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Best HR Software

 

Human resources can be a tough department to manage. Between hiring, onboarding, scheduling, benefits, and compliance, there are dozens of responsibilities to navigate. What if an employee wants to view an old paystub? How does someone access information about their vacation days or benefits?

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Without the right technology, it’s a hassle for everyone involved.

That’s why specialized HR software has become so popular.

Businesses of all sizes are using these tools to improve efficiency and employee experience at the same time.

Here are the five best HR software options out there.

I’ve reviewed each one in-depth and included a short buyer’s guide that highlights the key criteria you should use as you evaluate.

 

5 Best HR Software Options

#1 – Namely Review — The Best for Employee Self-Service

Namely is an all-in-one solution for HR, talent management, payroll, and benefits.

The platform makes it easy for businesses to improve their HR processes while remaining compliant.

It’s trusted by 1,400+ organizations worldwide.

The software is actually branded as a “people operations platform.”

It includes features for employee management, onboarding, talent management, recruiting, time and attendance, analytics, and more.

I’d say that Namely definitely falls into the human resources information systems (HRIS) category.

You’ll be able to manage all of your HR policies and procedures from the centralized platform.

I like Namely because the software is designed to improve employee engagement.

It gives your staff access to all of the HR information they could possibly need from an easy-to-use employee portal.

The software can be accessed from anywhere from the Namely mobile app.

You can even use Namely to share company news, improve communication, and set up a company directory.

Namely’s core HR package comes with tools and features like:

• Onboarding
• Performance and goal tracking
• Task lists
• Time off management
• Compliance database
• E-signature
• Employee self-service and workflows
• Custom fields

Then there are add-ons and extensions for things like payroll, benefits administration, recruiting, time & attendance, and managed services.

You get the powerful core system, and then customize it to fit your company.

Everything is synced, and your employees aren’t trying to get a payroll system to integrate with time clock software made by another vendor.

Overall, Namely is a good fit for midsize organizations.

 

#2 – APS Review — The Best for Payroll

The acronym “APS” actually stands for “Automatic Payroll Systems.”

As this name clearly implies, payroll is their specialty.

But with that said, APS is not a standalone payroll software; it’s an all-in-one solution for HR and payroll alike.

In addition to payroll, APS has HR features for benefits:

• administration,
• performance management,
• employee scheduling,
• recruiting,
• onboarding,
• compliance,
• employee self-service, and more.

They also have industry-specific solutions for:

• healthcare,
• restaurants,
• wholesalers,
• nonprofits,
• manufacturing,
• hospitality,
• financial services, and other unique categories.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top benefits of using APS for payroll:

• Streamline tax compliance with accuracy, timeliness, and wage garnishment
• Automate your tax system to reduce your burden and risk
• Reduce time spent processing payroll with paycheck reconciliation
• Automate federal, state, and local tax filings
• Improve your efficiencies and reduce costs with paperless payroll processing

The self-service tools provided by APS are outstanding; on the employee end and administrative sides alike.

More than 2,000 businesses across different industries rely on APS. For those of you looking for an all-in-one solution for HR and payroll, APS should be at the top of your list.

 

#3 – BerniePortal Review — The Best Human Resources Information Software (HRIS)

BerniePortal isn’t as well-known as some of the other HR solutions available on the market today.

But that shouldn’t be a reason for you to pass up on considering it.

In terms of human resources information software (HRIS), BerniePortal really has everything you could possibly need.

For those of you who want to use technology to improve the total lifecycle management of your employees, BerniePortal should be at the top of your list.

BerniePortal was founded back in 2008, so they have over a decade of experience in the HR software space.

The software has been deployed in 5,000+ HR departments in all 50 states, and it has 210,000+ active users.

Why BerniePortal?

Let’s take a closer look at what this HRIS software has to offer:

• Attract and retain top-level talent with benefits administration
• Compliance, custom enrollment, and payroll reporting
• Improve productivity and engagement with seamless employee onboarding Collaborative hiring decisions with built-in applicant tracking features
• PTO tracking, time-off management, and custom policies
• Tools for time and attendance tracking with detailed reporting
• Mobile access with employee self-service tools
• Performance management and compliance features

You can even use BerniePortal for things like IRS filings.

