15 Best HR Software in 2023

by Imed Bouchrika
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Human resource (HR) departments were one of the first affected during the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The roles of HR professionals were changed in an instant. After all, they were not only in charge of talent management and payroll but also the health and safety of employees when at work. They had to establish sustainable work-from-home protocols or set up webinars on remote work practices while performing their usual tasks. A survey even revealed that 53% of workers expected their employers to create COVID policies (Statista, 2020). This is where the need for HR software comes in.

This technology is not only useful as a remote workforce management software but also for streamlining daily operations even as the pandemic wanes out. Having an impressive human resource management system will accelerate workflow and communication, as well as help HR professionals supervise the training, welfare, and benefits of their employees in one place.

If you are looking to invest in one or upgrade your existing system, this guide is for you. Research.com has analyzed 15 of the leading HR software systems on the market to help you gauge which one suits you. Our team has also compiled some industry statistics and trends to help you make an informed decision.

Best HR Software Table of Contents

1. HR Software Statistics
2. HR Software Trends
3. List of the Best HR Software

HR Software Statistics

The future is bright for HR technology and HR software statistics since the market is expected to continuously have an upward streak in the next few years. From its $15.59 billion value in 2020, it is projected to reach $33.57 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.10% (Verified Market Research, 2022). Furthermore, it is also expected to balloon to $37.40 billion in 2029 at a CAGR of 10.21% from its 2021 value of $17.18 billion (Data Bridge Market Research, 2022).

The United States and Asia-Pacific countries, like China and India, are key players in the market while the drivers of the best HR software include improvements in automation and digital technology, an increase in HR technology budgets, and the prevalent use of cloud-based solutions.

Looking at this spike from 2020 to 2021, it can be deduced that the shift to remote work during the pandemic, together with the rise in digital technology advancements, accounted for the growth of the HR software market. In fact, 39% of companies are predicted to adapt software-as-a-service (SaaS) HR models with subscriptions next year—a three-point uptick from 2020’s survey results. This is followed by the use of licensed software on-premise models (23%), licensed software-hosted systems (19%), hybrid systems (18%), and internally developed systems (1%) (Information Services Group, 2021).

In a digitally advancing world, this steady growth in the HR software market will be cemented since the global digital transformation spending accounts for $1.6 trillion in 2022 alone. This is also projected to stretch to $3.4 trillion by 2026 (Statista, 2022). Furthermore, the effects of the pandemic will probably expedite this process due to the popularity of remote work. In fact, 68% of respondents admitted that digital transformation has accelerated greatly due to the pandemic (Statista, 2020). After all, the HR software industry had to adapt to the changes caused by the lockdown.

For example, a report stated that 63% of employees wanted to receive COVID-19 updates from their employers every day (Edelman, 2020). This pushed providers to create real-time communication systems such as employee scheduling software for small business that disseminate information about office health protocols. Apart from that, when the workforce started getting vaccinated, HR tech providers integrated vaccination status tracking into their systems to ensure safe working environments.

Moreover, companies that used HR software during the lockdowns cited other advantages that helped them manage operations (ISG, 2021):

• Real-time objective decision-making
• Employee connections and collaborations
• Performance and productivity tracking and engagement
• Virtual recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding
• Streamlining workflow processes and remote working

These benefits were not only advantageous at the height of COVID-19 but also significant in helping HR professionals manage their tasks more easily as surges in cases slowly drop and businesses reopen. Furthermore, firms will need to upgrade their tools and services as they continue to undergo an inevitable digital transformation. This proves that the usefulness of HR software encompasses its urgent demand and continues to add value to the role of HR professionals.

