20 Best HR Software For Startups In 2024
10 Best HR Software For Startups Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
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Choosing the right software for your human resources department can help you manage your team efficiently while simplifying those day-to-day HR tasks. Need help finding the right tool? I've got you! Drawing from my years of experience using various HR software in different startups, I've put together a list of tools that cut down on manual data entry, eliminate payroll mistakes, and negate compliance issues. Here are my picks for the best HR Software for startups.
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Best HR Software for Startups: Pricing Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top HR software selections to help your business find the best software for your budget and startup needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| GoCo | From $5/employee/month | Website |
| Workable Recruiting | From $149/month, with up to 20 seats | Website |
| BambooHR | From $6.19/user/month, (billed annually) | Website |
| Rippling | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Remofirst | From $25/user/month | Website |
| Topicflow | From $10/user/month | Website |
| Lattice | From $11/seat/month | Website |
| SixFifty Employment Docs | Pricing upon request | Website |
| ADP | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose HR Software for Startups
As you work through your unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
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- Scalability: Startups often experience rapid growth, and your HR software needs to keep pace. Look for solutions that can easily scale with your business, adding new users and features as needed.
- Ease of Use: Startups typically have limited time and resources to dedicate to training. Choose software that is intuitive and user-friendly, minimizing the learning curve for your team.
- Integration Capabilities: Your HR software should seamlessly integrate with other tools and systems you already use, such as payroll, accounting, and project management software. This ensures a smooth flow of information and reduces the need for manual data entry.
- Customization Options: Every startup has unique needs and processes. Look for HR software that offers customization options to tailor the system to your specific requirements. This could include custom fields, workflows, and reporting capabilities.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Startups often operate on tight budgets, so it's important to find HR software that offers good value for money. Consider the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees, implementation costs, and any additional charges for support or upgrades. This could mean sacrificing certain features like customization when opting for more affordable plans.
Best HR Software for Startups Reviews
Here are my detailed reviews and analyses of various HR software options for startups, including the advantages and disadvantages of each tool, its features, and optimal use cases.
Deel simplifies the process of hiring international talent and managing international payments. It handles compliance, payroll, and HR admin, allowing startups to hire the best talent in 150 countries without worrying about legal issues.
Why I picked Deel: I chose Deel for its focus on automating global hiring and compliance, which is crucial for startups looking to expand internationally. Deel simplifies the complexities of international hiring by ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations (which can be quite complicated without the right software tool.) In that respect, its automation features and ease of use stand out from other HR tools.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include automated onboarding, compliance management, payroll processing, and expense management. It also provides support for various currencies and payment options.
Deel integrates natively with QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Zapier, and Trello
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple currencies
- Ensures compliance
- Simplifies international hiring
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Pricing details are not transparent
GoCo is an all-in-one HR software platform designed to handle various HR tasks for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a range of features including employee self-service, automated workflows, benefits management, payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and compliance management.
Why I picked GoCo: GoCo offers a robust benefits administration system that allows employees to easily enroll in and manage their benefits online. This self-service capability not only enhances the employee experience but also reduces the workload for HR departments. Another key feature that makes GoCo ideal for startups is its integrated payroll system, which can either sync with existing payroll solutions or be used as an embedded option within the platform.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include talent management, time tracking, compliance management, reporting capabilities, custom workflows, automation, and AI tools.
Integrations include Slack, QuickBooks Time, Gusto, ADP Workforce Now, Zapier, 15Five, When I Work, QuickBooks Online Advanced, Paychex Flex, Greenhouse, 360Learning, Workable, JazzHR, and Checkr.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive benefits administration tools
- Self-service portal for employees
- Good automated workflows
Cons:
- May not be ideal for large businesses
- Lacks flexibility in customization
Workable is a recruiting software and hiring platform that offers features such as applicant tracking, AI-powered candidate sourcing, and a configurable HRIS platform for managing employees.
Why I picked Workable: I like that it features an applicant tracking system with AI-powered sourcing, allowing startups to manage job postings and candidate communications efficiently. Workable also supports onboarding, employee management, and HR process tracking, making it suitable for startups aiming to build their teams quickly.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include a careers page builder, AI-powered candidate recommendations, anonymized screening, interview kits and scorecards, interview scheduling, offer letters and approval workflows, automated actions, and custom employee dashboards.
Integrations include LinkedIn, Indeed, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Slack, BambooHR, Zapier, Greenhouse, Lever, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tracks candidates through the entire pipeline
- Customizable workflows and dashboards
- Collaborative hiring tools
Cons:
- Search functionality could be improved
- Initial setup and migration may take time
BambooHR is best for rapid growth and scaling startups because it simplifies HR tasks, making them routine and easy to manage. It allows startups to focus on growing their operations while building a strong brand and internal company culture.
