20 Best HR Software for Small Businesses Reviewed for 2025
10 Best HR Software for Small Businesses Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
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With so many different HR software for small businesses available, figuring out which is right for you is tough. You know you want to automate and manage employee-related tasks like recruitment, payroll, performance tracking, and benefits administration, but you need to figure out which HR system is best.
In this post, I'll help make your choice easier. I've evaluated numerous HR platforms using specific criteria to assess their core features, usability, onboarding process, customer support, user reviews, and overall value for price. To save you loads of time, I used this research to create this list of the best HR software for small businesses. Plus, I'll share my personal experiences using different HR systems within a small HR team to help you find the best fit for your business needs.
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Best HR Platforms for Small Business: Pricing Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top HR software selections to help you find the best HR software for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Velocity Global Velocity Global lets you create compliant contracts and hire globally to expand your workforce. | Best for international hiring compliance | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 2 |  Rippling Rippling's exit survey feature is an easy-to-use tool for small businesses seeking insights from their employee departures. | Best small business HR software for employee and IT management | Free demo available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| 3 |  BambooHR Reduce your HR department’s data entry time with BambooHR’s single source of employee information | Best HR software for measuring employee engagement and satisfaction | 7-day free trial | From $6.19/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| 4 |  Mitratech Trakstar Mitratech Trakstar's performance check-in feature allows for regular communication between managers and employees. | Best for talent development | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 5 |  GoCo GoCo automates the onboarding of new employees to ensure that their first day at work proceeds without a cinch. | Best HR software for dedicated customer service | Free demo available | From $5/employee/month | Website |
| 6 |  Workable HR Workable's new hire onboarding portal provides an easy way for employees to start tasks and provide necessary information. | Best HR software for customizable onboarding workflows | Free trial available | From $49/month (billed annually) | Website |
| 7 |  Paycor Paycor lets users easily navigate and look up employee information like attendance and compensation on its platform. | Best HR software for a wide variety of features in their lower-priced plans | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 8 |  Deel Deel’s simple interface makes it easy to see employee and contractor info at a glance. | Best all-in-one global HR software for small businesses | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| 9 |  Homebase Homebase’s free employee scheduling software helps small businesses with schedule optimization, which allows for streamlined schedule creation and team alignment. | Best for managing hourly employees | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $20/user/month | Website |
| 10 |  RemoFirst Users can consult with Remofirst's team of HR professionals about Visas, benefits, and other HR processes. | Best HR software for small businesses needing global payroll options | Free demo available | From $25/user/month | Website |
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Deel
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Reviews of the Best HR Software for Small Businesses
Here you’ll find my overviews of the 10 best HR software I selected specifically for small and midsize businesses. In my research, I kept core HR challenges of SMBs in mind, like hiring and retaining top talent, ensuring legal compliance, and driving professional development. I’ve outlined each provider’s best use case, standout features, and pricing information.
Velocity Global is a global employment solutions provider that helps businesses expand internationally by managing hiring, HR, and payroll for global employees. They offer services in over 185 countries, enabling companies to compliantly hire and manage talent worldwide without establishing their own legal entities.
Why I picked Velocity Global: Velocity Global's employer of record (EOR) service is particularly beneficial for small businesses looking to hire internationally. By acting as the legal employer on your behalf, they ensure compliance with local employment laws, reducing the risk of legal issues. Additionally, Velocity Global provides comprehensive global payroll solutions. This service simplifies the payroll process, allowing you to manage payments in multiple currencies and comply with varying tax regulations.
Velocity Global Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a cloud-based platform that facilitates efficient HR management, including onboarding and document management, providing a centralized location for all employee information. They also offer immigration support, assisting with visa and global mobility services to help your employees relocate smoothly. Furthermore, their benefits administration services ensure that your employees receive competitive and compliant benefits packages tailored to local regulations.
Integrations include Oracle, Greenhouse, Lever, Workable, JazzHR, Ashby, Bob, and Namely.
Rippling
Best small business HR software for employee and IT management
Rippling is an all-in-one HR software that helps small businesses manage all aspects of employee management from one centralized location. With features such as automated onboarding, digital document storage and retrieval, and complete payroll processing, the software provides an efficient way to handle the most important HR tasks.
Why I picked Rippling: Rippling's IT & security management features offer complete control over employee access points, such as email accounts and applications, without requiring manual intervention from IT staff or administrators. It provides a single-sign-on solution that allows employees to easily access multiple applications without remembering individual usernames or passwords. These features make Rippling's software stand out compared to others in this list.
Rippling Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include automated payroll and time tracking, eliminating the need for manual entries. The platform also offers time tracking and expense management so that users can easily keep track of employee hours worked and expenses incurred while on the job.
Rippling's onboarding tool helps employers automatically set up employee accounts with all necessary information, such as tax forms, benefits packages, and company policies, which saves time and energy while ensuring accuracy. The offboarding feature allows employers to quickly terminate employee accounts and access all relevant documents in one place—making it easy to track who is currently employed by a company at any given time.
Integrations include Slack, QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Greenhouse, Lever, Okta, Zoom, Google Workspace, Office 365, Dropbox, and Salesforce.
BambooHR
Best HR software for measuring employee engagement and satisfaction
BambooHR is a popular HR management solution made for small businesses that covers the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding to offoarding.
Why I picked BambooHR: Some of the most interesting features are around building company culture. You can create employee satisfaction surveys with anonymous feedback to learn what people think about work. You can then track this over time to see how your employee engagement efforts are paying off.
