all 50 US States

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.9/5

SixFifty Employment Docs is a SaaS product that's designed to help HR departments with compliance surrounding their legal documents for hiring employees, managing employees, and terminating employees. They offer a 50-state hiring kit that covers all the key documents you'd expect, including offer letters, employee agreements, NDAs, separation agreements, and more.

I included SixFifty Employment Docs in this list because their software fills a unique niche that I haven't seen serviced by many other platforms: legally compliant HR documentation, including employee handbooks. It's best suited for small to medium-sized businesses US-based organizations that don't have a dedicated legal team, or organizations that are just starting out and need to get their HR compliance in order. It's also great for HR professionals who want to streamline their processes and make sure they're always in compliance.

To me, SixFifty Employment Docs stands outs for its simplicity. It's not bogged down with jargon or complicated processes. Plus, it's always up to date so you don't have to worry about outdated information or missing a crucial update. It's all taken care of for you. It's like having a team of legal experts on hand to help you navigate the tricky world of employment law. Plus, it's super easy to use. You don't need a law degree to understand it.

You can create all sorts of employment-related documents, from contracts to policies, in just a few clicks. Plus, you can customize the documents to fit your company's needs. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, it's tailored to you.

Integration details are currently not available.

Best for managing payroll and benefits compliance

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Trinet's HR software is purpose-built to help small and medium-sized businesses manage their core HR processes. When it comes to their compliance management features, they're centered around payroll, benefits management, and risk mitigation. Using their software, you can ensure your organization remains compliant with all federal and state regulations.

Trinet's compliance management features fall within their risk management service which is run by a team of industry experts. Compliance management tools are also baked into their software, including tools to generate compliant W-2s, collect and remit all required taxes (local, state, and federal), and manage unemployment benefits.

Their software also allows you to offer employee benefits plans which are fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations too. For other benefits like 401(k) plans, their compliance tools include Form 5500s, digital audits, required plan testing, and investment monitoring options.

If you need it, you can also request additional legal resources and support through their professional employer organization (PEO) services as well. That means you'll always have an expert in your corner who will help you say up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines.

Integrations are available with Brex, ChartHop, eqtble, Green Places, Mosaic, PayEm, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Secureframe, TravelBank, Vanta, Worksphere, and others.

Pricing details are available upon request.

Best for companies with global teams that need local compliance

  • Free demo available
  • From $199/employee/month for EOR and $25/mo for contractors
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Rating: 4.3/5

Remofirst is a global employment platform that enables companies to hire and manage remote teams without the need to establish local entities.The platform is designed to support HR departments, legal professionals, and more in building and maintaining a remote team across various jurisdictions, offering a solution for companies seeking to navigate the complexities of international employment.

Remofirst provides a a framework for businesses to ensure adherence to international labor laws and regulations when hiring and managing remote employees. As an Employer of Record (EOR), Remofirst takes on the responsibility of legal compliance, managing HR tasks, taxes, and employee benefits in accordance with the local requirements of over 160 countries. This reduces the risk of non-compliance for companies expanding their workforce globally. The platform's features, such as background checks and visa and work permit assistance, further support compliance efforts by ensuring that all employment practices meet both company standards and local legal criteria.

Remofirst also provides dashboards and analytics for businesses to monitor their workforce distribution and expenses, and it includes an employee cost calculator to estimate the financial implications of hiring in different countries.

Integrations include include third-party payment providers, such as Wise and PayPal.

Remofirst costs from $199/employee/month for EOR and $25/user/month for contractors. A free demo is available, but the tool does not offer a free plan or free trial.

Best HR compliance software for small businesses

  • Free plan available (unlimited employees)
  • From $20/month (payroll add-on is $6/user/month + $39/month)
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Rating: 4.2/5

Homebase is an all-in-one human resources software that helps small businesses stay on top of compliance and labor laws through automatic updates and other compliance monitoring tools. Homebase helps businesses comply with federal, state, and local labor laws by storing required time card data, tracking breaks, and tracking overtime to ensure it stays within allowable ranges.

For organizations based in the USA, the Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to post labor law posters throughout their workplace. When labor laws change, in addition to automatic compliance alerts, Homebase will email you an updated poster to simplify the process, ensuring you're always in compliance as laws change. It also automatically alerts users when employee certifications expire to ensure your training records remain compliant as well.

Integrations are available with a handful of popular HR platforms, including ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Quickbooks, Rippling, Square Payroll, and SurePayroll, as well as with several point-of-sale providers.

Homebase's paid plans cost from $20/month, but their HR & compliance support — which includes access to certified HR advisors, policy reviews by HR professional consultants, and automated alerts — is only available in their full-feature All-in-One package.

Best for identifying risk

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.5/5

Diligent is a governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) and quality management tool with features designed for multiple industries, including healthcare and finance. The compliance features promote compliant behavior among employees and provide HR with relevant insight.

