1: Softr

Softr allows organizations to build employee directories, onboarding systems, timesheet trackers, and internal portals without requiring coding expertise.

With its user-friendly interface and integrations, Softr simplifies employee data management, encourages collaboration, and fosters seamless team communication.

It’s ideal for organizations looking to optimize workflows and improve employee experience efficiently.

Key features:

• Use real-time employee data from spreadsheets or 10+ popular databases (including Airtable, SQL, and Notion) to build no-code tools for your team, like a content calendar and a time tracker.
• Softr’s key security features support employee management by offering secure access with built-in authentication and granular role-based permissions. Sensitive employee data is safeguarded with strong privacy protections, meeting standards like GDPR and HIPAA. This makes it easy for HR teams to manage access while maintaining compliance and data security.
• Softr's REST API allows you to integrate with tools like Jira, Salesforce, Stripe, Pipedrive,  Shopify, Intercom, and more. HR teams can build custom workflows or improve existing apps to match evolving data and workflow needs—all without requiring advanced technical skills.
• Integrate with over 200 tools, to improve automation and workflows. Use SmartSuite as your training data source and Softr's no-code interface to build engaging employee training courses.
• Automate HR workflows through conditional forms, including support requests, user feedback, and more.
• Manage the entire recruitment process from job posting to hiring with a powerful applicant tracking system and careers page templates.
• Softr's customizable platform adapts to your specific needs and supports efficient workforce management. The Baumi case study perfectly illustrates this. They used Softr to custom-build an internal system for merchandise ordering for their employees. Over 100+ employees placed 2500 merchandise orders worth €600,000.
• Create a user-friendly portal where your team members can access all their information in one place, from project details to company policies. Case studies like DCW cost management show the significant time and cost savings achieved through Softr by centralizing all info in one place.

Pros:

• Softr provides comprehensive video tutorials that cover every aspect of employee management, including:

• Time tracking
• Creating employee directories
• Onboarding new hires
• Building HR portals
• Collecting employee feedback

• Build beautiful user-friendly UI designs for your app by dragging and dropping from 100+ ready-made building blocks. 
• Excellent customer support through chat, email, and phone.

Cons: 

• Filtering options could be improved.

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Pricing: 

• Free: $0
• Basic: $49
• Professional: $139
• Business: $269
• Enterprise: Custom 

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Customer reviews:

Image source: G2

2:Gusto:

Gusto began as a payroll service but has expanded into a notable employee management solution for small businesses. It provides payroll management, employee benefits administration, time tracking, compliance tools, and general HR features such as hiring, onboarding, and talent management. 

Key features:

• Full-service payroll, including automated tax calculations and filings for federal, state, and local taxes. It supports unlimited monthly payroll runs and payments for salaried employees, hourly workers, and contractors.
• Offers health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, workers' compensation, and other benefits that easily integrate with payroll.
• Through the employee portal, employees can onboard themselves, access pay stubs, update information, and retrieve tax documents.
• Includes offer letters, e-signature capabilities, employee directories, organizational charts, custom checklists, and document management.
• A built-in ATS simplifies recruiting and onboarding processes, though it may lack the depth of specialized third-party systems.
• Generates 11 types of payroll and HR reports exportable in Excel, CSV, or PDF formats.
• Salaried employees are paid fixed amounts, while hourly employees’ wages are based on timesheets. Payroll can also be set to autopilot.
• New users receive a customized onboarding checklist and access to a dedicated representative for setup assistance.
• Supports direct deposit with options for splitting pay into multiple accounts for better financial management.

Pros:

• Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits sync effortlessly with payroll.
• Employees can independently access key documents, even after leaving the company.
• Simplifies payments and tax documentation for contractors and freelancers.
• Run payroll for bonuses, off-cycle payments, and regular schedules without incurring additional fees.

Cons:

• The mobile app is limited to employee use, restricting payroll access for employers.
• While adequate for basic payroll needs, it lacks advanced time-tracking capabilities.
• Gusto does not offer a free tier, which may be a drawback for some small businesses.
• International payroll requires third-party partnerships for Employer of Record (EOR) services.
• The lack of biometric login options makes accessing the platform less convenient.

