Sage HR Human Resources Information System (HRIS) Review for 2024

By Faye Wai on Aug 12, 2024

Sage HR stands out for its user-friendly interface and efficient integration capabilities, making it a preferred choice for businesses seeking effective human resource management solutions.

In this review, I’m going to share my analysis and evaluation from hands-on experience with Sage HR. But first, if you’re just beginning your search for the best human resources information system (HRIS), check out my picks of the best human resources information system (HRIS).

You probably already know Sage HR is among the most popular HRIS software out there, but you need to better understand what’s good and not so good about it. This in-depth Sage HR review will walk you through the pros and cons, features, and functionality to help guide you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your scenario.

screenshot of sage hr dashboard — *Sage HR manages HR tasks like hiring, turnover, and data reports in one platform.*

Summary: Sage HR

Sage HR is a human resources management (HR) software designed to simplify HR tasks. Most human resource professionals and managers generally use Sage HR to support their day-to-day operations by automating administrative tasks and improving employee management. It helps businesses with efficient onboarding, performance tracking, and employee data management.

Sage HR addresses common pain points like manual data entry, inefficient onboarding processes, and lack of performance tracking. Its best features are employee self-service, performance management, and customizable workflows.

Sage HR Pros

User-Friendly Interface: Sage HR offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
Customizable Workflows: The software allows for the creation of tailored workflows, enabling businesses to adapt the system to their specific HR processes.
Employee Self-Service: Sage HR provides a self-service portal where employees can manage their own information, reducing the administrative burden on HR staff.

Sage HR Cons

Limited Advanced Analytics: The platform lacks advanced analytics features, which may be a drawback for companies looking for in-depth data analysis capabilities.
Basic Reporting: Sage HR's reporting tools are relatively basic compared to other HRIS, potentially limiting the insights that can be drawn from human resource data.
Scalability Issues: The software may not scale well for larger organizations with more complex HR needs, making it less suitable for rapidly growing companies.

Sage HR Expert Opinion

In my opinion, Sage HR is a solid choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a customizable and user-friendly HRIS platform. The software excels in providing essential HR functionalities such as performance management, time and attendance tracking, and applicant tracking. Its integration with Sage's broader ecosystem, including accounting and inventory management solutions, offers a long-term value proposition for businesses looking to consolidate their digital tools under one vendor.

Additionally, the platform's interface is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy for users to navigate and manage HR tasks.

However, despite its strengths, Sage HR falls short in some areas, such as the lack of integration capabilities and the somewhat expensive advanced features. Similarly, Sage HR's pricing structure can be a drawback, as many essential features like payroll and advanced analytics come with additional costs.

Overall, Sage HR is best suited for small businesses with a growth trajectory that can afford the incremental costs associated with its modular features. It offers a good balance of functionality and ease of use, but potential users should be prepared for the hidden costs and note that it might not be ideal for those requiring extensive third-party integrations outside of the Sage ecosystem.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing the human resources information system (HRIS) since 2019. As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different HR management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.

Are You a Good Fit for Sage HR?

Who Would Be a Good Fit for Sage HR?

Small to medium-sized businesses that need a user-friendly HR management tool would benefit the most from Sage HR. Additionally, companies looking for features like leave management, performance tracking, and employee self-service will find it useful. Overall, the software's intuitive interface and customizable modules make it ideal for organizations that want to improve their HR processes without a steep learning curve.

Who Would Be a Bad Fit for Sage HR?

Large enterprises with complex human resource needs might find Sage HR lacking. While Sage HR is feature-rich, the software doesn't offer the extensive integration capabilities or customization options that bigger companies often require. As a result, companies that require highly tailored solutions or have unique human resource processes might find it challenging to adapt Sage HR to their specific needs.

Best Use Cases for Sage HR

Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises: Sage HR is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking to manage HR tasks efficiently.
Remote Work Management: The platform offers tools to manage virtual teams effectively, track remote employee hours, and maintain connectedness through centralized data and communication channels.
Recruitment and Onboarding: Sage HR supports the hiring process with tools that help manage job postings, applicant tracking, and interviewing schedules, making it perfect for companies experiencing growth.
Performance Management: For workplaces aiming to boost employee performance, Sage HR’s performance management tools offer structured ways to provide feedback, set goals, and track progress.
Time and Attendance Tracking: Businesses with substantial hourly workforces can benefit from Sage HR’s precise timekeeping and attendance tracking tools, ensuring accurate pay and compliance.
HR Administration: Small to medium-sized businesses looking to reduce administrative workload will find Sage HR’s centralized data management and automated workflows make HR tasks more efficient.