HR Software Trends

The important HR software statistics discussed above provide insights into the current and future stability of the market. Now, here are some trends that HR professionals and managers need to look out for to keep up with the demands of the industry:

1. Continued preference for remote work. One of the most pressing HR software trends is the impact of remote work. It will now be a constant option for all workplaces. In fact, 97% of employees wish to work remotely for the rest of their careers (Buffer, 2022). With this, HR professionals must adjust their scheduling scheme and rely on online solutions to continue their base operations. Additionally, HR heads must also pursue looking for new technologies to support remote collaboration among employees (SHRM, 2020).
2. Overcoming the “Great Resignation.” Another factor affecting HR software trends is the Great Resignation or the post-pandemic mass resignation (World Economic Forum, 2022). Unsurprisingly, a lack of professional development is cited as one of the reasons for quitting. Using the best HR software with advanced features can help upskill and reskill workers. Integrating training tools or webinars and even applying gamification help motivate corporate learning. In addition, HR software can also aid mental wellness by suggesting pages that provide free mental health consultations or services.
3. The Millennial and Gen Z takeover. In the U.S. alone, 35% of workers are Millennials, and a growing 5% comprises Gen Zs (Purdue University Global, 2022). These two younger generations will dominate the workforce in the coming years. With that, the use of smartphones, the internet, and social media will play bigger roles in HR software and management. Millennials and Gen Zs are more adept at using these technologies, alongside the best POS systems and the best email marketing solutions; therefore, it is easier to reach and engage them if HR software services are also available on phones.
4. Impact of digital technology and automation. Automation in the workplace has long been proven to be efficient, especially when it comes to reducing manual or time-consuming tasks. The use of HR software will help decrease approval waiting times and increase data storage, which is especially useful to professionals who manage tons of paperwork. In addition, advancements in data security also help keep information gathered by software safer and less prone to theft.

With this overview of the market, statistics, and trends, here are 15 HR software examples and their best features to help HR professionals and company administrators find the top platform for their needs.

List of the Best HR Software

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1. Paylocity

Paylocity offers core HR software, as well as separate modules for payroll, workforce management, talent acquisition, and benefits management. Its main features include templates that can automate data input and an online file storage that automatically organizes and uploads in bulk. Paylocity also collects and secures digital signatures to avoid the hassle of passing paperwork through different departments.

Paylocity Key Features:

• Customizes workflow settings and assigns team members to specific tasks
• Enables users to connect with Paylocity HR experts for one-on-one consultations and online training
• Allows users to link to their employee portal and use self-service tools, like clocking in and out
• Displays work progress on the dashboard and enables members to nudge teammates to implement changes
• Gives employees access to a knowledge base of HR-related information, such as resources on healthcare policies or salary comparison
• Provides collaboration opportunities to members through the mobile app

Pricing:
By quote

2. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is an all-in-one solution for HR professionals who wish to streamline and automate workflows. This platform made it to this HR software list thanks to its comprehensive core HR functionalities. For starters, it easily enables users to edit employee data from the dashboard. It also has a set of templates for part-time or international employees to make the onboarding process quicker. ADP Workforce Now also integrates with job recruitment websites to hire candidates faster.

ADP Workforce Now Key Features:

• Engages employees with a built-in survey tool
• Enables employees to settle HR issues using their intelligent self-service tools
• Generates reports about workforce data for work management insights
• Sets automated reminders to employees about overtime and leave approvals
• Provides users with free calculator tools, glossary, and tax guides and forms
• Enables new hires to complete paperwork submissions using its mobile app

Pricing:
By quote

3. Paycom

Paycom, another easy-to-use HR software, helps streamline day-to-day tasks by enabling users to use digital checklists and auto-categorize files and other data. It helps expedite processes by rerouting employee queries to the right HR staff and automatically saves common answers to FAQs. In addition, Paycom also enables professionals to use customizable survey forms to encourage honest feedback from employees.

Paycom Key Features:

• Allows employees to self-enroll benefits or clock in and out online
• Instantly updates employee data or position changes and provides an audit trail for documentation
• Enables HR staff and employees to track and update COVID-19 vaccination statuses
• Makes hiring processes easier through its self-onboarding tools
• Empowers managers to access top tasks through the mobile app

Pricing:
By quote

4. Rippling

Aside from providing top-notch HR software services, Rippling also offers IT and finance software products to its users. It allows HR professionals to personalize workflow tools for all or specific employees. Even setting company policies is automated, so all HR has to do is click approve. Rippling also helps improve employee performance by enabling users to launch suggested training programs or create new ones and auto-send certificates to participants.