Pricing:

• Simple: $40/month + $6/person/month 
• Plus: $80/month + $12/person/month 
• Premium: $180/month + $22/person/month 
• Contractor Only: $35/month + $6/contractor/month

Customer reviews:

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3:BambooHR

BambooHR is a popular employee management software designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline HR processes, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee engagement.

Key features:

• ATS posts job openings on job boards, social media, and career pages. Track applicants, review resumes, and manage the hiring process with customizable templates and e-signature capabilities.
• Onboarding and offboarding processes include new-hire packets, organizational charts, vacation payouts, and access management.
• Employee databases securely store and track employee data, including tax documents, with customizable reporting templates.
• Time tracking (add-on) track hours, submit timesheets, calculate overtime, and generate payroll reports.
• Employee feedback tools like eNPS surveys and AI-powered feedback analysis provide insights into employee satisfaction and well-being.
• Access 49+ built-in reports covering workforce metrics, approval packages, and more, with the option to create custom templates.

Pros:

• Supports performance management with 360-degree feedback and goal-setting capabilities.
• Secure data transmission with TLS 1.2 encryption for compliance and privacy.
• Employee self-service options for time-off requests, benefits, and document management.

Cons:

• Pricing lacks transparency and may not fit all budgets.
• Payroll and benefits administration are available only in the U.S.
• Time tracking requires an additional paid add-on and separate activation.
• Limited functionality for employee scheduling.

Pricing:

• Core: Custom
• Pro: Custom

Customer reviews:

4:Workday

Workday is a human capital management solution for large businesses prioritizing advanced reporting and analytics to identify inefficiencies and drive change. 

This top employee management software provides tools for managing employee data, payroll, benefits, and compliance.

Workday is particularly well-suited for education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and nonprofit industries. 

Key features:

• Allows U.S. employees to access their earnings before payday.
• While native payroll is limited to the U.S., U.K., Canada, and France, partnerships with third-party providers like ADP expand capabilities to 100+ countries.
• Tools like Workday Skills Cloud and Peakon employee voice help in feedback collection, analyze performance data, predict employee turnover, and improve engagement.
• Comprehensive benefits administration centralizes benefits data and supports offerings like medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and COBRA for U.S.-based employees.
• Affordable Care Act compliance features an ACA dashboard to assist with managing variable-hour employees.

Pros:

• Advanced reporting capabilities to track payroll, employee metrics, and engagement data in real-time.
• Predictive analytics for talent management, including flight risk assessments and skills alignment.
• Built-in compatibility with over 600 third-party software solutions.
• Offers revenue management tools, automated bill pay, and advanced forecasting for enterprise-level accounting needs.

Cons:

• Native payroll capabilities are confined to four countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, and France), requiring third-party solutions for broader coverage.
• Users report persistent issues with the Android app, particularly with time tracking.
• Businesses must schedule demos to explore features, as no trial version is available.
• Initial configuration, especially for large organizations without HRIS integration is complex.

Pricing: 

• Free demo: Available for 30 days.
• Paid plans: Contact them for a personalized quote.

Customer reviews:

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5:SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a leading cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) suite designed for large, multinational enterprises.  It offers standalone and integrated solutions for recruiting, payroll, performance management, and employee engagement. 

Key features:

• SAP SuccessFactors supports payroll processing in over 48 countries, offering localized compliance features such as automatic tax calculations, benefits integration, and off-cycle payroll support. Companies can manage diverse international employee needs, including pensions, savings, and insurance plans, with compliance coverage in over 100 locales.
• Features multilingual support in up to 46 languages and access to over 4,000 recruiting channels across 80 countries.
• Offers tools for career development, such as a library of 500+ pre-configured SMART goals, continuous feedback mechanisms, and a writing assistant for performance reviews.
• With the People Analytics module, HR teams can plan their workforce, predict future needs, and create custom dashboards and reports to inform strategic decisions.