BambooHR Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include an employee database, hiring and onboarding tools, time off and benefits tracking, performance management, and employee experience and community-building tools. BambooHR also offers add-ons for payroll, benefits administration (US companies only), and time-tracking.
Their performance management module also helpfully connect performance tracking with compensation updates, promotions, and raises, making managers' lives easier.
Integrations include Slack, Deel, Lattice, Officevibe, TalentLMS, Bonusly, Lever, Payscale, Papaya Globa, Oyster, and dozens more.
Mitratech Trakstar is a comprehensive HR software solution designed to assist small businesses in managing various aspects of talent development. It offers tools for performance management, learning management, applicant tracking, and workforce analytics, all integrated into a single platform.
Why I picked Mitratech Trakstar: I like its focus on talent development. The platform offers tools to help attract, retain, and engage top talent—key elements for any growing company. It includes the ability to conduct customizable performance reviews, set and track employee goals, and facilitate 360-degree feedback. These features enable you to align employee objectives with business goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, Mitratech Trakstar's learning management system (LMS) lets you create and deliver engaging training content to support talent development.
Mitratech Trakstar Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include workforce analytics that provide insights into employee performance and engagement, helping you make informed HR decisions. The applicant tracking system streamlines the hiring process by enabling collaborative recruitment and efficient candidate sourcing. Furthermore, the platform offers engagement surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
Integrations include ADP Workforce Now, Paylocity, BambooHR, Namely, Ramco, UKG Pro, Syntrio, SFTP, Azure, Okta, Salesforce, Zoom, GoToWebinar, and DocuSign.
GoCo is an employee management software with a wide variety of features for running your human resources department.
Why I picked GoCo: Small businesses don’t often have their own IT departments, which makes handling software issues challenging. GoCo is an excellent choice because they assign a dedicated Customer Success Manager for every GoCo subscriber to ensure that you have somebody attending to your software concerns.
GoCo is also flexible and ensures that its software will work great with the other software you're already using. Instead of replacing your trusted software platforms like payroll or benefits, GoCo integrates with them to ensure that you can continue using software that works great for you.
GoCo Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include an HRIS, onboarding, document management, benefits administration, payroll, time tracking, performance management, and compliance. You can use GoCo to automate your onboarding checklist to ensure new employees have an organized new hire experience.
GoCo also offers a self-service portal where employees can track and manage their time-off requests, update their contact information, and make changes to their benefits and dependents, promoting self-sufficiency.
Integrations include 15Five, CheckHR, Greenhouse, JazzHR, Microsoft Outlook, Slack, Workable, Zoom, and others.
Workable HR is a comprehensive software solution designed to manage recruitment and employee management processes. It offers an HRIS and integrated recruiting features.
Why I picked Workable HR: I like that Workable HR provides small businesses with the option to create customizable onboarding workflows. This means that onboarding experiences can be adapted to newly created roles, ensuring new hires only receive the most relevant information. The HRIS also facilitates the collection of important documents and e-signatures for policies and agreements.
Workable HR Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include customizable employee profiles based on role and location, organizational charting features, a central employee directory, and an onboarding portal for new hires. These features ensure that all information is easily accessible to employees and HR teams.
Integrations include ADP, Xero, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Lever, Namely, Rippling, Sapling, and Zenefits.
Paycor
Best HR software for a wide variety of features in their lower-priced plans
Paycor's HCM platform helps small businesses manage all aspects of HR, including payroll management, benefits administration, and compliance. In addition to its core HR offerings, Paycor provides a range of services, such as employee onboarding, performance management, and time & attendance tracking.
Why I picked Paycor: I included Paycor in this list because even their most basic plan covers a wide range of features. Plus, Paycor helps you identify talent gaps and create succession plans. Its talent management module provides you and your managers with data-driven insights into which employees are thriving and which ones may be struggling. This information can then be used to provide targeted training and development resources. Additionally, its employee feedback tools help managers ensure that their team members are on track and meeting expectations.
Paycor Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include centralized employee data management, employee onboarding, time tracking, job costing, and new-hire reporting. You can confidently pay your employees on time and accurately track labor costs. The platform also helps users manage expense reports and mitigate risk with compliance tools.
Paycor also allows employees to view their own employee records and track their progress, empowering them to take control of their careers and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals. Managers can also set up automated reminders for their employees to submit their timesheets and review their vacation requests.
Integrations include Instant Pay, Goodhire, WEX, bswift, Humana, Indeed, and LinkedIn, plus dozens of other integrations through its marketplace.
Deel is a comprehensive HR platform designed for businesses of all sizes. Deel's platform is user-friendly and integrates several features that make it easy to manage and pay workers compliantly without juggling multiple tools.
Why I picked Deel: For small businesses and startups, Deel has made their new HR tools free, so it’s an excellent option for onboarding and managing additional help. Furthermore, Deel’s global compatibility lets you hire and manage freelancers and employees in 150+ countries without having to figure out local laws, tax systems, or international payroll management.
Deel Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include contract and stock option management, expense reimbursements, compliance documentation tracking, and 24/7 online chat support. Employees and contractors can self-manage their pay and personal data, which reduces admin load. Deel uses major payment providers like Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, and Revolut to offer flexible withdrawal options and reduce unnecessary international transfer fees.
Integrations are available with Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable. They also have an Open API solution that allows developers to build their own interfaces on top of the Deel platform too.
Homebase is an all-in-one employee management software with scheduling, time tracking, hiring and onboarding, team communication, employee happiness, and HR compliance features.