Why I picked BambooHR: I chose BambooHR for its user-friendly interface, professional onboarding experience, and comprehensive features that meet the specific needs of rapidly growing startups. BambooHR is ideal for fast-growing teams and enhancing employer branding, as it provides tools that help startups attract and retain top talent while building a strong employer brand and internal culture through ongoing employee engagement features.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include an applicant tracking system, onboarding tools, performance management, time tracking, and payroll integration. The software also provides employee experience tools to help create a positive workplace culture.
BambooHR integrates natively with the following tools: QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, G Suite, Microsoft 365, Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers workplace engagement tools
- Includes an applicant tracking system and onboarding tools
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
- Limited customization options
Rippling combines payroll, benefits, and personnel management on a single platform. It automates administrative procedures to ensure smooth onboarding, compliance, and HR operations, all while interacting with a variety of third-party services.
Why I picked Rippling: I chose Rippling for its integrated approach to HR, IT, and finance management, making it a unique choice for startups needing a unified system. Its comprehensive feature set and ease of use make it stand out from other software. Rippling is best for integrated management because it consolidates multiple functions into one platform, reducing complexity for startups.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include payroll, benefits administration, device management, and app provisioning. The software also offers time tracking and employee onboarding.
Rippling integrates natively with QuickBooks, Gusto, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Trello, Salesforce, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations with third-party services
- Automates administrative procedures for onboarding and compliance
- Integrated payroll, benefits, and personnel management
Cons:
- Limited advanced analytics
- Higher cost for small teams
Remofirst is a global employment services platform that offers tools for hiring and managing a global team, including global employer of record services, international payroll and invoice management, benefits management, compliance support, and customer service.
Why I picked Remofirst: Remofirst’s Employer of Record (EOR) service allows startups to quickly and legally hire remote talent from anywhere in the world without the need to establish local entities, which is often a costly and time-consuming process. Additionally, Remofirst handles all aspects of international payroll, compliance, benefits, and taxes, ensuring startups remain compliant with local labor laws while minimizing administrative burdens. The platform also offers robust onboarding processes, customizable contracts, and 24/7 support.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include international payroll and invoice management, benefits management, equipment provisioning, compliance, and an employee cost calculator to determine the cost of employing someone in a different country.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Workable, Lever, Gusto, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, Trello, Jira, PayPal, Stripe, and TransferWise.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive, 24/7 customer support
- Manages legal and administrative tasks of hiring internationally
- Handles payroll in multiple countries
Cons:
- No mobile app available
- Does not assist with job postings or interview arrangements
Topicflow is an AI-driven performance management tool designed to facilitate continuous improvement. It allows managers to set clear, customizable goals using frameworks like OKRs and Smart Goals, and integrates performance measures into meetings.
Why I picked Topicflow: In addition to a solid performance management platform, users also receive expert support from the Topicflow team. They can help you establish performance management, goal setting, coaching and 1-1 meetings, and other core processes for your team. This is particularly useful for startups and small businesses that may not have a dedicated HR team.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include goal-setting structures to help you define goals at both individual and team levels. Another useful feature of the product is its AI recommendations for improving performance based on feedback.
Integrations include Outlook, Asana, Jira, Slack, Zoom, Okta, BambooHR, Workday, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to track goal progression
- AI-powered recommendations
- Goals, performance, and engagement features
Cons:
- Services locked to Enterprise plan
- Waitlist for access to the platform
Lattice is a comprehensive People Management platform designed to enhance employee performance and HR operations.
Why I picked Lattice: I like its performance management system, which includes tools for goal setting (OKRs), continuous feedback, and performance reviews. These tools are designed to simplify the performance management process, making it easier for startups to set clear objectives, track progress, and provide real-time feedback. This is particularly beneficial for startups where agility and rapid growth are crucial.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include engagement surveys, peer feedback, career development tools, AI tools, analytics, and compensation management.
Integrations include UKG, Workday, TriNet, Slack, Okta, Salesforce, Outlook, OneLogin, Personio, Jira, BambooHR, Humaans, Gusto, Namely, ADP, and Rippling.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports real-time feedback
- Powerful data insights
- Strong tools for performance reviews
Cons:
- Could have more customization options for surveys
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
SixFifty is a platform designed to automate the creation of essential legal documents required for hiring, managing, and separating from employees, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws across the United States.
Why I picked SixFifty: I like that it simplifies the process of generating compliant employment documents, including hiring kits, employment agreements, offer letters, and employee handbooks. Startups can benefit from its user-friendly interface and guided Q&A flow, which helps create customized legal documents quickly and accurately. Additionally, SixFifty’s tools for real-time legal updates and multi-state compliance ensure that startups can manage their HR needs without the burden of keeping up with constantly changing regulations.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include customizable templates, version control, policy library, automated employee classification, interactive state law comparison, AI-driven document generation, in-app editing, real-time collaboration tools, and federal and state law research.