Pros:

• Integrates seamlessly with SAP’s suite of products, APIs, and 300+ partner tools. 
• 24/7 customer service is available via chat, phone, email, and social media.
• Payroll support is embedded for 48+ countries.
• Adjusts time tracking features based on employee location.

Cons:

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance available only as a separate add-on,
• Limited integrations with non-SAP HR software outside of its partner ecosystem,
• A steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with SAP systems,

Pricing:

Not available on the website.

Customer reviews:

6:Hubstaff

Hubstaff is a workforce management software designed for office-based and remote teams, offering features like project management, time tracking, payroll integration, and remote talent sourcing.

The software helps businesses tackle issues such as time wastage, transparency in remote work, and inefficiencies in project tracking. It works primarily on desktop platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a better fit for office-based teams rather than mobile or field teams.

Key features:

• Tracks employee hours via desktop or mobile apps, chrome extensions, and the web app. 
• Optional features include screenshots, app usage, URL tracking, and geofencing. The latter automates time tracking based on location.
• Include Kanban, list, and timeline views for task management.Provides six report categories: general, payments, budgets and limits, time-off, schedules, and invoices. 
• Weekly notifications help managers monitor employee productivity levels and project progress.

Pros:

• Geofencing for automatic time tracking,
• Supports 30+ integrations, 
• Compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 standards, 
• Managers can set hourly or monetary budgets for projects and receive notifications when projects approach budget milestones.

Cons:

• No built-in payroll functionality, though it integrates with Gusto and Deel.
• Reports provide raw data without AI-based predictions or analysis.
• Limited support hours (3:00 to 21:00 EST, Monday through Friday).
• Live chat and email ticket response times are inconsistent.
• The interface can be challenging for new users during onboarding.

Pricing:

Hubstaff's pricing (with a 2-seat minimum):

• Starter: $499
• Grow: $750/seat
• Team: $1000/seat
• Enterprise: $2500 (customizable for large organizations)

Customer reviews:

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7:Monday.com

Monday.com, originally designed as a project management tool, has transformed into a versatile employee management platform. 

Its strength lies in project and task management. However, its capabilities for employee management, such as time tracking and workload management, make it a credible option for companies with simple employee tracking needs. The clarity and ease of use of these features provide everything a business needs, even when compared to the most advanced HR management apps.

Key features:

• Assign and track tasks with visual dashboards, calendar views, and timelines.
• Integrate with over 200 tools, including Gmail, Zoom, LinkedIn, and Slack.
• Monitor strategic goals and make decisions with custom dashboards.
• Protect your data with SOC2 and ISO 27001 certifications.
• Use color-coded visual tools to track task progress, deadlines, and status updates.

Pros:

• Excellent use of visual tools like workload dashboards and calendar views to manage team progress.
• Centralized platform for file sharing, notifications, activity logs, and communication.
• Generate customized reports tailored to specific business goals and metrics.

Cons:

• Does not offer built-in timesheets, geofencing, or support for complex shift work, making it less ideal for blue-collar or mobile workforce management.
• Lacks native payroll and benefits management capabilities, making it unsuitable for businesses requiring comprehensive HR solutions.
• Inability to handle fluid or overlapping shifts commonly found in industries like healthcare, hospitality, and logistics.

Pricing:

• Free: $0
• Basic: $9
• Standard: $12
• Pro: $19
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Customer reviews:

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8:Rippling

Rippling is an employee management tool that merges HR and IT management on one platform. It supports teams by automating key functions like recruitment, payroll, benefits administration, time tracking, compliance management, and device management. 

Key features:

• Automates offer letters, E-Verify, payroll setup, benefits selection, and onboarding paperwork. Includes hardware provisioning for remote and in-office employees.
• Customizes hiring dashboards, job postings via JobTarget (25,000+ boards), and role-specific interview scheduling.
• Allows companies to set and manage pay structures for each position.
• Creates visual timecards, facilitates schedule templates, and integrates attendance with payroll.
• Facilitates secure employee terminations with responsibility transfers and account resets.
• Centralized management of company-issued devices, including password policies, hard drive encryption, and remote wiping capabilities.

