20 Best Employee Handbook Software Of 2024
10 Best Employee Handbook Software List
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
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With so many different employee handbook software available, figuring out which is right for your company is tough. You know you want software to help you simplify the policy creation process and make future updates easier, but you need to figure out which tool is best. In this post, I'll help you make your choice simpler by sharing my insights on the best employee handbook software based on my personal experience managing and distributing numerous corporate policy documents for many years.
What is Employee Handbook Software?
Employee handbook software is a digital tool for creating, updating, and distributing company handbooks and policy documents to all employees. It replaces outdated manual processes, and ensures efficient and consistent communication of company policies, procedures, and updates, with integrated compliance tracking features to monitor when the information is read by staff.
Employee handbook software makes the process of creating new policies or updating existing policies much faster, increasing the efficiency of your HR department. It also provides a more consistent and accessible mode of transmitting corporate information to employees, creating a better experience. Depending on your industry, another big benefit is integrated compliance tracking and record keeping abilities that prove your employees have read and signed off on mandatory information: a very important feature for safety-sensitive industries.
Overviews of the 10 Best Employee Handbook Software
Here’s a brief description of each employee handbook software system that made my top 10 list, with an additional 10 software suggestions below. For my top 10 choices, I’ve highlighted each system’s noteworthy features, and pros & cons. I’ve also included some screenshots to give you a snapshot of their user interface too.
Best handbook software for deskless or field-based workforces
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app that's specifically designed to manage daily operations, communications, and human resources tasks for desk-free teams. Thanks to it's remote-first approach, their app also functions effectively as a digital employee handbook and portable knowledge base, giving your employees access to all the critical company information they need from anywhere.
Their digital knowledge base structure is easy to use, with unlimited folders and subfolders to organize your information as you see fit. Connecteam also has a robust search feature to help employees quickly find the information they seek, and you can also attach files or links to specific documents within in-app chats or task assignments too.
From the HR administrator's perspective, Connecteam has simple file management permission controls, as well as document-specific analytics. That means your HR team can easily monitor which employees have read each specific document, and send reminders within the app to anyone who hasn't read it, for compliance purposes. For this reason, I also think their software is a good match for field-based employees in industries with lots of health & safety and other compliance-related needs.
Connecteam Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features within their knowledge management module include easy file organization, drag & drop editing, in-app document shortcuts, a document search feature, file-specific analytics, compliance monitoring features, data download limitations to prevent information leaks, and straightforward access controls.
Connecteam also offers time tracking, scheduling, task management, forms and checklists, and payroll integrations, which are essential for operations management. Plus, their app complies with GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2 certifications, and HIPAA, making them a reliable and secure choice for businesses across various industries.
Integrations include Paychex, Xero, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll (online + desktop), Zapier, Google Calendar, API access, and others.
Connecteam Plans and Pricing
Plans begin at $29/month (paid annually) for up to 30 users. They also offer a 14-day free trial and a free plan with limited features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in communication tools that enhance employee engagement and cohesion
- Offers numerous other features for well-rounded employee management
- Very user-friendly, even for non-tech users
Cons:
- No built-in payroll features
- Could use more software integrations
Best employee handbook software for USA-based organizations in compliance heavy industries
SixFifty Employee Handbook is an innovative document management platform that allows HR teams to quickly draft, customize, and distribute employee handbooks that are legally compliant without requiring legal expertise. It includes a comprehensive template library covering a wide range of HR policies, including anti-discrimination, harassment, workplace safety, paid time off, attendance, dress code, health, and many more.
The software automatically monitors for any changes in federal laws and industry regulations to ensure your policies are always up-to-date with any relevant legal changes, minimizing liability risks for your organization. You can also use their platform to track which employees have received the policy and which have read it, eliminating the need for mundane, manual compliance tracking.
SixFifty Employee Handbook Standout Features and Integrations
Features include customizable policies, intuitive policy creation tools, built-in legal compliance monitoring, and easy digital distribution tools. Their user interface is straightforward and easy to use, requiring no technical or legal expertise from the end user. Your HR professionals will be able to easily navigate the platform, access content, and customize your employee handbook using their guided question & answer workflow.
Integration details are currently not available.