Why I picked Homebase: The HR compliance functionality helps startups and small businesses automate paperwork like employee records and has e-signature capabilities for virtual documents. The system tracks employee certifications and sends users notices when labor laws change to ensure they remain compliant with federal and state-level laws.
Users can manage employee time off requests and set PTO policies directly in the software. Scheduling can be managed in the software and time clocks help track employee working time, breaks, and time off. Employee payroll is automated based on timesheets, and the system processes tax filings on the user's behalf.
Homebase Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include overtime alerts, automated scheduling, shift trading and claiming, time-off management, labor cost tracking and optimization, timesheets, and payroll with tips and compute wages, total hours, paid and unpaid breaks, and overtime.
Homebase also facilitates team collaboration with its built-in messaging platform. Direct messaging, company-wide announcements, and group and team communication can all be facilitated through the messaging portal.
Administrators can track employee performance metrics and send shout-outs through the platform. Hiring and onboarding can also be managed, including posting open positions on job boards and tracking candidates throughout the recruiting and onboarding process.
Integrations include ADP, Clover, Google, Lightspeed, Payanywhere, Paychex, Quickbooks, Shopify, Square, Toast, Upserve, Vend, and Wells Fargo.
RemoFirst
Best HR software for small businesses needing global payroll options
Remofirst is a cloud-based HR software solution that helps small businesses and startups comply with tax regulations and labor laws. It automates the tax and payroll process and offers a compliance guarantee, which protects businesses from potential penalties. Furthermore, it provides support and resources to help companies comply with changing regulations.
Why I picked Remofirst: Their global payroll reporting feature makes it easy for businesses to keep track of employee payroll information. The report includes detailed information on employee salaries, deductions, and contributions. Remofirst can also generate tax reports and evaluate employee benefits and compensation packages. This information can verify that employees are being paid correctly and ensure that deductions are being withheld correctly.
All employee data is stored securely in the Remofirst cloud, making it easy for businesses to access and use when needed. Remofirst provides 24/7 customers with a live chat feature, giving access to its team of experts to help with troubleshooting problems.
Remofirst Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a self-service portal where employers can view and update their employees' information, including contact information, job titles, and salary data. Plus, you can use Remofirst to enroll employees in health insurance, dental insurance, and other benefits programs. Employees can use the tool to view their benefit options and make changes to their coverage.
Remofirst also offers a mobile app that allows users to access their accounts from anywhere. The app makes it easy to keep track of employees' hours and vacation days, as well as calculate payroll taxes. It also provides a convenient way for employees to view their pay stubs and W-2 forms.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Slack, and Zoom. An API is also available to support custom integrations, as well.
Other Small Business HR Solutions
Are none of the above tools a good fit for your organization? Then here are some options that didn’t make our top list but might be a good choice for the right business. You can also check out our article on the overall best HR tools for more advice.
- Paychex Flex
HR software for integrated payroll and benefits management
- Bambee
For automatic compliance monitoring plus support from a dedicated HR manager
- Arcoro
HR software for small construction companies
- Eddy
All-in-one HR software for local businesses with deskless workers
- Factorial
HR software for SMBs wanting a linked team-wide calendar and scheduling tools
- Kallidus Sapling
HR software for SMB's needing scalability
- Beams
For collecting employee feedback and exchanging recognition
- CuteHR
HR software for managing remote teams
- SnapHRM
Free solution for businesses with under 5 employees
- Fingercheck
HR software for workflow automation and approvals
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Payroll Software
- Recruiting Software
- Employer of Record Services
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Workforce Management Software
Selection Criteria for HR Software for Small Businesses
Selecting the best online HR software for small businesses requires an understanding of how software can help solve common frustrations small businesses face when trying to manage HR processes efficiently. My approach to creating this list is grounded in thorough research into how these tools can solve the needs of business owners and employees alike.
I also drew on my years of experience as an HR professional to pinpoint the key features that add a lot of value and cut down on time-consuming processes.
Here's a short summary of the selection criteria I used to build this list of the best HR platforms for SMBs:
Core HR Software Functionalities (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases first:
- Core HR data management capabilities that centralize all your employee data
- Integrated modules for easy digital data management
- Some form of employee self-service module to reduce administrative requests
- Tools to manage the recruiting and hiring process, payroll process, time and attendance tracking, or performance management processes
- Customizable user roles and permissions to curate who can access your employee data
In this case, since HR software is a very broad category, determining the core functions was a little trickier than usual! However, I also intentionally included a broad set of tools in this list. As a result, each software system in this list is a top choice within its area of expertise and has something unique to offer.