Integrations include HR management systems, payroll software, legal practice management tools, document management systems, compliance tracking software, and other enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated legal updates when laws change
- Helps in managing legal documents across the employee lifecycle
- Provides customizable legal document templates
Cons:
- No free trial available
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
ADP offers scalable solutions for human resources management, payroll, and tax services. It enables startups to optimize crucial HR tasks, assuring compliance and efficiency through automated processes adapted to the needs of small businesses.
Why I picked ADP: I chose ADP for its ability to simplify payroll and HR tasks, making it an ideal choice for small businesses needing efficient HR solutions. Its comprehensive feature set and ease of use make it stand out from other software. ADP is best for simplified payroll and HR because it offers straightforward solutions that streamline payroll and HR tasks for small businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management. The software also offers time tracking and employee onboarding.
ADP integrates natively with QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Trello, Zapier, Greenhouse, and Lever.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong compliance support
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive feature set
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Pricing details are not transparent
Other HR Software For Startups To Consider
Below is a list of additional HR software for startups that didn’t make it into my top 10 list, but are still worth checking out:
- Paychex
For HR insights and needs assessment
- Charlie
For automating HR tasks and building engaged teams
- Peoplebox
For managing goals and OKRs
- Sage Intacct
For scalable cloud-based financial and operational management
- Connecteam
For centralizing and simplifying HR processes
- Oyster HR
For global benefits management
- Gusto
For affordable, automated payroll and HR for startups
- HR Partner
For employee self-service
- OrangeHRM
For customizable HR administration and employee management
- Factorial
For time tracking and reports
Selection Criteria For HR Software For Startups
Selecting HR software for startups requires evaluating functionality and specific use cases crucial for this type of software. The criteria address buyer needs, pain points, and effective software use. Based on my research and experience with these tools, I can highlight the most important features.
Core X Functionalities (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases first:
- Employee onboarding
- Payroll management
- Time and attendance tracking
- Benefits administration
- Performance management
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): To help me find the best software out of numerous available options, I also kept a keen eye out for unique features, including the following:
- Integration with other business tools
- Customizable workflows
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Mobile app accessibility
- AI-driven insights
Usability (10% of total score): To evaluate the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Drag-and-drop scheduling
- Easy navigation
- Role-based access configuration
- Minimal learning curve
Onboarding (10% of total score): To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I considered the following factors:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Chatbots for instant help
- Webinars for in-depth training
- Pre-built templates for quick setup
Customer Support (10% of total score): To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels (email, phone, chat)
- Dedicated account managers
- Comprehensive help center
- Fast response times
Value for Price (10% of total score): To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:
- Competitive Pricing
- Transparent pricing models
- Flexible subscription plans
- Cost vs. feature comparison
- Discounts for startups
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:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on customer support quality
- Reviews on feature effectiveness
- User testimonials on ROI.
Using this assessment framework helped me identify the software that goes beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through unique features, intuitive usability, smooth onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.
Trends For HR Software For Startups In 2024
Here are some trends in HR software for startups and their potential impact on the marketing industry. I analyzed numerous product updates, press releases, and release logs to identify the key insights.
- AI-Powered Recruitment Tools: AI is being used to screen resumes and match candidates to job descriptions. This reduces the time spent on manual screening. It also helps in finding the best fit for the role.
- Remote Work Management: Tools for managing remote teams are becoming more sophisticated as Gen Z is entering the workforce and the demand for work-life balance is increasing. They offer features like time tracking and virtual collaboration which will be essential for remote work and increasingly more common.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: HR software is leveraging data analytics to inform decisions. This includes insights on employee performance and retention, forecasting hiring needs, identifying potential talent gaps, and predicting employee turnover rates.
- Wellness and Benefit Prioritization: With an increasing focus on employee well-being and long-term retention, HR software solutions now integrate features such as wellness apps, stress management tools, and platforms promoting work-life balance, alongside remote 1:1 check-ins and continuous performance management.
What Is HR Software For Startups?
HR software for startups is designed to manage and automate various HR functions, aiding HR professionals, managers, and business owners with recruitment, onboarding, payroll, benefits, and performance management. Key components include applicant tracking, employee databases, payroll processing, benefits management, and performance evaluation, all aimed at streamlining HR processes, ensuring compliance, and improving efficiency in managing a growing workforce.
Features Of HR Software For Startups
When selecting HR software for startups, focus on features that support growth, efficiency, and employee satisfaction. Here are the most important features to consider:
- Employee Onboarding: Simplifies the process of integrating new hires into the company. This ensures new employees are productive from day one.
- Payroll Management: Automates salary calculations and disbursements. This reduces errors and ensures timely payments.