SixFifty Plans and Pricing
Pricing for SixFifty Employee Handbooks starts at $100/month for unlimited users. You can also request a free demo through their website.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Large volume of HR policy and other templates, including employee agreements and other legal documents
- Includes a State Addenda tool that generates a list of policy requirements if you expand your business into a new state
- Includes a helpful Policy Comparison Chart so you can understand key differences between policies easier
Cons:
- Software integration details are not transparent
- Designed for USA-based organizations only
Guru
Best employee handbook software for creating digital, wiki-style handbooks
Guru is a knowledge management platform that centralizes company information, providing a single source of truth for teams. It offers expert-design templates and AI-powered features, helping organizations develop and maintain wiki-style digital employee handbooks that are accessible from anywhere.
While it can also be used as a company intranet or knowledge hub, from the HR and People Ops perspective, it includes several features that make it a good fit as a digital employee handbook too. HR can tag specific content with read-receipt style tracking, making it easier to monitor who has reviewed a new policy change, and who hasn't. Guru also offers AI-powered insights to identify knowledge gaps and usage patterns, helping your HR team hone in one any corporate policies that haven't been created yet, but likely should.
Guru's technology also assists HR professionals in creating engaging onboarding workflows, since getting acquainted with corporate policies plays a large role in many onboarding processes.
Guru Standout Features and Integrations
Features that make Guru stand out include its AI-powered instant answers and robust intranet capabilities, which are essential for maintaining an up-to-date and accessible employee handbook. Their Enterprise Search feature leverages AI to enable users to quickly find information across their company's knowledge base. The Intranet function acts as a central hub for employees to access and share knowledge, while the Wiki feature provides a verified platform for managing company knowledge.
Integrations include Google Chrome, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, SharePoint, Box, BambooHR, Workday, Gusto, Zendesk, Salesforce, and numerous other systems. Guru also supports single sign-on for secure access and offers the capability to connect with other applications through no-code solutions or its API.
Guru Plans and Pricing
Plans begin at $10/user/month. They also offer a 30-day free trial as well.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Includes numerous templates to get you started
- User-friendly interface makes it easy to use
- Easy to search for information quickly
Cons:
- Enterprise pricing details are only available upon request
- Not a dedicated employee handbook software
Slite helps organizations collect all their documents in one place, making it easier for remote teams to work together.
You can centralize your knowledge base, projects, and processes in Slite Docs, then use discussions to decide on subsequent actions. The connection between docs and discussions makes decision-making more efficient, transparent, and contextualized, regardless of where team members are located.
Team members can start topics that connect key stakeholders, assign deadlines, and reach a consensus that the whole team shares. The software also includes templates to get you up and running quickly.
Slite Standout Features and Integrations
Features include collaborative cursors, drag-and-drop editing, markdown, and inline comments.
Integrations natively available include Loom, Slack, Vimeo, and YouTube.
Slite Plans and Pricing
Plans begin at $8 per user, per month. A free plan with limited features is also available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Taking notes is fluid and easy
- Large number of integrations
- Well organized and intuitive
Cons:
- Occasional software glitches
- Limited range of features
AirMason
Best employee handbook software for automatically importing your existing policies
AirMason is a digital employee handbook builder that helps you design manuals creatively, update them quickly, and distribute them to all your employees.
You can auto-import your existing content or begin with one of their many existing templates. Then use their handbook creator to add images, GIFs, and videos to personalize the handbook. You can also invite colleagues to collaborate, giving them customized access and version control.
Once you’ve published your handbook, AirMason helps you track electronic signatures, notify employees of updates, and download activity reports. If employees are slow to sign, you can send customized reminders at the frequency of your choice.
AirMason Standout Features and Integrations
Features include easy handbook building, pre-built templates, instant updates with version control, and signature reporting.
Integrations available natively include ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR, Microsoft Azure, Okta, Workday HCM, OneLogin, Paylocity, and UKG Pro.
AirMason Plans and Pricing
Plans begin at $149 per user, per month. A 7-day free trial is also available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Completely customizable
- Visually compelling
- Creates great employee engagement
Cons:
- No export-to-PDF option
- Limited frame design options
Visme is on a mission to help non-designers create quality employee handbooks with visual impact. Using the Visme builder, anyone can create a compelling and appealing document quickly and easily.
Starting with a professionally-designed presentation template, creators can select the principal elements and adjust them as they need. All components may be customized to fit the organization in question. It’s easy to upload and add brand fonts, colors, images and logos.
The builder includes a selection of animated characters and icons that enrich the information and bring the handbook to life. Creators can visualize their company culture by customizing the characters in different poses alongside text boxes and data visualizations.