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): To help differentiate one HR system from another, I also keep a keen eye out for any unique features, including:
- Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities that offer deeper insights into HR metrics
- Customizable dashboards and workflows to suit specific business needs
- Integration capabilities with other business tools and systems for seamless operations
- Built-in notifications and alerts to ensure no key details or changes slip through the cracks
- Data visualization tools that represent your workforce data visually in charts, graphs, or dynamic dashboards
- A user-friendly mobile experience or dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS mobile devices
Usability (10% of total score): To evaluate the usability of each HR software, I considered the following:
- An intuitive design that simplifies complex processes and requires minimal training to master
- Quick access to essential features without overwhelming users
- A clean, user-friendly interface that you can customize with your company branding to enhance the user experience
- Role-based access control that's straightforward to configure
Onboarding (10% of total score): To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I consider the following factors:
- The availability of best practice guides to streamline the setup process
- Whether comprehensive training materials are available, including videos and interactive tutorials, to speed up internal training for new users
- Customizable templates that are easy to adapt to speed up onboarding
- Evaluating the availability of dedicated customer success managers or on-call customer support teams, including 24/7 help via chatbots
- Support for migrating employee data into the new platform
Customer Support (10% of total score): To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:
- The availability of multiple support channels, including email, phone, and chat
- Whether they offer a customer-facing knowledge base, FAQs, or other self-service tools to aid problem-solving
- Whether customer support is only available within specific time frames or zones, or 24/7 via chatbots
- The overall quality, responsiveness, and helpfulness of the support team during customer onboarding and post-purchase, as inferred from customer reviews
Value for Price (10% of total score): To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:
- The availability of free trials or demos to test the software before purchasing
- Transparent pricing models that clearly explain which features are included at each level, with no additional hidden costs for training or set-up
- Tiered pricing plans with an option catered specifically to small businesses' needs with the option to scale up over time
Customer Reviews (10% of total score): Evaluating customer reviews is the final element of my selection process, which helps me understand how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Here are the factors I considered:
- Whether a product has consistently high ratings across multiple review platforms, indicating a broad level of user satisfaction
- Specific praises, criticisms, or trends in customer feedback that indicate the software's strengths or areas for improvement
- Whether customer feedback specifically mentions issues with ease of use, customer support responsiveness, or lacking features
- Any testimonials that highlight how a platform solved a particular challenge or adapted to changing business needs
Using this assessment framework helped me identify the HR software that goes beyond basic requirements to offer small businesses additional value through unique features, intuitive usability, smooth onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.
For HR professionals, it’s about reducing manual work… The more automation and workflow integration you can get, the better.
How to Choose HR Software
HR software can help small businesses solve many different challenges and improve numerous workflows. To help you figure out which HR software best fits your small business needs, you need to pinpoint your key users and document their specific challenges first.
As you work through your own unique HR software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- What HR challenges are you trying to solve? Identifying your challenges can help you clarify the right type of HR software for your needs. Common challenges may include:
- large volumes of manual data entry,
- repetitive HR tasks that are tedious and time-consuming,
- compliance information that is difficult to oversee at a glance,
- managing a heavy volume of administrative requests from your employees for simple tasks (e.g., updating banking details or contact information), or
- inefficient recruiting processes that are slow and cumbersome, leading to poor hiring outcomes.
- What outcomes are important and how will you measure success? Being clear on your desired outcomes upfront is crucial to avoid wasting valuable time. Key outcomes for implementing your new human resources software could include:
- increased efficiency and productivity following the full digitization of your employee data,
- reduced repetitive tasks as a result of setting up new workflow automation rules to digitize core administrative processes (e.g., approval workflows),
- digitized compliance data that is automatically updated so information is always accurate and up-to-date,
- a reduction in administrative requests from employees as a result of improved self-service capabilities, or
- improved time-to-hire and better candidate quality due to enhanced recruiting tools with sophisticated features for sourcing and screening.
- Who are your main users? Consider who will use the software and how many licenses you'll need. Will you need access for your entire HR department, or only your senior HR professionals or those involved in key tasks (e.g., payroll or recruiting)?
- Once that's clear, you should rank the needs of your different users to identify your key priorities for your HR software power users, managers, and employees, to ensure they're all met.
- What is your budget? To evaluate cost, do a headcount of your existing workforce, plus your projections for the next 5 to 10 years. Since most HR software charges a monthly fee per employee, this will help you estimate your monthly costs proactively.
- It's crucial to determine a realistic budget for your new HR software up-front, so you don't waste time considering software that is out of your price range.
- Do you require specific software integrations? Clarify whether your new HR software will replace existing tools, or need to integrate with them. Depending on the type of HR software you're looking for, some key integrations to watch for include accounting, time-tracking, and payroll software systems, plus any internal communication tools you already use.
- Are all the integrations you need available, or can they be custom-configured using an API?
- Can you reduce your monthly SaaS overhead costs by replacing multiple tools with an all-in-one HR platform?
- Does the new software satisfy your technical requirements? Consider the software selection alongside your existing workflows and systems. Evaluate what's working well, and any problem areas that need to be addressed.
- Does the new system offer security features that meet your needs (e.g., two-factor authentication (2FA), etc.)?
- Does the new system integrate with your corporate workspace (Microsoft SharePoint, Google Workspace, etc.),
Remember, every business is different — don’t assume that an HR system will work for your small business just because it's popular.
Implementing better technology can change the entire work environment. When people aren’t frustrated by systems that don’t work, it makes them more willing to engage and feel positive about their workplace.
How to Implement HR Software
After selecting the ideal HR system for your organization, the next step is crafting a solid implementation plan to integrate the software into your current workflows and equip your team with the knowledge they need to use it effectively.
Your implementation plan should include the following key components:
- Establishing a clear strategy and timeline for implementation
- Engaging stakeholders and securing their input
- Developing a communication plan with clear ownership of responsibilities
- Rolling out the system in phases to make the transition smoother
- Providing internal training sessions and ongoing support
- Encouraging user adoption to overcome resistance to change
- Preparing and cleaning your data before migrating it to the new system
- Running test scenarios for critical processes, such as multiple payroll simulations or a mock performance review cycle
- Officially launching the system, addressing any questions or concerns, and ensuring regular maintenance
If you’re looking for detailed guidance, our comprehensive guide on implementing HR software is a great resource. It even includes an HR software implementation checklist to simplify the process!