Worst Use Cases for Sage HR

Large Organizations: Sage HR has limited advanced features and integrations, making it less suitable for larger organizations that require more advanced HR solutions.
Free Version Seekers: The software does not offer a free version, which may be a dealbreaker for startups or small businesses looking for cost-free HR solutions.
Extensive Integrations: Companies that rely on a wide range of software integrations may find Sage HR’s limited list of supported integrations insufficient.
Growing Businesses: The per-employee pricing model can become more expensive for rapidly growing businesses, making it less cost-effective in the long run.
Advanced HR Needs: Organizations with complex HR requirements may find Sage HR’s features too basic and may need a more advanced solution to meet their needs.

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Sage HR Evaluation Summary

Core Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Standout Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Onboarding: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer Support: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Integrations: ⭐⭐⭐
Customer Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review Methodology

We’re a team of software experts who obsess about the features and functionality of different platforms. We know how critical—yet difficult and confusing—software selection can be. We test and score software to find the best solutions, whatever the use case may be.

Using our objective, data-driven testing methodology, we’ve tested 300+ software. We dedicate ourselves to being objective in fully and fairly testing software, to get beyond the marketing fluff and truly understand the platform.

We’ve developed robust testing scenarios to use the software in the same way you will. We leverage our own first-hand, practical experience with the tools, complemented by interviews with users, experts, and software vendors.

How We Test & Score Human Resources Information System (HRIS)

We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system for the HRIS. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection, and what makes HRIS effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.

Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring work across eight criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.

Core Functionality (20% of final scoring)

For HRIS, the core functionality we test and evaluate are:

Employee Data Management: Centralized storage and management of employee information.
Payroll Processing: Automated calculation and distribution of employee salaries.
Time and Attendance Tracking: Monitoring and recording employee work hours and attendance.
Benefits Administration: Management of employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
Recruitment and Onboarding: Tools for managing job postings, applications, and new hire onboarding processes.
Performance Management: Systems for setting employee goals, conducting evaluations, and tracking performance metrics.

Standout Features (20% of final scoring)

We evaluate uncommon, standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality defined and typically found in the HRIS. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.

Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)

We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the HRIS. High-scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple with an overall positive user experience.

Onboarding (10% of final scoring)

We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use the HRIS with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the software with no experience. High-scoring software indicates little or no support is required.

Customer Support (10% of final scoring)

We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. HRIS that provides real-time support scores best, while chatbots score worst.

Integrations (10% of final scoring)

We evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. HRIS offers plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations that score best.

Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)

Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the HRIS again for the core functionality. A high-scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.

Value for Money (10% of final scoring)

Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry-level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.

Through this comprehensive approach, I aim to identify a HRIS that not only meets but exceeds expectations, ensuring teams have the tools they need to succeed.

Sage HR Review

Core HRIS Functionality

Employee Database Management: Sage HR centralizes all employee data in a single, easily accessible location. This feature allows HR professionals to manage employee records, track changes, and ensure data accuracy.

screenshot of sage hr employee database management system — *Sage HR efficiently stores data and centralizes its employee database management system.*

Leave Management: Sage HR offers a full leave management system that allows employees to request time off and managers to approve or deny requests. The system tracks leave balances and ensures compliance with company policies.

screenshot of sage hr leave management — *Sage HR supports time off tracking and approvals through its integrated leave management system.*

Performance Management: This module helps in setting goals, scheduling one-on-one meetings, and managing 360-degree feedback. It provides a structured approach to employee evaluations and performance tracking.

screenshot of sage hr performance management — *Sage HR facilitates goal tracking and feedback for effective performance management.*

Shift Scheduling: Sage HR includes a flexible and functional shift planning module. This feature allows managers to create, modify, and assign shifts, ensuring optimal workforce management.

screenshot of sage hr shift scheduling — *Sage HR automates shift scheduling and staff allocation efficiently.*

Timesheets: The timesheet feature enables employees to track their working hours and overtime easily. This data can be used for payroll processing and performance analysis.