Culture-building tools are central to the platform. You can create and deploy microlearning content to educate staff on compliance issues. Meanwhile, the hotline service ensures employees are ready and able to speak out when required.

Managing risk and compliance is easy too. The platform helps HR monitor activities to spot non-compliance early. For example, it will highlight potential conflicts of interest as soon as they occur so you can take action before they become an issue. And you can create compliant policies and roll them out for all employees in your organization.

Diligent doesn’t promote pricing. But you can request more information via the website.

Best for incident management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.6/5

HRAcuity is a compliance solution that helps organizations with incident management. It does this by highlighting risk areas and standardizing processes to help reduce the risk of litigation at your business.

Documentation is a handy tool. You get access to documents that help you standardize how you respond to cases. It ensures you track the correct details in each situation and provides access to standardized letter templates that ensure transparent and compliant communication.

Reporting features also help. You can see insight into where issues occur which helps with risk assessment. You can then proactively take action on these patterns before it is too late.

HRAcuity doesn’t promote pricing on its website. But you can contact the team for more information via their website.

Best for employee management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

Cornerstone is an HR talent management software system with powerful compliance features. These help with mitigating risk across your organization.

The tool excels in helping staff take compliance training. You can automate training paths based on roles to ensure that everyone completes the lessons relevant to their jobs.

It’s easy for employees to access the training via the employee dashboard on desktop or via mobile. They can access further courses to continue learning when they finish the required programs. Meanwhile, HR can track metrics like course completion via the dashboard.

The tool also tracks the steps you take to stay compliant. Use this audit trail to ensure you are ready for investigations. Configurable reports help you share these insights with leaders.

Cornerstone doesn’t promote pricing, but you can book a demo to find out more on the website.

Best for global businesses

  • Upon request

NeeyamoWorks Compliance is an enterprise risk management tool with features designed for global companies. It lets you configure your requirements based on the region you operate in—ensuring you stay compliant with local laws and regulations.

The platform provides a library of laws and rules you can access to check requirements in different countries. And the tool will update and alert you of upcoming changes. Use these to implement policies in advance, so you’re compliant once the change comes in.

The compliance diagnosis dashboard shows how compliant each part of your organization is. Use this to instantly spot issues and take steps to resolve these problems. Meanwhile, the tool keeps you audit-ready by tracking the changes and updates you make. You can easily search for and access the files you need for an audit.

NeeyamoWorks doesn’t advertise pricing on its website. You can find out more by requesting a demo on the website.

The 10 Best Compliance Management Platforms: Comparison Chart

This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of my top compliance software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.

Tools Price
Deel Flat rate user pricing, with free HR tool for businesses
Circa Diversity Recruiting From $295/month
SixFifty Employment Docs Pricing upon request
Trinet Pricing upon request
Remofirst From $199/employee/month for EOR and $25/mo for contractors
Homebase From $20/month (payroll add-on is $6/user/month + $39/month)
Diligent ESG Pricing upon request
HR Acuity Pricing upon request
Cornerstone OnDemand Pricing upon request
NeeyamoWorks Compliance Upon request
Preview Image - <h2 class="c-block__title b-summary-table__title c-listicle__title h3" > Compare Software Specs Side by Side</h2>

Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

Compare Software

Other Compliance Management Systems

Here are some additional options to consider for your corporate compliance needs. While they didn’t make it into my top 10 shortlist, they may be a better fit for your unique business needs:

  1. SAI360

    Best for keeping up with changing regulations

  2. OnePoint

    Best for employee wage and leave compliance

  3. Certemy

    Best for keeping licenses up to date

  4. SafetyAmp

    Best for automatically tracking health & safety compliance data

  5. iSpring Learn

    Best for helping new hires adapt to the workplace quickly

  6. IntelliHR

    Best for certifications and training compliance

  7. eloomi

    Best for compliance training

  8. Connecteam

    Best for training features and an employee app

Selection Criteria for Compliance Software

Wondering how I selected the best compliance management solutions for this list? Here’s a summary of the selection and evaluation criteria I used to find the best compliance management systems out there: 

  • User Interface (UI): A good user interface makes tools easy to navigate, and easy navigation helps you find data about regulations and analyze your compliance efforts.
  • Usability: The tools should be easy to use by both the HR teams that manage compliance and by employees. Look out for mobile apps as well as web-based software.
  • Automation: Most of the tools on this list will automate key business processes. This saves time and reduces the likelihood of human error causing an important task to fall through the cracks. 
  • Value for Price: The tools on this list cover various pricing options. We think each one offers value for money for the right business. 