While the software doesn’t have built-in payroll features, it can seamlessly integrate with your existing payroll system.

BerniePortal offers a free version, which helps with recruiting and applicant tracking.

Paid plans start at $9 per employee per month if you sign up for a year, or $11 per employee if you pay month-to-month.

 

#4 – Workday Review — The Best for Human Capital Management (HCM)

Workday is a popular HR software with a unique twist.

Every component of the tool is focused on finance.

It helps you manage your HR processes while always keeping your bottom line in mind—all from a single platform.

The software is used by industry leaders in a wide range of categories. Some of the well-known companies that rely on Workday include Visa, Toyota, Salesforce, CE, Target, Charles Schwab, and Adobe.

Overall, Workday is pretty versatile.

The software has solutions for human capital management, talent management, enterprise planning, payroll, and workforce management, spend management, and more.

Workday is robust, but also really easy to use.

You’ll benefit from features like:

• Automation to eliminate manual work and improve productivity
• Advanced analytics to guide decision making
• Improve communication and engagement
• Machine learning to identify employees’ skills
• Time tracking toolsCompensation, payroll, and benefits administration
• Employee directories and self-service tools
• The software can also adapt as your HCM needs evolve over time.

Another reason why Workday ranks so high on our list is because of its industry-specific HR solutions across a wide range of categories.

Some of these include healthcare, government, hospitality, insurance, manufacturing, professional services, energy, and more.

 

#5 – Kissflow Review — The Best for Employee Onboarding and Applicant Tracking

Kissflow is one of my favorite tools for managing HR processes.

It’s a top choice for businesses that want to improve the talent management aspect of human resources.

The software comes with features for applicant tracking, employee onboarding, attendance management, absence management, leave management, and employee offboarding.

With Kissflow, you’ll benefit from features and functionality like:

• Get open jobs in front of top-level talent at the perfect time
• Improve employee engagement
• Employee self-service tools360-degree feedback and evaluations
• Customizable HR solutions

Kissflow pricing starts at $16 per user per month for the Basic plan.

There is a minimum of ten users required.

You’ll be able to start automating your HR workflows without writing a line of code.

The downside of Kissflow is that it’s not a true all-in-one HR solution.

It focuses on certain areas but lacks functionality for things like payroll. With that said, Kissflow does have a wide range of integrations, so you can sync it with your existing tools.

 

What I Looked at to Find the Best HR Software

There’s no one-size-fits-all HR software.

Products have evolved to meet the needs of businesses that face very different challenges.

Some companies need a system to recruit, hire, and onboard hundreds of people each month.

Others just want something dependable for payroll and benefits.

You know your organization’s situation better than anyone else.

Which capabilities are going to make the biggest difference for HR and employees?

Let’s walk through the major features of HR software, and how they can make a positive impact.

 

Employee Self-Service

HR software with an employee self-service portal is a must-have in today’s day and age.

This portal will give your staff access to crucial information, without having to call, email, or physically visit the HR department.

Want to access the employee handbook?

Log in and look it up. Have questions about your benefits?

It’s available in the portal.

Need to request a day off?

Just a few clicks away.

All of this information, and more, is available 24/7.

So if one of your employees is sitting home on a Saturday night and wants to look at an old paystub, they don’t have to wait until 9:00 AM Monday morning to call HR.

As a result, everyone on your team will be more productive, and your HR staff won’t be wasting time answering questions all day.

 

Mobile Access

The best HR software will have a free mobile app.

This app can be used on the employee side for the self-service tools mentioned above, but it’s also helpful from an administrative perspective.

HR managers and other admins can complete tasks and view important information in real-time from anywhere.

HR responsibilities won’t be tied to a physical office.

In some cases, you can even use these apps to communicate with your employees.

They can opt-in for notifications delivered straight to their devices, which can reach them faster than an email.

 

Payroll and Benefits Administration

The vast majority of HR solutions will allow you to run payroll directly through the platform.

This isn’t necessarily a make or break feature; it depends on your personal needs.

But since HR and payroll typically go hand-in-hand, lots of businesses look for an all-in-one solution for the two.

If you’re happy with your current payroll solution and don’t want to switch, that’s fine too.

See if you can find an HR software that integrates with whatever you’re using for payroll.

Your HR team and employees will like having access to everything from a single place.