screenshot of sage hr timesheets — *Sage HR simplifies time tracking with digital timesheet submissions.*

Expense Management: Employees can submit and manage company expenses directly from the mobile app. This feature helps expedite the expense approval process and ensure accurate record-keeping.

screenshot of sage expense management — *Sage HR manages and tracks employee costs efficiently with its expense management system.*

Sage HR Standout Features

Automated Onboarding: Sage HR automates the onboarding process by assigning predefined task lists to new employees. This feature ensures a smooth and efficient onboarding experience, reducing the administrative burden on HR teams.

screenshot of sage automated onboarding — *Sage HR automates new hire setups and training processes efficiently with its automated onboarding feature.*

Mobile App: The Sage HR mobile app allows employees to access HR functions on the go. From submitting leave requests to tracking expenses, the app provides a convenient way for employees to stay connected with HR processes.

screenshot of sage hr mobile app — *Sage HR's mobile app enables HR access and management on-the-go.*

Ease of Use

Sage HR is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for both employees and human resource professionals to navigate. The platform's design minimizes the need for extensive training, which is a significant advantage compared to other HRIS systems. Based on my experience and research, its simplicity and ease of use helps in quick adoption and efficient daily operations.

Onboarding

New users can expect an intuitive and supported onboarding process with Sage HR. The platform automates many onboarding tasks, such as assigning workflows and tracking progress, which helps new hires acclimate quickly. Training and up-skilling are supported through advanced resources available at Sage University. Compared to other HRIS systems, Sage HR's onboarding process is notably efficient and user-friendly, ensuring that new employees are productive from day one.

Customer Support

Sage HR offers multiple avenues for customer support, including a knowledge base, live chat, email, and phone support. Users can also access Sage University for training and upskilling. Additionally, Sage HR provides a status page to monitor system uptime and frequent product updates to ensure the software remains current and effective.

Integrations

Sage HR integrates natively with Slack, Gmail, Google Workspace, Google Calendar, Zapier, Microsoft Outlook, and Findmyshift.

Sage HR also offers additional options through its API, allowing for custom integrations. Users can leverage platforms like Zapier for further automation and connectivity with other third-party tools, enhancing the system's flexibility and functionality.

screenshot of sage hr integrations — *Sage HR integrates with major platforms and offers API for custom connections.*

Value for Money

Sage HR is generally considered to be affordably priced compared to other HRIS. Its pricing structure is designed to be flexible, allowing businesses to pay only for the features they need, which can be particularly cost-effective for small to medium-sized enterprises.

The base price starts at $6/employee/month, which is competitive within the HR software market. SageHR offers the ability to bill only the employees using the timesheet, expense management, and shift planning add-ons so you can customize which employees need access and budget your overall costs this way.

Sage HR has multiple pricing plan options:

Core HR and Leave Management: $6/employee/month
Performance Management: $3/employee/month
Shift Schedule: $3/employee/month
Timesheets: $3/employee/month
Expenses Management: $1.50/employee/month
Recruitment: $200 flat fee, per month

screenshot of sage hr pricing tiers — *Sage HR offers scalable pricing tiers tailored to various business needs*

Product Specifications

Feature	Sage HR
Applicant Tracking System (ATS)	✅
Training Management	✅
Payroll Processing	✅
Succession Planning	❌
Employee Self-Service	✅
Benefits Administration	✅
Performance Management	✅
Time and Attendance Tracking	✅
Reporting and Analytics	✅
Employee Records Management	✅
Document Storage	✅
Feedback and Surveys	✅
Company Announcements and News	❌
Third-Party Application Integrations	✅
Onboarding	✅
Compliance Management	✅
Leave and Absence Management	✅
Scheduling	✅
Employee Directory	✅
Mobile Application	✅
Expense Management	✅
Customization	✅
Integration APIs	✅

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Sage HR manages HR tasks like hiring, turnover, and data reports in one platform.

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Sage HR efficiently stores data and centralizes its employee database management system.

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Sage HR supports time off tracking and approvals through its integrated leave management system.

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Sage HR facilitates goal tracking and feedback for effective performance management.

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Sage HR automates shift scheduling and staff allocation efficiently.

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Sage HR simplifies time tracking with digital timesheet submissions.

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Sage HR manages and tracks employee costs efficiently with its expense management system.