Visme Standout Features and Integrations
Features include flowcharts, a social scheduler, interactivity, and a professional presenter studio.
Integrations available natively include Dropbox, GIPHY, Google Drive, HubSpot, JotForm, Salesforce, Typeform, Unsplash, Vimeo, and YouTube.
Visme Plans and Pricing
Plans begin at $29 per user, per month. A free plan with limited features is also available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Helpful video tutorials
- Extensive media library
- Excellent graphics
Cons:
- Expensive compared to alternatives
- Image editing is limited
Best employee handbook software for incorporating state-specific policies
Employee Manual Builder, from Business Power Tools, aims to help you create a comprehensive employee policies and procedures handbook.
Their software includes over 200 standard policies and procedures. These are based on 30 years of experience, incorporating feedback from employees in many different workplaces. All the policies have a purpose and have been edited to address how to handle a given situation today.
Each handbook is designed to be compliant, socially-conscious, and transparent. Handbooks can be easily customized for an individual state, then assembled with the proper state-specific policies in place.
Employee Manual Builder Standout Features and Integrations
Features include support for office policies, job candidate evaluation forms, job offer/rejection letters, inter-office correspondence, sick leave polices, and confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements.
Integrations with popular business tools are available through Zapier.
Employee Manual Builder Plans and Pricing
Plans begin at $24.75 per user, per month. A 14-day free trial is also available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Includes a manager’s procedures guide
- 100% customizable
- Covers all 50 US states
Cons:
- No collaboration tools
- Dated interface
Blissbook aims to provide everything organizations need to create, distribute, and project manage an online employee handbook.
You can design and assemble your handbook using their mobile-friendly template or have Blissbook experts create it for you. The built-in project management features help you launch your digital employee handbook quickly and easily. Changes can be made anytime and communicated automatically to employees and other stakeholders.
Blissbook Standout Features and Integrations
Features include legally binding e-signatures, approval process control, confirmation of acceptance, audit trails, policy creation, and policy metadata management.
Integrations available natively include a direct connection with BambooHR.
Blissbook Plans and Pricing
Blissbook offers customized pricing upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive customer support
- Updating content is easy
- Enables good governance
Cons:
- No capabilities beyond employee handbooks
- Not suitable for small businesses
Adobe is the #1 choice for professional design software, so using Adobe Express to build employee handbooks is an obvious choice.
This software tool includes dozens of professionally-designed templates that you can easily update with your brand colors, logo, and company information. All designs can be resized to make either a pocketbook or a full letter-size manual. This can be read online or printed and bound for physical distribution.
You can search through templates by platform, task, aesthetic, mood, or color. Add animated stickers from GIPHY or apply text animations for short-form graphic videos. Then add collaborators to your project to get input from the whole team. You can also duplicate designs to create consistency across multiple types of assets.
Adobe Express Standout Features and Integrations
Features include thousands of templates, advanced editing abilities, multimedia options, and collaboration tools.
Integrations natively available include Flipgrid, Google Drive, OneNote, and Wakelet.
Adobe Express Plans and Pricing
Plans begin at $9.99 per user, per month. A 30-day free trial is also available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Very customizable
- Huge range of templates
- Professional-level designs
Cons:
- Mobile app is slow
- Less intuitive than other tools
Handbooks.io
Best employee handbook software for pre-loaded policies using HR-approved language
Handbooks.io is an employee handbook creator that helps any organization create a company manual quickly and easily. Handbooks can be built with HR-approved language, ready to use in all 50 US states.
Completed handbooks can be saved and edited as Word documents for easy distribution to employees wherever they’re located. The software includes a questionnaire to help tailor the handbook to your company’s needs.
The acknowledgment page feature allows employees to sign their handbook. They can state that they understand and will comply with the policies.
Handbooks.io Standout Features and Integrations
Features include 28 pages of essential policies, guidelines, and standards, HR-vetted language, and a satisfaction guarantee.
Integrations are available through Zapier.