Rippling Key Features:

• Auto-tracks time and enables employees to easily check clocked hours
• Onboards new hires in just 90 seconds with its streamlined background check
• Enables employees to fully transfer current benefit enrolments without the hassle of updating files
• Automatically pays international employees and instantly files taxes
• Generates trigger actions for policies as soon as survey responses are in
• Provides training access to employees via the mobile app

Pricing:
Rippling’s services are available starting at $8/user/month or by quote.

5. BambooHR

Built for small and mid-sized businesses, BambooHR allows HR professionals to access and edit policies with ease. It enables HR staff to assign editing settings so that employees can update their own records without gaining access to sensitive information. BambooHR also helps speed up operations by providing customized workflow triggers and by tracking task progress with audit trails.

BambooHR Key Features:

• Generates reports to help administrators strategize better company policies
• Smoothly integrates data changes into all Bamboo features or even third-party apps
• Encourages honest employee feedback through built-in customizable surveys that ensure anonymity
• Schedules check-ins with new hires and performance evaluations instantly
• Provides a separate onboarding app to make recruiting and hiring more organized
• Easily track employees’ paid time off (PTO) through the mobile app

Pricing:
By quote

6. Sage People

Sage People provides a well-rounded employee management system by enabling HR professionals to customize personnel functions and accessibility from the dashboard. Apart from that, it displays employee time-off requests, scheduled absences, and attendance at a glance. Sage People also automates benefit administration and shows managers salary amounts for better budgeting. Moreover, it provides an interactive tour of the software as an onboarder, manager, or HR staff so that decision-makers can get a better view of their services.

Sage People Key Features:

• Auto-calculates overtime hours and reflects them in payroll instantly
• Creates communication hubs for important announcements or updates
• Enables employees to upload files like medical bills for benefits auditing
• Manages employee progress and creates employee training plans to enhance skills
• Helps boost employee morale by highlighting great work through peer recognition
• Access real-time HR analytics and data insights on the mobile app

Pricing:
By quote

7. Zimyo

Zimyo offers HR professionals and employees an easier way to upload and store files in its centralized document hub and ensures all files are secured. It simplifies the policy-making for HR staff using auto-suggestions. Moreover, the platform empowers employees with a self-service portal that lets them punch time and access paychecks online. These aside, Zimyo is also great for companies that want to gain insights into their data as it generates instant reports about employee information and spots trends through asset tracking.

Zimyo Key Features:

• Accelerates approvals by simplifying workflow settings
• Hires new recruits quickly by sending a templated job offer
• Sends documents and files more quickly with ready-made templates for letters or forms
• Addresses employee concerns through a ticketing system with its online helpdesk
• Lets users check employee hierarchy and info on the fly through the mobile app

Pricing:
Zimyo’s HR & Payroll plan starts at $2/user/month to $5/user/month.

8. Pulse HRM

Established in 2015 in India, Pulse HRM is a one-stop shop for all employee management solutions. They provide employee self-service tools to edit personnel profiles, clock in or out, or check policy documents. Their product also accelerates the hiring processes by streamlining workflow from posting jobs on websites to scheduling interviews and to onboarding. Lastly, Pulse HRM helps firms value their talents by offering various feedback and performance evaluation systems.

Pulse HRM Key Features:

• Auto-syncs billable working hours with payroll
• Integrates attendance with select biometric scanners
• Enables HR staff to calculate and apply tax deductions instantly
• Provides templated documents such as job offers or disciplinary reports
• View year-end reports and stats using the mobile app

Pricing:
By quote

9. Infor CloudSuite HCM

Infor’s CloudSuite HCM manages all pertinent HR processes. It provides self-service tools so that employees can track their time and update personal information on the go. CloudSuite HCM also provides dashboard customization and displays consolidated calendars for absences and time-offs. Additionally, it can be used to set up a knowledge base for employees so they can easily find solutions to concerns.