 

Automation

Efficiency is the main concept behind using HR software.

Nothing is more efficient than automating repetitive tasks.

Look for software that eliminates manual labor.

For example, some HR tools will automatically track and calculate time-off requests, taxes, government filings, and more.

Think about how much money you’ll save in labor hours if you can eliminate even just 5-10 hours per week on these types of tasks. At scale, the savings are astronomical.

 

Company Size

Another way to narrow down your choices is by looking for software that fits the needs of your business size.

A small business with 15 employees won’t have the same HR needs as firm with 150 employees or an enterprise with 1,500 employees.

It sounds simple, but so many companies overlook this aspect.

Larger organizations will have more complex HR needs that some software just won’t accommodate.

On the flip side, small businesses usually won’t need all of the features offered by certain HR solutions.

 

Conclusion

Every business can benefit from HR software.

This statement holds true regardless of your company size or industry.

The five solutions recommended in this guide will be the best place for you to start your search:

1. Namely — Best for employee self-service
2. APS— Best for payroll
3. BerniePortal — Best human resources information system (HRIS)
4. Workday — Best for human capital management (HCM)
5. Kissflow — Best for employee onboarding and applicant tracking

Before you finalize a decision, make sure you go through the process explained in this guide. Figure out what type of HR software fits your needs the best by assessing the criteria I laid out.

It won’t take long, and you can ensure that you are choosing an HR software option that will meet the challenges you face.

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The Best Payroll Services (In-Depth Review)

The best payroll services help you automate paying your employees and simplify the entire process, so you can gain more control over how you spend your time.

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

What would you do with ten extra hours a month?

You’d probably work on growing your business, right?

Maybe you’d spend it creating new marketing campaigns to generate more revenue.

Perhaps you’d take half a day off to spend time with your family.

Regardless, the average small business owner spends five hours every pay period running payroll.

That adds up to 21 full work-days a year.

But thankfully, that’s not what your payroll process has to look like.

The best payroll services help you automate paying your employees and simplify the entire process, so you can gain more control over how you spend your time.

Without sacrificing employee satisfaction.

But with so many options to choose from, it’s easy to waste time trying to pick the right one.

To help speed up the process, I reviewed six of the best systems on the market and put together a comprehensive list of what to look for as you make your final decision.

 

The 6 Best Payroll Service Options for 2020

1. Gusto – Best payroll service for small businesses
2. OnPay – Most flexible payroll service
3. Paychex – Best for larger organizations
4. ADP – Best payroll service with built-in HR
5. QuickBooks Payroll – Best for QuickBooks integration
6. Wave Payroll – Most affordable payroll service

 

How to choose the best payroll service for you

If you’ve spent some time searching for solutions from Google or asking for peers’ recommendations, you know there are hundreds of payroll companies to choose from.

With so many options, it can feel like a difficult decision.

To help you narrow things down, let’s walk through what to consider as you go through the process.

Number of employees

Most services charge a set monthly fee plus a small fee per employee. So, it’s essential to consider the number of employees you need to pay.

Some payroll services may limit the number of employees on certain plans while others may forego the per-employee fee altogether. Furthermore, some may also offer features that make it easier to pay many people at once.

You also need to consider whether you’re paying employees or contractors.

The process and fee structure may differ for different types of payments depending on which service you choose.

Basic payroll features

The best payroll services exist to simplify the process of paying your employees. So, every payroll service you consider should have a set of critical features, including:

• Automatic payroll options
• Self-service portal for full-time and part-time employees
• Mobile capability to manage payroll on the go
• Direct deposit so your employees get paid quickly
• Automatic tax calculations and withholdings
• W-2 and 1099 employee management

There are other advanced features you may want to consider as well, depending on what you need.

This includes things like HR tools, benefits management, wage garnishments, and more.

So, carefully consider the essential features as well as the advanced features you need to simplify your payroll processes.

Tax features

Filing tax is a complicated and time-consuming process.

It can also result in unfortunate and expensive penalties if you don’t do it right.

However, many payroll services offer tax features that simplify the process.

From calculating payroll taxes to automatically withholding employee income taxes, there are countless things to consider.

So, it’s important to choose a payroll service that offers essential tax features to make your accountant’s life easier.

Or yours if you do your taxes yourself.