During implementation, engage with other areas of the business, and don’t feel that you need to do it all on your own. Understand their needs early, involving them from the start to get them on board, and identify any ‘quick wins’ such as a useful report for your finance team or an informative, high-level dashboard for the CEO.
Assembling a diverse implementation team is also essential. Make sure it includes representatives from key stakeholder groups and end-users to ensure everyone’s needs are considered.
Keep your implementation process straightforward to avoid unnecessary complications.
Often, I observe people complaining about implementation while simultaneously complicating their processes by aiming for overly complex systems that may not be necessary. This approach often leads to frustration.
For more practical advice on how to achieve a successful HR software rollout, check out our podcast with Andrew Swiler on building and implementing an HR tech stack.
Trends in HR Software for Small Businesses in 2024
Successful small businesses stay ahead of the curve—and the software that propels you needs to do the same! HR software is continuously evolving to keep pace with the changing nature of running a small business.
Here are some of the trends I'm seeing (and anticipating) in these tools:
- Integration with AI and Machine Learning: There's a clear trend towards leveraging AI and machine learning to automate and enhance decision-making processes. This includes AI-driven candidate screening tools to support the hiring process, predictive analytics for employee performance, and automated payroll systems. These features are rapidly evolving, with software increasingly able to handle complex tasks with minimal human intervention, suggesting a shift towards more predictive and personalized HR management.
- Enhanced Data Security and Privacy: With the increasing digitization of HR processes, data security and privacy features have become paramount. The latest updates show a significant emphasis on advanced encryption methods, secure data storage solutions, and compliance with global data protection regulations. This trend is a response to the growing concern over personal data security in digital platforms.
- Mobile Accessibility: The push for mobile accessibility continues to be a critical trend. HR software is becoming more mobile-friendly, with HR apps or mobile-optimized web interfaces that allow managers and employees to access information and perform tasks from anywhere. This trend caters to the increase in mobile workforces and the need for flexibility in accessing HR services.
These emerging trends in HR software are not just technological advancements; they are strategic tools addressing the key pain points and needs of HR professionals in small businesses. Adopting these trends can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and foster a more engaged and compliant workforce.
These trends demonstrate a significant shift towards more intelligent, flexible, and secure HR software solutions that help small businesses stay adaptable, agile, and poised for future growth.
Security is often overlooked when choosing HR tools… You’re handling employees’ sensitive personal information, so you need to ensure the platform is secure and can protect that data from breaches.
What is HR Software?
HR software is a digital tool for managing employee-related activities, aimed at streamlining HR processes like hiring, payroll, performance management, and benefits administration.
The primary purpose of HR software for small businesses is to ensure that all HR functions are taken care of without breaking the bank or expending more resources than needed.
Features of HR Software for Small Businesses
Choosing the right HR system for your small business is crucial to ensure your internal processes run smoothly. Plus, it's also important to ensure the HR system you choose is compliant with the industry standards and regulations in your jurisdiction.
For example, leading HR platforms that serve clients in the US should comply with the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), while HR software designed for European clients should comply with data security regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Many systems also strive to match the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the US, or meet ISO 27001 standards for information security management, ensuring the protection of sensitive employee data.
Here are the most important features to look for as you're considering different human resources management software:
- User-Friendly Interface: A straightforward and intuitive user interface ensures that employees and HR personnel can navigate the software without extensive training. This ease of use is crucial for the adoption and effective utilization of the system across the organization.
- Cloud-Based Technology: Access to HR functions from anywhere at any time is essential, especially with the rise of remote work. Cloud-based HR management software offers flexibility, scalability, and less investment into IT resources, allowing businesses to adjust as they grow.
- Payroll Processing or Integrations: Software with built-in payroll management functions, or integrations with other payroll systems will simplify your payroll process, reduce errors, and run payroll faster. These payroll modules can often manage tax filing at the local and federal levels too.
- Compliance Management: Monitoring changes to labor laws and regulations is a constant challenge. HR software that offers compliance management features helps ensure that businesses stay on top of these requirements, reducing the risk of penalties.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Empowering employees to manage their personal information, request time off, and access payslips reduces the administrative burden on HR.
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS): An ATS streamlines the hiring process by organizing and simplifying candidate tracking and communication. These tools can help you manage your job postings, schedule interviews, send out offer letters, and more. They're super valuable for small businesses looking to improve their hiring efficiency and attract the best talent.
- Performance Management Tools: Effective performance management tools help teams set, track, and review employee goals and performance. This feature is key to aligning individual objectives with the company’s goals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Attendance Tracking & Time-Off Management: These combined features help small businesses manage timesheets, PTO, overtime, absences, and leave balances efficiently. Accurate time tracking is also essential for payroll accuracy and labor compliance.
- Employee Lifecycle Management: Another helpful feature for small but growing companies is setting up automated employee onboarding processes and employee offboarding workflows. Just create a list of all the things new hires need to do before starting, send them a link to your tool, and they can work through the tasks independently.
- Reporting and Analytics: Access to real-time data and analytics enables businesses to make informed decisions. This feature provides insights into HR metrics, such as turnover rates and hiring efficiency, helping businesses identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Mobile Accessibility: With the increasing reliance on smartphones for professional purposes, mobile accessibility allows employees and managers to access HR functions on the go, providing a more flexible employee experience.
Choosing HR management software with these features can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your HR processes. By automating routine tasks, ensuring compliance, and providing valuable insights, the right HR software can support the growth of your small business, allowing you to focus more on your strategic goals.