- Time and Attendance Tracking: Monitors employee work hours and attendance. This helps in managing workforce productivity and compliance with labor laws.
- Performance Management: Tracks and evaluates employee performance. This aids in identifying top performers and areas needing improvement.
- Benefits Administration: Manages employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. This ensures employees receive their entitled benefits without hassle.
- Employee Self-Service: Allows employees to access and manage their personal information. This reduces the administrative burden on HR staff.
- Recruitment and Applicant Tracking: Streamlines the hiring process from job posting to candidate selection. This helps in attracting and hiring the best talent efficiently.
- Compliance Management: Ensures adherence to labor laws and regulations. This minimizes the risk of legal issues and penalties.
- Reporting and Analytics: Provides insights through data analysis and reporting. This supports informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Integration Capabilities: Allows the software to work seamlessly with other business tools. This ensures a cohesive and efficient workflow across different departments.
Benefits Of HR Software For Startups
Leveraging HR software tools is a great way to support and alleviate administrative tasks for your HR team while also managing your workforce efficiently. Here are several benefits that HR software offers for startups:
- Time Savings: Automating routine HR tasks such as payroll, attendance tracking, and employee onboarding saves significant time, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Improved Compliance: HR software helps ensure that startups adhere to labor laws and regulations by providing timely updates and maintaining accurate records, reducing the risk of legal issues.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: By streamlining processes like leave requests and performance reviews, HR software improves the overall employee experience, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Access to real-time analytics and reporting enables startups to make informed decisions about their workforce, from hiring to performance management.
- Scalability: As startups grow, HR software can easily scale to accommodate an increasing number of employees, ensuring that HR processes remain efficient and effective.
Investing in HR software gives startups the tools to manage their workforce effectively, ensure compliance, improve employee satisfaction, and support growth.
Costs & Pricing For HR Software For Startups
Selecting the right HR software for startups is crucial for streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Understanding the costs and pricing options can be challenging, especially for those new to HR software. This guide breaks down different plan options and their pricing, helping you make an informed decision.
HR software for startups typically comes in various plans tailored to different needs and budgets. Below is a table summarizing common plan types, their average prices, and typical features.
Plan Comparison Table for HR Software for Startups
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free | $0 | Basic employee records, limited user access, and basic reporting |
| Basic | $30-$50/month + $5-$10/employee | Employee records, payroll processing, basic compliance tools, and limited support |
| Mid-Level | $50-$100/month + $5-$15/employee | Advanced payroll, benefits administration, compliance support, and employee self-service portals |
| Premium | $100-$250/month + $10-$25/employee | Comprehensive HR management, advanced analytics, AI-driven features, extensive integrations, and 24/7 support |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Full customization, dedicated support, extensive integrations, and advanced security features |
Each plan caters to different needs: free and basic plans suit small teams, mid-level and premium plans offer advanced features for growing businesses, and enterprise plans provide extensive customization and support for larger startups with complex requirements.
HR Software For Startups FAQs
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about HR software for startups:
Can HR software help with compliance and legal requirements?
Yes, many HR software solutions include features to help ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. These features may include automated updates to reflect changes in legislation, gathering insights from employee data, tools for tracking employee documentation and reporting capabilities to help with audits and legal requirements.
How can HR software improve employee onboarding?
HR software can automate many aspects of the onboarding process, such as sending welcome emails, providing access to necessary documents, and setting up initial training sessions. This can help new employees get up to speed more quickly and reduce the administrative burden on HR staff.
What kind of support and training is available for HR software?
Support and training options vary by provider but often include online resources such as tutorials, webinars, and knowledge bases. Some providers also offer live support through phone or chat, as well as on-site training sessions for an additional fee.
How secure is HR software in terms of data protection?
Security is a critical consideration for HR software. Look for solutions that offer robust security features such as data encryption, regular security audits, and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Additionally, consider the provider’s reputation and history with data security.
Can HR software help with employee engagement and retention?
Many HR software solutions include features designed to improve employee engagement and retention. These may include tools for conducting employee surveys, tracking performance and feedback, and offering recognition and rewards programs. Using these features, startups can create a more positive and engaging work environment.
What are the options for customizing the HR software to fit our startup's unique processes and workflows?
Many HR software solutions offer customization options such as configurable workflows, custom fields, tailored reporting, and integration with third-party tools. This flexibility allows you to adapt the software to meet your business needs.
Can the HR software be customized to match our company culture?
Many HR software solutions offer customization options such as branded interfaces, customizable onboarding processes, and flexible workflow settings to better align with your company culture and processes.
Is the HR software regularly updated to include new features and improvements?
Yes, reputable HR software providers frequently release updates to introduce new features, improve functionality, and ensure compliance with changing regulations. Users typically receive notifications about these updates.
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