Infor CloudSuite HCM Key Features:

• Enables managers and HR heads to monitor employee skills and work behavior for better performance
• Helps administrators work with HR to plan recruitment processes through auto-generated reports and insights.
• Helps payroll administrators to set and lock pay cycle processing in one place
• Provides employees with self-service benefit enrolment for easier processing
• Lets employees check for salary changes and request for time-off on the mobile app

Pricing:
By quote

10. Oracle Talent Management Cloud

Oracle Talent Management Cloud is part of the HCM products of Oracle Fusion Cloud. It helps candidates to comply with application requirements by communicating with the software’s digital assistant. In addition, its onboarding processes offer step-by-step assistance and a collaborative to-do task to speed up first-day activities. Oracle Talent Management Cloud also sends performance feedback at any time on any device and updates training certifications and compliances.

Oracle Talent Management Cloud Key Features:

• Allows employees to set their own goals and track their own progress
• Empowers each employee with personalized homepages with details on training and development
• Provides HR staff with insights on succession planning, such as talent potentials, risks, and career aspirations
• Uses AI to match skills with people and resources and jobs to further nurture talents
• Encourages interaction among teams by fostering short-term internal gigs that give employees the chance to learn new skills
• Sends compensation updates, policy changes, and guidance to employees through compensation letters

Pricing:
By quote

11. Access People HR

Access People HR is an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use HR software that provides a core HR self-service system, a centralized employee database, and attendance management software. It enables employees to upload documents easily in one hub and creates an audit trail when files get edited so that data is always secured. Access People HR also automates tasks by customizing workflows and settings for a more fast-tracked operation.

Access People HR Key Features:

• Tracks candidate progress with an ATS and schedules interviews in one place
• Automates approval of absences and generates absence reasons for quicker filing
• Enables QR or six-digit code clocking in to ensure all workable hours are accounted for
• Encourages employees to send feedback and protects their identities
• Checks attendance and policy updates through its mobile app

Pricing:
Access People HR offers a Professional Plan (£5/employee/month), an Enterprise Plan (£7/employee/month), and an Elite Plan (£9/employee/month) with free trials.

12. OrangeHRM

OrangeHRM provides an automated and streamlined HRIS for all types of businesses. It enables HR staff to configure and assign roles to different employees while still securing data. In addition, HR can enable snapshot reporting of employee data to access information instantly. OrangeHRM also organizes applicants and job posting with an ATS and seamlessly integrates newly hired personnel into the system.

OrangeHRM Key Features:

• Tracks assets and equipment used by staff online
• Enables recruiters to onboard new staff individually or in batches
• Allows users to view employees who are performing well, have the highest growth, or need more training in a nine-box matrix
• Quickly connects co-workers with the corporate directory
• Displays all upcoming absences in a calendar
• Keep employees in the loop about policy changes using the mobile app.

Pricing:
OrangeHRM offers free plans for basic People Management, Talent Management, Culture, and Compensation services. The vendor also has advanced plans available by quote.

13. ClearCompany

An HR software and talent management solution provider, ClearCompany enables HR staff to track applicants easily and integrate applications from job recruitment websites. It also makes new recruits feel right at home with customizable team member introduction panels during the onboarding process. In addition, ClearCompany also generates data from the entire hiring process to come up with reports and insights for better marketing.

ClearCompany Key Features:

• Provides personalized performance results with peer reviews from head personnel
• Encourages employees to perform well with shout-outs and celebrations for recognition
• Offers one-on-one workspaces between managers and employees for better collaboration and training
• Automates new employees’ tasks and provides collaborated to-do lists
• Enables applicants to apply via text and sets a background check through its mobile-friendly website

Pricing:
By quote

14. Elevatus

Elevatus is a recruitment and video interviewing software that aims to simplify the entire talent acquisition process, starting from the creation of job requisitions to the onboarding of new employees. The software utilizes artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and innovative solutions. By using Elevatus, organizations can improve their recruitment efforts, attract highly qualified candidates, and enhance their technological infrastructure. The software offers a secure and paperless recruitment process, allowing for the efficient management of essential functions within a cohesive recruiting system.