Benefits of HR Software for Small Businesses
HR software is designed to make your human resource functions more efficient. By investing in modern HR software, you can reduce administrative burdens, make better data-driven decisions, and uncover actionable insights to help you strategically manage your workforce more effectively.
By selecting the best HR software for your needs, you can expect to gain the following benefits:
- Increased Efficiency: HR software automates routine tasks, freeing up time for HR staff to focus on strategic initiatives. This automation reduces the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing HR personnel to concentrate on more value-added activities.
- Streamlined Data Management: By centralizing HR data, HR management software ensures that all employee information is stored in one place, making it easily accessible. This ensures that all employee records are kept up-to-date and can only be accessed or updated by authorized personnel, reducing the risk of data discrepancies and loss.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: With access to real-time data and analytics, HR software provides insights that aid in informed decision-making. This enables businesses to make strategic HR decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.
- Improved Compliance: By keeping track of changing labor laws and regulations, HR software helps ensure that businesses remain compliant. This reduces the risk of legal issues and penalties associated with non-compliance.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: Most HR platforms offers employee self-service portals that empower employees to manage their personal information, submit time-off requests, tap into digital document management tools, and access their payroll and benefits information online. This level of autonomy improves the overall employee experience, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction levels.
HR software for small businesses can help you manage your HR functions more efficiently and effectively. From improving compliance and decision-making to enhancing your employee experience, the benefits are clear.
For small businesses looking to streamline their HR processes and focus on growth, investing in HR software is a step in the right direction. Read more in our article on the benefits of human resource management software.
Costs & Pricing for HR Software for Small Businesses
HR software solutions offer different pricing options to meet the diverse needs of small businesses. These plans typically range from basic free versions to more advanced packages with additional features. Understanding the specifics of each plan will help you choose the most suitable option for your business needs and budget.
Plan Comparison Table for HR Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Employee self-service, basic reporting, and access for a limited number of users |
| Basic | $4-7 per user/month | Employee self-service, payroll processing, basic reporting, and email support |
| Standard | $8-12 per user/month | Basic features plus time and attendance tracking, performance management, and chat support |
| Premium | $15-30 per user/month | Standard features plus advanced reporting, HR analytics, priority support, and custom integrations |
When selecting the best plan for you, consider your current and future needs. A free or basic plan might suffice for now, but if your business is poised to grow, a standard or premium plan may be a better fit for the HR features you need.
If cost is your biggest factor, this article digs into the costs of HR software and how you can decide what's best for your company.
New & Noteworthy Product Updates
Below, I've summarized the most recent release notes and product updates for my top HR software recommendations for small businesses. Discover what’s now possible through new feature releases, improvements, and updates for web, desktop, and mobile HR apps for small business. Learn what’s new, if it’s hot—or not, and how these updates can help small HR teams.
2024 Q4: Human Resources Software Updates
GoCo Update Notes
During Q4 of 2024, GoCo announced their Fall 2024 release, which included several new features to simplify payroll and improve control over financial data. The main update, Labor Allocation, helps businesses manage payroll more efficiently.
The new Labor Allocation feature lets users split an employee’s time between departments, cost centers, or projects by hours or percentages. Clear labor tracking and reporting help organizations manage resources and improve accuracy in payroll and budgeting. For those using GoCo payroll, this ties directly into the General Ledger.
Other updates include custom payroll reports, advanced permissions, and a Microsoft Teams integration for engagement surveys.
Verdict: Hot! These updates save time, reduce errors, and give businesses better financial insights.
Remofirst Update Notes
Remofirst recently launched a new, modern design. This updated look aligns with the company's mission to enable the "Freedom of Work," making it easier for businesses to build international teams at competitive prices.
For users, the redesign enhances the user experience by providing a more intuitive and visually appealing interface. This improvement simplifies navigation and access to Remofirst's services, supporting businesses in their global expansion efforts.
Verdict: Warm? I'm excited to hear that the user experience has been improved, but sadly the press release was pretty sparse on details regarding the actual changes.
BambooHR Update Notes
During the fall, BambooHR introduced mobile push notifications for its Employee Community feature. This update ensures that critical updates are promptly delivered to employees' mobile devices, keeping them informed and engaged.
With this enhancement, posts categorized as "Required Reading" and "Announcement" trigger push notifications directly to users' mobile devices. Each notification displays the author's name and the post title, providing a concise overview. Tapping on the notification takes users directly to the detailed post within the BambooHR app, facilitating immediate access and interaction.
By delivering critical updates directly to mobile devices, organizations can maintain effective communication and engagement, fostering a more connected and informed workforce.
Verdict: Hot! This new feature ensures essential communications will reach employees promptly, regardless of their location.
Workable HR Update Notes
Recently, Workable added a Performance Reviews tool to its HR platform. This feature lets companies manage employee reviews alongside other HR tasks, making the process more efficient.
The tool offers customizable review templates, automated notifications, and real-time tracking. HR teams can set up review cycles, assign deadlines, and monitor progress. Reporting tools provide performance insights to support decision-making.
By integrating performance management into the existing HR platform, Workable simplifies the evaluation process, reducing administrative burdens and fostering a culture of continuous feedback and development.
Verdict: Hot! This update reduces manual effort and centralizes data, helping companies improve feedback, track progress, and manage performance effectively within one system.
Paycor Update Notes
During Q4, Paycor launched Paycor Assistant, an AI tool designed to make its HR software easier to use. This assistant offers a mobile-first, conversational interface that helps users find information quickly.
