HR professionals manage all people processes in a company, from recruiting to exit interviews and everything in between. We review the 6 best HR tools so you can save time, cut costs, and run your people operations efficiently.
Studies show that human resources (HR) teams spend over 70% of their time on time-consuming manual tasks such as hiring, record-keeping, and payroll. On top of this, they need to manage performance, deal with employee issues, and navigate complex labor laws.
However, the right HR tools can simplify everyday HR processes and save you a ton of time and effort. They can also support more strategic HR roles such as employee engagement and retention—providing you with everything you need to manage your talent effectively.
Below, we look at the 6 best HR tools, so you can choose the right one for your business.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one HR tool
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Good for global companies
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Good for administering benefits
Why trust us?
Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology
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Tools considered
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Tools reviewed
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What To Look For In an HR Tool
The best HR solutions help save time, cut costs, and simplify processes for employees, managers, and the HR team. Here are some of the key features to consider.
- Employee data management: Store personnel records and other HR documents like company policies and your employee handbook in a centralized and secure location.
- Time tracking and payroll management: Look for apps that use timesheets to create error-free payroll reports, such as Connecteam. You shouldn’t have to spend time doing this manually.
- Surveys and polls: Gather real-time feedback to drive HR decisions and improve company culture. This is a great way to stay connected even with a scattered workforce.
- Training and development: Learning keeps the workforce skilled and engaged. Look for mobile-friendly training tools that can be accessed easily by distributed teams. This will allow you to track employee milestones and support their development.
- Recognition and rewards: Company-wide appreciation and reward systems keep employees motivated and engaged. Connecteam, for example, offers a tokens system that allows managers to send employees tokens that they can exchange for gift cards.
- Performance management: Use customer feedback forms and performance reviews to support employees’ growth and drive productivity.
- Benefits administration: Manage paid time off (PTO), healthcare, and other benefits from a single location to save time and reduce errors.
The 6 Best HR Tools of 2024
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one HR tool
Connecteam is an all-in-one HR management software that allows you to manage HR logistics such as time tracking, payroll, and more. It also has a suite of features for strategic initiatives including training, benefits, and recognition.
The highly customizable interface makes Connecteam suitable for any industry. Plus, it’s simple to use, even for less tech-savvy teams. The mobile app is invaluable, as HR departments can easily run processes from anywhere.
Additionally, Connecteam’s affordable pricing and hands-on customer service provide excellent value for money and a great user experience.
Let’s take a closer look at what Connecteam has to offer.
Stay organized with centralized document management
Connecteam lets you store and manage all your HR documents, certificates, and personnel records safely in one location. With its cloud-based storage and powerful search tool, you can locate and access files easily from anywhere.
Employees can upload required documents directly onto the app, saving you the hassle. You can also set expiration dates on files to keep them updated. This is a great way to stay organized and compliant. It also helps prevent errors such as missing, duplicate, or outdated records.
Reduce payroll errors and misunderstandings with accurate time tracking
With Connecteam’s time clock, employees can maintain a clean record of their hours worked. Also, managers can use GPS tracking to verify workers’ locations.
Transparent time tracking keeps employees honest and accountable. It also prevents conflicts between workers and managers that would otherwise need to be investigated by HR.
Moreover, you can convert employee timesheets into accurate payroll reports. These integrate seamlessly with popular payroll software such as Gusto, QuickBooks Online, Paychex and Xero. Paying employees is quick, easy, and less prone to errors.
Manage time off, flexible working, and other company benefits
You can use Connecteam to customize time off policies that suit your needs. You can also track and manage time off, attendance, and breaks. This gives employees downtime without hampering productivity and keeps your business compliant with labor laws and regulations.
Connecteam’s scheduling tools allow for flexible shift swapping with or without approval. Employees receive push notifications to alert them of any changes.
Additionally, you can store health insurance and other benefits policies in the document center. Employees can then access them from anywhere.
Simplify your hiring process with feature-rich task management
You can assign tasks and sub-tasks and send reminders to your hiring team. You can also add notes, images, and files to keep all the information in one place.
Plus, Connecteam’s built-in chat feature lets you communicate quickly about your recruitment processes and so much more.
Provide effective training and onboarding with an online hub
Connecteam’s training feature makes it easy to create and roll out training programs for new hires and existing employees. You can add customized quizzes into modules to test employees, identify knowledge gaps, and make learning fun. You can also track progress and send reminders for employees to complete their courses.
Support professional development with the timeline app
Connecteam’s timeline tool lets you track employee milestones such as promotions, performance reviews, salary hikes, and more. You can ensure employees are on the right path and support those who might be struggling.
You can also add essential courses like safety training to timelines and ensure all certifications are up to date.
Use surveys and polls to gather feedback and suggestions
Surveys help you understand how employees feel about your company’s culture and working practices. You can use these insights to drive your people strategy.