Key Features

I also dug into the following key features to really hone in on the best compliance management tools for this list. While each option in this list offers slightly different functionalities, these are the core features you should pay close attention to in your own research: 

  • Regulatory updates: Some tools track regulatory bodies and alert your team whenever these organizations update requirements or introduce new ones. These tools may provide plain-language reports and help you set tasks to ensure you take action on the changes. They may also provide updates for regulations in multiple regions. 
  • Licensing and certification: These features track required licenses, certificates, and visas, to ensure your employee’s documents are up to date. They keep track of expiration dates and remind you when a license needs to be renewed.
  • Training: Training features let you roll out the courses staff need to take to stay compliant. Solutions may provide their own modules on subjects like cybersecurity or health and safety. You can usually upload your own course content to create custom training plans.
  • Incident management: Tools with incident management features provide standardized workflows that help you deal with employee complaints. Standardized processes ensure you deal with each incident compliantly. 
  • Wage compliance: These features ensure you pay employees in a way that adheres to local regulations. Look for features like surveys that confirm hours worked, time cards, and the ability to review and approve leave requests.  

Compliance Software: Frequently Asked Questions

Still wondering about compliance software and what it has to offer? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions on this topic:

Why is compliance important?

Compliance is important because it’s mandated by law and failure to comply can lead to big costs. Globalscape estimates that the price of non-compliance increased by 45% between 2011 and 2017, reaching an annual average of $14.82 million.

Compliance is also important because it can have a big impact on your organization’s brand reputation. This can lead to bad press, which can impact your organization’s ability to recruit future employees and also negatively impact employee turnover.

What does non-compliance mean?

Non-compliance refers to the failure of an organization to abide by rules, regulations, laws, standards, best practices, or policies within their industry. When an organization does not follow these rules or regulations, they are deemed to be in a state of non-compliance.

The risks of non-compliance vary depending on the severity of the circumstances but can include penalties, fines, legal actions, reputational damage, or termination of employment. That’s why ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations is extremely important, especially in fields such as healthcare, finance, legal, and other high-stakes business sectors.

What is GDPR compliance?

The term GDPR refers to the General Data Protection Regulation, which was enacted in the European Union and went into effect in mid 2018. The GDPR is a strict set of rules and standards for how organizations can collect and handle personal data of individuals, including the transfer of such data outside of the EU.

Key elements of GDPR compliance include:

  1. Consent: Businesses must obtain clear and explicit consent from individuals before collecting their personal data. Individuals can also withdraw their consent at any time.
  2. Minimization: Organizations should only collect personal data that is required for the specific purpose of their business, and should not retain it longer than necessary.
  3. Accountability and Documentation: Organizations must maintain records of their data processing activities to demonstrate compliance with all GDPR regulations.
  4. Data Protection Officers: Some organizations must appoint Data Protection Officers (DPO), who are responsible for ensuring GDPR compliance for their company.
  5. Data Breach Notifications: If a data breach occurs, organizations are required to report them to the relevant authorities and affected individuals within a designated timeframe.

What is HIPAA compliance?

The term HIPAA refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which was enacted in the United States in August 1996. It relates to the handling of protected health information (PHI) and applies to healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearing houses, and software that stores health-related information.

Key elements of HIPAA compliance include:

  1. Privacy Rule: This outlines the rights of individuals regarding their PHI and specifies how it can be collected, used, and disclosed.
  2. Security Rule: This outlines the required safeguards that organizations need to take to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic PHI (for example, data encryption, access controls, and other security risk assessments).
  3. Breach Notification Rule: This specifies the procedures to follow in the event of a data breach, including the requirement to notify affected individuals as well as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  4. Business Associate Agreements: Organizations that use business associates to handle their PHI must ensure that any third-party service providers also comply with HIPAA requirements.
  5. Training & Awareness: This requires organization to provide training on HIPAA regulations and security practices so employees are aware of the importance of protecting PHI they handle.
  6. Documentation: Organizations must maintain documentation of their compliance efforts, including how their policies, procedures and records related to PHI handling practices as well as logs of any security incidents or data breaches.

Violating these procedures can result in civil and criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the circumstances.

What Do You Think About This List?

This list contains what I consider to be the best compliance software solutions for HR departments. They cover a variety of use cases so the majority of businesses should be able to find one to suit their needs. 

If you’ve used any of these tools, I’m keen to hear what you think of them. Just drop a comment in the section below.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the People Managing People newsletter before you go. It contains exclusive insight from top HR thinkers.

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By Kim Behnke

Kim Behnke is an HR Tool Expert & Writer for People Managing People. She draws on her 9 years of human resources experience and her keen eye for systematic processes to support her analyses of the top HR tools on the market. She is passionate about maximizing efficiencies and streamlining workflows to ensure internal systems run smoothly. Kim's HR experience includes recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and development, policy development and enforcement, and HR analytics. She also has degrees in psychology, writing, publishing, and technical communication, and recently completed a Certified Digital HR Specialist program through the Academy to Innovate HR. When away from her desk, she can usually be found outside tending to her ever-expanding garden.