Handbooks.io Plans and Pricing
A comprehensive handbook can be built for a one-time fee of $39.95. A free option with limited features is also available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- HR-vetted language
- Employees can download in Word format
- No subscription required
Cons:
- Not interactive
- Limited integration options
10 Best Employee Handbook Software Comparison Chart
Here’s a comparison chart that summarizes basic details about each of my top employee handbook software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or freemium version to make quick side-by-side comparisons to help you find the best software that works for your budget.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Connecteam | From $29/month (for up to 30 users, billed annually) + $0.5/user/month for each additional user | Website |
| SixFifty Employee Handbook | From $100/month (unlimited users) | Website |
| Guru | From $10/user/month | Website |
| Slite | From $8/user/month | Website |
| AirMason | From $149/user/month | Website |
| Visme | From $12.25/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Employee Manual Builder | From $24.75/user/month | Website |
| Blissbook | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Adobe Express | From $9.99/user/month | Website |
| Handbooks.io | $39.95 one-time fee | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Options
Here are a few more options that didn’t make the best employee handbook software list:
- ProProfs
Employee handbook software for on-the-go access
- Waybook
Employee handbook software for managing policies, training, and onboarding in one place
- SHRM Employee Handbook Builder
Employee handbook software with a drag-and-drop policy builder tool
- Confluence
Employee handbook software for existing Atlassian users
- MyHub
For creating digital and downloadable employee handbooks
- Trainual
Employee handbook software for a wide selection of templates
- Nuclino
Employee handbook software for real-time handbook collaboration
- Igloo
Employee handbook software for an intranet-based handbook model
- Tettra
Employee handbook software for answering employee questions in Slack
- MyEmployeeHandbook
Employee handbook software for secure, cloud-based HR and Health & Safety handbooks
Selection Criteria for Employee Handbook Software
Wondering how I selected the best employee handbook software for this list? Here’s a summary of my selection criteria:
- User Interface (UI): I selected employee handbook software with a modern user interface that people can use without special training.
- Usability: I chose tools that are easy to use and understand, even for non-technical employees.
- Integrations: I expect to see ready-made connections to other popular business tools.
- Price: I’ve prioritized employee handbook solutions that are affordable for organizations of all sizes.
How to Select the Best Employee Handbook Software
To select the best company handbook tool for your needs, you must determine the needs of your organization and seek a system that offers all the necessary features and benefits.
Also, when you consider the fact that 60% of employees avoid reading their employee handbook altogether, you’ll want to pick a system with tools to help you present the information in a more fun and engaging way.
Why is employee handbook software important?
Choosing the right employee handbook software is an important decision for any organization. It’s essential that all workers are on the same page, understand your company’s core values, and work towards the same goals.
An employee handbook is a critical tool for achieving this, compiling all the necessary information into one document that can be shared with all stakeholders. But old-school handbooks have limitations. Whether paper-based or in PDF form, they become quickly outdated and are often forgotten and overlooked.
Employee handbook software solves that problem by making it much easier to create, update and share company manuals.
What are the main features you should look for when evaluating employee handbook software?
A good employee handbook should offer a range of features such as:
- A handbook builder: Users should find it easy to create an employee handbook from scratch using a built-in wizard.
- Templates: To save time building a handbook from scratch, the tool should offer customizable templates.
- Editing: Any employee handbook software tool should allow information to be updated quickly and easily.
- Sharing: There should be multiple ways to share the handbook with employees, including through social media.
- Notifications: All employees need to receive notifications when the handbook is updated.
What are the main benefits of an employee handbook?
A well-maintained employee handbook offers many advantages, including:
- Improved onboarding: faster, more efficient induction and briefing of all new hires
- A single source of truth: a shared source of company information that eliminates confusion
- Reference: all employees should have quick access to critical information when they need it
- Compliance: confirming precise details on essential matters such as policies and standard operating procedures
- Protection: a well thought out employee handbook reduces the risk of litigation due to ill-informed employees
What sections or key topics should an employee handbook include?
A good employee handbook will include sections covering:
- Employment basics
- Workplace expectations
- Code of conduct
- Equal employment opportunity
- Compensation and development
- Benefits and perks
- Working hours, paid time-off and vacation
- Health insurance and medical leave
- Dress code
- Remote work policies
- Employee resignation and termination
To help you get started, take a look at our articles featuring a List of Essential HR Policies & Procedures and other examples of HR policies.
Other Resources
With the right employee handbook software, you can unite your team and work together towards your common goals. So take a closer look at the tools reviewed here to find the perfect fit for your organization.
If you found this article helpful, you might also like to read similar articles on our website, such as The Case for a New Employee Handbook (and What to Include) and the Ultimate Guide to Employee Handbooks (+ a Free Template).
In addition, I also recommend familiarizing yourself with these Employee Handbook Best Practices too.
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