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Sage HR automates new hire setups and training processes efficiently with its automated onboarding feature.

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Sage HR's mobile app enables HR access and management on-the-go.

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Sage HR is praised for its simplicity and user-friendliness, ensuring quick adoption.

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Sage HR's onboarding is efficient, automating tasks and quickly upskilling new hires.

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Sage HR provides extensive support and updates, ensuring a current and effective system.

Sage HR Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternative options to Sage HR, here are a few worth checking out:

BambooHR: Known for its user-friendly interface and advanced HR features, BambooHR excels in providing a seamless transition from spreadsheets to a more organized human resource system.
Rippling: This platform stands out with its integrated approach, combining payroll, benefits, HR, and IT management in a single system.
Workday HCM: Workday offers a strong cloud-based system that evolves with changing business needs, ensuring users always have the latest capabilities.
HiBob HRIS: HiBob is designed for modern, global, and remote work environments, offering advanced features for employee engagement and performance management.

Sage HR Frequently Asked Questions

Sage HR is a cloud-based human resources management software designed to help businesses manage their HR processes. It offers modules for employee records, leave management, performance reviews, shift scheduling, and more. The software aims to simplify HR tasks and improve overall efficiency.

Yes, Sage HR offers a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows employees and managers to access HR functions on the go. Features include leave requests, shift scheduling, and performance reviews.

No, Sage HR is not HIPAA compliant. The software is not designed to handle protected health information (PHI) and does not meet the specific requirements set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Yes, Sage HR is SOC 2 compliant. This means the software meets the criteria for managing customer data based on five “trust service principles”—security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

Sage HR employs various security measures to protect user data. These include data encryption, regular security audits, and access controls. The software aims to ensure that sensitive information remains safe from unauthorized access.

No, Sage HR is not FedRAMP certified. The software does not meet the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) requirements, which are necessary for cloud services used by U.S. federal agencies.

Yes, Sage HR is GDPR compliant. The software adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards, ensuring that user data is handled with the highest level of privacy and security.

Sage HR is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The interface is intuitive, making it easy for both HR professionals and employees to navigate. The software also offers various tutorials and customer support options to assist users.

Sage HR Company Overview & History

Sage HR is a cloud-based human resources management solution that helps businesses track, manage, and engage their employees both remotely and in the office. It is part of the Sage Group, a British multinational enterprise software company headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sage HR offers a range of modules including core HR, leave management, timesheets, shift scheduling, expenses, performance, and recruitment. The platform integrates with Sage payroll software to provide an advanced HR management solution.

The Sage Group was founded in 1981 by David Goldman, Paul Muller, and Graham Wylie. Initially, the company focused on developing estimating and accounting software for small businesses. Over the years, Sage has grown through acquisitions and organic expansion. As a result, they're now a global leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Sage HR is known for its user-friendly interface and strong features that cater to businesses of all sizes. The company emphasizes innovation, accessibility, and data protection. Sage HR has a strong presence in various regions. Some of these locations include North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and South America. The company has 6.1 million customers and employs over 11,000 people worldwide.

Sage HR has been involved in various strategic partnerships and sponsorships, including collaborations with sports organizations and events like the Invictus Games, the Rugby World Cup, and Major League Baseball. The company continues to innovate by integrating artificial intelligence into its products and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

Financial Information:

Revenue (2023): £2,184 million
Operating Income (2023): £456 million
Net Income (2023): £211 million
Total Assets (2023): £3,936 million
Total Equity (2023): £1,407 million
Number of Employees (2023): 11,565

Sage HR Major Milestones

1981: Sage is founded in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
1989: Listed on the London Stock Exchange.
1991: Entered the US market.
1999: Entered the FTSE 100 Index.
2001: Acquired Interact Commerce Inc., entering the CRM/contact management market.
2017: Acquired Intacct for $850 million and announced a strategic partnership with Fairsail.
2018: Steve Hare was appointed as group chief executive officer.
2019: Acquired AutoEntry and CakeHR, now known as Sage HR.
2024: Announced the release of Sage Copilot, a generative AI-powered assistant.
2024: Sage's overall income increased by 10% to approximately $1,500 million compared to the same period last year.

Visit Sage HR's Website

Want to learn more about Sage HR? Check out their site for additional information.

Price:

From $6/employee/month

Trial:

30-day free trial

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