Pros:

• Strong data security with SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certification and 256-bit AES encryption.
• Supports global payroll Employer-of-record (EOR) services for paying employees and contractors in 140+ countries.
• Automated tax registration, compliance with ACA, COBRA, and local regulations, as well as customizable compensation bands.
• Connects with over 600 cloud-based tools for a unified system.
• Customizable reporting with advanced formula-based data analysis capabilities.

Cons:

• A lack of phone support may frustrate users needing immediate assistance.
• No auto-assignment of shifts based on employee preferences.
• Some features, like compensation bands, require manual input, which may add complexity.

Pricing:

Rippling uses a PEPM model with costs varying based on chosen modules (HR, IT, etc.). Contact Rippling for a custom quote.

Customer reviews:

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9:Zoho People

Zoho People is a reputable employee management and HR software that automates and digitizes workforce operations. This tool's strengths lie in time tracking and employee communication.

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Key features:

• Track time on mobile devices with facial recognition, overtime settings, and automated shift rotations.
• Automate profile creation, document collection, and task delegation during employee onboarding.
• Provide customizable training materials with progress tracking and reporting for skill development.
• Manage HR queries efficiently with a system for fast and categorized responses.
• Use AES encryption, GDPR compliance, multi-factor authentication, and activity logs for secure data management.

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Pros:

• Custom personas for users with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments.
• Works with QuickBooks, Adobe Sign, Microsoft Teams, Zapier, and more.
• Support 23 languages for global teams.
• Detailed, customizable reports on employee metrics, attendance, and performance trends. 

Cons:

• Live chat and phone support require additional costs for access.
• Not HIPAA-compliant, limiting its use for healthcare-related businesses.
• Basic payroll functionality.
• Limited advanced analytics.

Pricing:

• Essential HR: $1.25
• Professional: $2
• Premium: $3
• Enterprise: $4.50
• People Plus: $9

Customer reviews:

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10:Officevibe

Officevibe is an employee engagement platform that has evolved from a simple survey tool into a full employee management solution.

It is one of the most dynamic employee engagement tools focused on improving workplace culture and team collaboration. 

Now part of the GSoft family, Officevibe helps businesses automate engagement processes to build a positive workplace culture.

Key features:

• Automated pulse surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and engagement levels.
• Anonymous feedback and messaging for a secure two-way communication channel for addressing concerns confidentially.
• Recognition tools for celebrating achievements to boost morale and workplace positivity.
• Goal & OKR management for setting and achieving organizational objectives.
• One-on-one meeting frameworks for structured agendas to improve the quality of manager-employee interactions.

Pros:

• Real-time insights promote proactive engagement management.
• Built-in tips and recommended actions to improve team dynamics and leadership practices.

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Cons:

• Advanced reporting features may not meet the needs of larger enterprises.
• Integration with existing HR systems can be challenging.
• Slack bot functionality feels limited in conversational flexibility.

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Pricing:

• Free: $0
• Essential: $3.50
• Pro:  $5.00
• Business: Contact for pricing 
• Performance management add-on: $6/person

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Customer reviews:

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11:Culture Amp

Culture Amp is an employee engagement and performance management platform designed to help businesses understand employee sentiment and track progress. Initially a survey tool, it has grown to include full features for employee engagement measurement, performance management, and learning development. 

Key features:

• Ready-to-use survey templates and multi-source feedback options (peer, manager, and self-reflection).
• Goal and OKR tracking, skills coaching, and 1-on-1 tools to align teams.
• Agile tracking for tech sectors, project-based assessments for professional services, and client feedback integration.
• SOC 2 Type II certification, end-to-end encryption, role-based access controls, and compliance monitoring.

Pro:

• Predictive analytics to identify and address retention risks.
• Seamless connectivity with Slack, Microsoft Teams, ADP, and HRIS platforms.
• Industry-specific customization. 

Cons:

• Repeated logins are required when reopening the app, which can disrupt workflow.
• Shoutouts via Slack may feel overly complex for some teams.
• Performance may lag in larger organizations scaling rapidly beyond 400 employees.

Pricing:

Contact sales

Customer reviews:

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