Key Features:

• Leverage advanced AI technology for optimized candidate sourcing, screening, and selection.
• Tailor recruitment workflows to match your organization's unique hiring processes and requirements.
• Conduct video assessments and skill tests to evaluate candidates' suitability for specific roles.
• Automate onboarding processes, including document collection, training modules, and task assignments.
• Integrate seamlessly with popular platforms like Oracle, LinkedIn, and more for a unified experience.
• Facilitate collaboration among hiring teams with shared notes, evaluations, and feedback on candidates.
• Eliminate paperwork and ensure data privacy with secure digital signatures and file storage.
• Gain valuable insights with comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities.

Pricing:
By quote

15. factoHR

factoHR is a comprehensive cloud-based HR software solution that automates human resources operations and helps organizations achieve growth and success. It comes with features for leave and attendance management, performance management, payroll, and retirement benefits. The platform can store all employees’ crucial information in one place with the help of the centralized employee database, eliminating the need for paperwork. With factoHR's recruitment features, it is easy to find and hire top talent and streamline the onboarding process. HR workflows will also be more painless, given the software's automation of repetitive lower-level tasks, which can be leveraged for multiple-level workflows. Additionally, employees will not be disconnected from managers as the software promotes effective communication.

factoHR Key Features:

• Visually appealing and Inclusive Dashboard
• Centralized employee database management
• Seamless integration of HR with payroll system
• Employee self-service portal and mobile app
• Organizational chart for a clear reporting structure and career path opportunities
• FnF and offboarding
• Chatbot to address employee queries in a snap
• Salary management
• Real-time feedback using surveys

Pricing:

factoHR offers four effective subscription plans. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Enhance Employee Performance with an HR Software

Some may consider HR as the backbone of a company. If that is the case, then it must have a strong foundation—from the HR staff to the HR software that you will use—to fulfill its role effectively. It is imperative to consider how the world is changing digitally and use innovative solutions that move the company and its people forward.

The best HR software listed above provide some insights into how it serves HR professionals. While most of them help with the main functions of HR, this technology is much more than just fast-tracking manual tasks or streamlining workflows. The biggest advantage it gives companies is its feature to help improve employee performance, develop professional skills, and nurture talents.

By performing these processes well, along with providing employee perks, companies can make workers feel that they are being valued by the companies that they work for. HR professionals must utilize the HR software they will choose and ensure that it benefits not only their department but also every person in the firm. After all, at the very core of HR is ‘human.’

Learn more about HR matters and education. Start with our guide on online hr degree programs. The guide discusses salaries and career outlooks for HR professionals in the coming decade.

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References:

• Buffer. (2022). 2022 state of remote work. https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2022
• Data Bridge Market Research. (2022, August). Global core HR software market - industry trends and forecast to 2029. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-core-hr-software-market
• Edelman. (2020). 2020 Edelman trust barometer special report: Trust and the coronavirus. https://www.edelman.com/research/edelman-trust-covid-19-demonstrates-essential-role-of-private-sector
• Purdue University Global. (2022). Generational differences in the workplace [Infographic]. https://www.purdueglobal.edu/education-partnerships/generational-workforce-differences-infographic
• Statista. (2022, October). Spending on digital transformation technologies and services worldwide from 2017 to 2026. https://www.statista.com/statistics/870924/worldwide-digital-transformation-market-size
• Statista. (2020, July). Has the COVID-19 pandemic sped up digital transformation in your organization? https://www.statista.com/statistics/1200465/covid-digital-transformation-global
• Statista. (2020, March). Share of adults worldwide who expect their employer to make human resources (HR) policy changes in response to COVID-19 in March 2020, by policy. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1105076/covid-19-opinion-hr-policy-changes-employers-should-make-worldwide
• Society for Human Resource Management. (n.d.). The future of work arrives early. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/pages/the-future-of-work-arrives-early.aspx
• Verified Market Research. (2022, August). Global HR software market size by deployment mode. https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/hr-software-market
• World Economic Forum. (2022, June 24). The Great Resignation is not over: A fifth of workers plan to quit in 2022. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/06/the-great-resignation-is-not-over