Polls enable you to collect real-time employee inputs on relevant decisions. For example, gathering votes on the next team-building activity. By considering workers’ preferences, you can make fast and effective HR decisions. Employees feel involved and engaged, even if they work across different job sites.
Track employees’ performance using feedback forms
Employees can use the customizable forms feature to gather customer feedback at the end of a project. You can use these forms to identify high-performing individuals and address any concerns.
Motivate employees with recognition and reward features
You can appreciate and reward employees for their good work. Recognize them privately with Connecteam’s in-app chat. Or, put their success in the spotlight with shout-outs on the newsfeed or awards like employee-of-the-month.
You can even incentivize employees with digital tokens they can redeem for gift cards. This reinforces good work and helps employees stay motivated.
Boost engagement with company events and much, much more
HR often handles events like holiday parties and company celebrations. You can use Connecteam to send invites, track RSVPs, and more.
Choose from several affordable price plans
Connecteam offers multiple affordable pricing plans starting at just $29 per month for up to 30 users. Plus, small businesses with less than 10 users can use Connecteam completely free.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial before upgrading to a plan that best suits your needs.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!
Key Features
Pros
Smart alerts and push notifications
User-friendly interface
Customized reporting
Mobile access to run HR processes from anywhere
Cons
Needs internet or wifi access to work
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
Rippling — Good for global companies
Rippling is a human resource management system. It offers features including time management, self-onboarding, and online learning.
HR managers can also use Rippling to administer health insurance and 401k benefits to their employees.
Further, Rippling has a built-in payroll system. It automates taxes and deductions and generates pay stubs. It also accommodates global payments.
Rippling doesn’t have communication features found in other software solutions.
Key Features
- Time and attendance tracking
- Pulse surveys
- Health insurance and 401k registration
- Learning management platform
Pros
- Integrated IT management
- Easy onboarding process
Cons
- Benefits available only on modular pricing plan
- Expensive compared to some competitors
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Namely — Good for administering benefits
Namely is a cloud-based solution that offers human resource tools. It has tools for onboarding, performance management, timekeeping, and more. It also has a centralized database to store employee information.
Additionally, Namely provides managed benefits and payroll services. Payroll can be outsourced completely. HR managers can also consult with their brokers on different benefits plans.
Key Features
- Integrated payroll solution
- Self onboarding
- Benefits administration
- Performance management
Pros
- Payroll outsourcing
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- No built-in communication tools
- Performance management isn’t as feature-rich as some other tools
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Bitrix24 — Good for sales and CRM
Bitrix24 is a business management software that also has a platform for human resources. Tools include an employee directory, absence tracking, and company announcements.
The software also provides project management tools like kanban boards and Gantt charts. But Bitrix24 is most known for its CRM features.
While it can be used for people operations, it lacks essential human resource tools like training and performance management.
Key Features
- Employee directory
- Time tracking
- Absence management
- Knowledge base
Pros
- Ability to create sub-tasks
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive for small businesses
- Less customizable than some other solutions
Pricing
Starts at $49/month, for up to 5 users Trial: No Free Plan: Yes
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BambooHR — Good for hiring and onboarding
BambooHR offers features such as applicant tracking during the hiring process. It also provides time tracking, payroll, and reporting tools. However, many of these need to be purchased as add-ons.
Employees can also access their personal information and request time off through the system.
Though BambooHR provides some employee engagement tools, such as surveys, it doesn’t have a built-in communications system.
Key Features
- Applicant tracking system
- Time tracking
- Benefits administration
- Built-in payroll software
Pros
- Easy time off requesting
- Celebration notifications for birthdays and work anniversaries
Cons
- Many features need to be purchased as add-ons
- No built-in communication features
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Zoho People — Good for large businesses
Zoho People has tools for HR file management, time off management, and performance appraisals.
It also offers an employee case management solution, which means that employees can raise queries through the app. The HR team can add notes and attachments to the case.
However, case management, payroll integrations, and communications features can only be accessed on the enterprise plus plan. This may not suit businesses with a lower budget.
Key Features
- Time and attendance tracking
- Performance management
- HR analytics
- Employee query management
Pros
- Integrates with other Zoho Suite apps
- Facial recognition tool
Cons
- May not be suitable for businesses with lower budgets
- Payroll only on enterprise plan
Pricing
Starts at $1.25/user/month Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: Yes
Compare the Best HR Tools
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Start for free
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| Reviews |
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $8/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $49/month, for up to 5 users
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $1.25/user/month
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
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no
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no
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yes
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yes
30-day
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| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
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no
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no
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yes
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no
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yes
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| Use cases |
Best all-in-one HR tool
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Good for global companies
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Good for administering benefits
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Good for sales and CRM
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Good for hiring and onboarding
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Good for large businesses
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| Available on |
What Are HR Tools?