Paycor Assistant includes Intelligent Search for directing users to relevant HR tasks, such as tax updates or time-off checks. HR Assist uses AI to search and summarize company documents, offering instant answers to policy questions. Admin Insights provides HR leaders with data on how the tool is used, common questions, and feedback.
For users, Paycor Assistant reduces time spent on admin tasks, making HR information easy to access. This tool helps leaders focus on talent and business goals, improving efficiency and informed decision-making.
Verdict: Hot! This new AI-powered tool will help HR teams work smarter and faster.
Paychex Flex Update Notes
During the fall, Paychex Flex announced a significant update to add tools to simplify HR, payroll, and compliance tasks. New features include improved recruiting, enhanced time tracking, and added integrations to help with compliance and cash flow.
The update introduces Recruiting Copilot, powered by AI from Findem, which helps keep candidate pools active and cuts hiring time. Enhanced time tracking uses Proximity Time Clocks for accuracy. A Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Service addresses upcoming compliance needs. Partnerships with JobTarget and Middesk streamline job posting and tax registration.
As a result of these significant changes, Paychex users gain a faster, more efficient way to manage HR tasks, freeing time to focus on growth and core business needs.
Verdict: Hot! These tools cut down on administrative work, improve workforce insights, and make compliance easier.
Rippling Update Notes
Recently, Rippling introduced several enhancements to improve global payroll management, specifically expanding Employer of Record (EOR) services in Malaysia and Pakistan. The update aims to ease payroll handling for international teams.
The new features include automated retroactive payroll adjustments to account for backdated pay changes, removing the need for manual calculations. It also adds “Supergroups,” allowing users to automate recurring earnings, like remote work stipends, to keep payments consistent.
These changes save time and reduce errors, making global payroll smoother for companies. Automating benefits payments also improves consistency, helping HR teams stay efficient and keep employees satisfied.
Verdict: Hot! Collectively, these updates expand EOR coverage and improve HR operations for global teams.
Greenhouse Update Notes
During Q4 of 2024, Greenhouse announced several updates to its Recruiting product to improve efficiency and the user experience for HR professionals. Several new features include a new "featured" tag to highlight key positions on job boards, as well as tools to host an internal job board easily, using an iFrame.
The update also includes new automation capabilities that streamline repetitive tasks throughout the hiring process. These include automated candidate sourcing from integrated job boards and improved scheduling functionalities that synchronize seamlessly with calendar applications.
In addition, enhancements to the candidate evaluation tools now offer more robust analytics and reporting capabilities, empowering users to make data-driven hiring decisions more effectively.
Verdict: Hot! These improvements save time by automating repetitive tasks, empower recruiters with deeper insights, and collectively enhance operational efficiency and recruitment outcomes for Greenhouse users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to popular questions we hear often about HR software for small businesses:
Are there different types of HR software that are suitable for small businesses?
There are absolutely different types of human resources software that help small businesses organize all their employee information. The most common types include:
- HRIS = human resources information system
- HCM = human capital management [system]
- HRMS = human resource management system
However, others go by more general terms such as HR management systems or HR record-keeping systems. Within these systems, you’ll be able to access a range of features, including payroll solutions, performance management tools, and self-service benefits administration portals. Many also include mobile apps for both your internal HR team as well as your employees.
As a small business owner, what else should I know to help me select the best HR software?
Small businesses don’t need a complete set of advanced human resources features. When choosing the right HR software for your business, think about your current business challenges and HR needs and choose a tool that excels in these areas. This will help you get the workforce management features you need without overpaying.
To help you make an informed decision, I recommend reading our article covering different HR software requirements.
How scalable are these HR software solutions for growing businesses?
Many HR software solutions are designed with scalability in mind, making them a great fit for growing businesses. They often allow you to easily add new users, functionalities, or modules as your company expands. This flexibility ensures that as your business evolves, your HR software can grow with you, adapting to new challenges without requiring a complete system overhaul.
Generally, human resources software will also have multiple plan tiers to cater to the needs of different business sizes. Many offer freemium plans that are well-suited to small businesses, and you can upgrade as needed to meet the increasing needs of your company.
What kind of customer support and training do HR software companies offer?
HR software companies usually offer customer support and training through a mix of:
- Online resources and self-serve content (videos, knowledge base, tutorials, etc.)
- Live support (chat, phone, video, etc.) and email support
- Training and onboarding programs
- User-generated support content (forums or communities)
The depth and availability of these resources can vary from one provider to another, and from one plan tier to another. Finding an HR software provider with sufficient support offerings is particularly important for small businesses that may be operating without internal HR expertise. Be sure to consider what support is available when selecting an HR software system for your company.
Do small businesses require HR?
Small businesses need some form of HR. Even if you don’t have a dedicated team, someone at your company needs to process payroll, find and onboard new employees, and manage your staff. The standard ratio of HR staff to employees is 1.4 HR professionals for every 100 employees you have.
HR software can simplify all your core HR processes to help your small team work more efficiently. Also, many online HR software solutions include guidance around compliance and employment law, which is challenging if you aren’t an expert. The key for small businesses is finding a solution with the HR features you need, without having to pay for unnecessary extras.
What can you do if your company doesn't have an HR department?
Don’t sweat it. Many small businesses won’t have a dedicated HR department. This isn’t a problem as there’s no legal requirement to have one. But, you will need to educate yourself about HR functions or have someone else in your team be in charge.
If you find that managing HR is taking up too much of your time, use software to automate mundane but time-consuming tasks. Or, consider hiring extra help or investing in HR outsourcing. If that sounds like a good fit, read our article on the benefits of outsourcing HR, including key strategies and other considerations, for more details.