HR solutions are designed to simplify and streamline the daily responsibilities of HR professionals. The software uses technology to automate tasks such as payroll, time and attendance tracking, recruiting, and so on. It can also be used to administer employee benefits.
Typically, HR platforms offer features that enable you to connect with and better engage employees. This often includes useful tools such as surveys and polls to give visibility of employee satisfaction levels and preferences. HR software can also be used to identify top talent, as well as point to skills gaps in the existing workforce.
Today, these platforms are used by companies of all sizes and across multiple industries.
How Do HR Tools Work?
HR systems combine all HR operations in a single, central location. Employee documents, processes, and communications are stored and managed in the cloud. Some systems even have their own mobile app. This means you and your employees can use the tool from anywhere and at any time.
These systems use technology to automate manual tasks such as payroll, reporting, and organizing files. They also help HR professionals create training courses, collect employee feedback, and keep employees engaged—again, all from the same app.
Each HR software is different, so you can pick one that offers features most relevant to your business. Create your admin account first to customize the features and set permissions before inviting employees to create their accounts. Once you’re ready, your workers can access all HR activities from their individual accounts.
The Benefits of HR Tools
As an HR manager, it’s difficult to manage daily employee operations while also improving engagement, retention, and productivity. Thankfully, HR software offers a range of robust benefits that help you to:
Stay organized and efficient
Cloud-based document management lets you store and update employee records, certificates, and other files from one secure location. Workers can access their own records directly on the system so you don’t need to spend time locating files for them.
Task management tools can help you create and assign HR tasks with ease. For example, you can share notes and files with your hiring team and remind them to complete their tasks. This is an efficient way of collaborating on HR processes.
Save time and money by avoiding costly errors and conflicts
Creating payroll reports from automated timesheets saves you the effort of doing this manually. It also reduces the chances of making costly errors.
Furthermore, transparent timesheets ensure that employees, managers, and customers are aligned on hours worked. This prevents you from needing to spend time (and money) resolving future misunderstandings.
Improve employee engagement and productivity
Communication tools and virtual events help foster a sense of togetherness within teams, no matter where or when they work.
Recognition and reward features make employees feel valued and boost morale. With an HR tool, you can administer company benefits directly from the system to further incentivize workers.
Finally, you can roll out training courses and track career milestones to maintain a skilled, knowledgeable, and engaged workforce.
Making meaningful, data-driven decisions
Survey and reporting features can provide meaningful insights about your workforce. You can use this data to drive HR decisions.
For example, you may use it to understand what benefits workers want. You can also track which posts keep employees most engaged. This is a great way to make workers feel heard and included.
How Much Do HR Tools Cost?
Human resources tools vary in their costs and pricing structure. Some are priced per user per month, while others are priced with a flat monthly fee for a certain number of users.
For example, Zoho People starts at $1 per user per month. But its basic package doesn’t include time tracking, payroll, training, or other essential tools. Rippling also uses the same structure but starts at $8 per user per month. This could be expensive for businesses with many users.
On the higher end, Bitrix24 offers a flat rate starting at $61 for 5 users. It may be valuable for companies using its CRM features. However, it lacks critical functionality such as training and performance management.
The best HR tools give you more features for less money. Connecteam is an all-in-one HR solution that provides additional operations and communications features. Paid plans start at just $29 per month for up to 30 users—with additional users costing just $0.50 each per month. Teams of up to 10 can sign up for Connecteam’s free-for-life Small Business Plan.
FAQs
What technology does HR use?
HR professionals can use tools like Connecteam to help simplify daily people operations. Cloud solutions help store and access employee records and files in a single location. Mobile access enables employees and HR managers to engage with processes from anywhere. Reporting tools provide insights into data such as hours worked, performance, and more.
What is HR analytics?
HR analytics is the process of using employee data to make business decisions. For example, insights from employee surveys help drive cultural changes. Comments, likes, and clicks on a social post can tell you what workers are engaging with. Timekeeping reports show you how employees spend their hours across projects.
Which is the best HR software?
Connecteam is the best HR software. It’s a one-stop shop for employee management tools including HR, communications, and operations. Features such as automated timesheets and document management save HR professionals a ton of time. Conncteam also offers surveys, training, and more. This helps HR to boost engagement, retention, and productivity.
The Bottom Line on HR Tools
HR management has moved from a backend support role to a critical strategic function. But with so many manual and time-consuming tasks, HR professionals struggle to balance logistics and strategy.
Luckily, HR software helps simplify daily operations. With these tools, you can automate payroll, organize employee data, and save a ton of time on other tasks. Moreover, you can use surveys, training tools, career tracking, and rewards and recognition features to keep your team engaged.
HR professionals who can manage daily tasks and focus on long-term strategy can improve employee experience, attract and retain top talent, and boost productivity in their teams. And the right HR tool can help you achieve this and more!
Start streamlining your HR processes today by signing up for a free 14-day trial now.