How do HR software systems manage data security and compliance?
Human resources software protects sensitive employee data — like personal information, salaries, contracts, and performance evaluations — using robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication. Regular risk assessments are also conducted by HR software companies to help identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities, and incident response plans ensure swift action in case of data breaches.
Most HR management software complies with global data protection regulations — such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 — to ensure they meet legal standards for data privacy and security. Businesses should also assess the data security practices of any third-party HR software or services they use to ensure they follow the same strict data security protocols.
This article offers more details into data management best practices if you’re interested in learning more.
How can HR software facilitate change management?
Managing change is integral to the smooth running of any business, but especially for small businesses and startups that are scaling quickly. Keeping everyone aligned and motivated towards collective goals can be tricky, especially when things are shifting or priorities change. HR systems offer tools and functionalities that can support your change management, such as:
- Communication tools: The ability to send out strategic communications at an individual, team, and company level to explain changes and provide additional information.
- Business process management: Mapping out your processes and keeping them up-to-date so everyone knows how to manage their workflows and keep operations smooth.
- Employee feedback surveys: Tools to collect feedback and measure employee engagement levels through change. These insights can contribute to planning new initiatives or important communications.
Employee management is an art form, and requires ongoing adjustments to get it right. Having a software to support your processes, goal planning, and more can make a big difference.
Related read: Reviews of the Best HR Software for Startups
How long is the average implementation process for HR software?
The implementation process for HR software systems can vary widely depending on the complexity of the system and the specific needs of your business. Naturally, simpler systems can be set up in a matter of weeks, while more comprehensive solutions could take several months to fully implement.
Key factors affecting this timeline include the scale of the organization, the extent of data migration required, customization needs, and the readiness of the business to adapt to new processes. During this period, businesses often work closely with the software provider to configure the system, transfer data, and train staff on how to use the new tools effectively.
How can you measure the ROI of implementing new HR software?
Measuring the ROI of implementing a new internal HR system involves assessing improvements in efficiency, productivity, and cost reductions against the investment made in the software. A simple formula to start with is:
ROI = (Gain from Investment – Cost of Investment) / Cost of Investment
Key metrics to consider include the time saved on administrative tasks, improvements in employee engagement and retention rates, and the reduction of errors in payroll and benefits management. Additionally, the software’s impact on strategic HR activities, such as talent acquisition and development, should be evaluated to understand its contribution to the organization’s overall performance.
For more details on estimating ROI, this article offers more insights into HR software purchase factors to consider, including costs.
What are the most common challenges faced by HR professionals that can be solved by better HR software?
HR professionals often struggle with manual processes. Tasks like payroll, time-off tracking, and onboarding can become slow, error-prone, and inefficient without software. HR software automates these tasks, saving time and reducing errors.
Managing employee information without software is another issue. Data is often scattered, making it hard to access important records or stay compliant. HR software centralizes all data, making it easy to find and manage.
Employee engagement also suffers without the right tools. Employees may feel disconnected without access to self-service options or performance insights. HR software improves communication and engagement by offering these features.
Do HR software companies also provide small business HR services?
Yes, many HR software companies also provide small business HR services as part of their offerings. In addition to their HR software programs, they may offer small business HR outsourcing services, which help small businesses manage their human resources without the need to hire a full-time HR team.
For small businesses, having access to both small business human resource software solutions and outsourced HR services can be incredibly valuable. This can include services like recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and compliance with labor laws.
The combination of small business HR systems and small business HR support allows companies to efficiently track employee information, streamline administrative tasks, and ensure they remain compliant with local regulations. This strong combination can significantly reduce the burden on small business owners, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses while leaving HR responsibilities to experts.
Why HR Software is Crucial for Small Business
HR software is a relatively broad product category, and includes tools that simplify or automate common HR tasks and processes, help you manage the employee lifecycle, process your payroll, and more. So depending on the specific software—and your specific business—it might serve a number of use cases. For small businesses with limited resources, implementing human resources software can be a huge help. Here’s how:
- Provides a cost-effective solution to ensure a well-established foundation for your HR operations, ensuring compliance as you scale.
- Streamlines and automates key HR functions and business processes, reducing manual workloads and margin for human error.
- Lets you measure and enhance employee satisfaction and engagement levels as your teams grow.
- Gives self-service options to employees so they can manage their contact information, benefits, pay and tax documents, etc.
- Creates strategic alignment between your HR functions and your broader organizational goals.
Other HR Resources for Small Businesses
Working within a tight budget can sometimes be stressful. However, we have a lot of other software lists that were specifically prepared with that in mind.
Here are our top resources for small businesses you should check out next:
- Applicant Tracking Systems for Small Businesses
- Employee Scheduling Software for Small Business
- ERP Systems for Small Businesses
- Expense Management Software for Small Businesses
- Free Payroll Software for Tight Budgets
- HRMS for Small Business
- HRIS for Small Businesses to Manage HR Data
- Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Small Businesses
- Payroll Services for Small Businesses
- Payroll Software for Small Businesses
- Recruitment Software for Small Businesses
Small Businesses Need Tools to Support Their HR Operations
Many small business owners become Jacks of all trades. They end up taking on not just the strategic and operational side of running a business but also people management, HR, accounting, compliance, and more. Investing in the right software solutions and tools to help support you will make a world of difference, and finding the best HR platform for your small business is one step in the right direction.
To discover more of the best tools for your various small business needs, and get expert insights from industry leaders, be sure to sign up for the People Managing People newsletter.