Built-in HR tools

If you offer benefits to your employees, you need a payroll service that helps you effectively manage things like time off, vacation requests, workers’ compensation, insurance, and more.

Furthermore, services with an employee self-service dashboard make this much more manageable.

Employees can log in, update their accounts, request time off, and see an overview of their benefits package.

The cheaper options on this list tend to ditch HR features.

So, carefully consider what you need against your budget before making any decisions.

Monthly payroll limits

If you have salaried employees or a set payroll schedule, most payroll services are adequate.

However, if you pay freelancers or contractors on an irregular basis or run payroll more than twice a month, you need to be careful.

Some services offer unlimited payroll processing, while others limit the number of times you can issue payments every month.

So, carefully consider how often you need to send payments when making your final decision.

Integrations

To further simplify your business processes, it’s crucial to consider the business tools you’re already using to run your business.

It’s important to choose a payroll service provider that integrates seamlessly with those tools.

Think about your accounting software, your employee scheduling software, and other essential tools related to payroll.

 

The Different Types of Payroll Services

There are several different services to consider, depending on your business’s size and your specific payroll needs.

So, before we dive into my top recommendations, I want to talk about the different types and how to decide between them.

1. Hiring someone to do it for you

If you can afford it, hiring someone (either in-house or as a contractor) to run payroll for you is an excellent option.

This ensures you find someone who knows how to do it and that they have the time to do it well.

However, you still need payroll software.

They may have their own preferences and expertise, which may help you decide which service is right for your business.

With that said, many small businesses don’t necessarily need to hire someone.

The best payroll services make running payroll easy, so anyone on your team can take care of it in a few clicks.

2. Software as a service (SaaS)

The software as a service (SaaS) model means you pay to use the software.

Most service providers charge monthly or annually for this, and as long as you keep paying, you get to keep using it.

Most SaaS tools are cloud-based, meaning you can access them from a web browser anywhere.

However, some also offer desktop applications and mobile apps you install on a specific device.

This is the most common type of payroll service and the most convenient to use because you and your employees can access their accounts from any device, anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

All of the recommendations on this list are SaaS payroll services.

3. Enterprise-grade solutions

Most payroll services offer enterprise-grade and industry-specific solutions for large businesses.

They come with specialized, custom pricing to match the unique needs of enterprise-grade companies.

A software like this could be a SaaS tool or an on-premise deployment, depending on what you need and the company you choose.

Most businesses don’t need this.

But if you manage payroll for a large company or find your current solution limited, it may be a good idea to consider an enterprise solution.

 

Examples of Best Payroll Services

#1 – Gusto Review — The best for small businesses

If you’re a small business looking for a simple payroll service, Gusto is a smart choice.

And you’ll be in good company with more than 100,000+ other small businesses around the world.

Gusto makes onboarding, paying, insuring, and supporting employees as easy as possible.

And they don’t call themselves a “people platform” for no reason.

They offer the right set of tools and services to make your life (and your employees’ lives) easier.

Running payroll takes just a few clicks, and you can enjoy unlimited payroll runs every month.

Need to pay seven different contractors at different times?

No problem.

Need to pay the same employees the same wages every pay period?

You can set it up to run automatically without you having to lift a finger.

Plus, you get access to a wide variety of features, including:

• Automatic tax calculations
• Built-in time tracking capabilities
• Health insurance, 401(k), PTO, workers’ comp, and more
• Compliance with I-9’s, W-2s, and 1099sEmployee self-service onboarding and dashboards
• Next-day direct deposits (on specific plans)

And the best part?

It’s affordable.

If you don’t have W-2 employees, Gusto starts at $6 per contractor per month.

But if you do have full-time or part-time employees, expect to pay a bit more.

Their other paid plans include:

• Basic — $19 per month + $6 per person per month
• Core — $39 per month + $6 per person per month
• Complete — $39 per month + $12 per person per month
• Concierge — $149 per month + $12 per person per month

Gusto is perfect for most startups and small businesses.

But, large companies with complex benefits packages and hundreds of employees may find it limiting.

Get started with Gusto today!

#2 – OnPay Review — The most flexible payroll service

If you’re looking for an all-in-one payroll system with transparent pricing and virtually unlimited flexibility, OnPay is an excellent choice.

Whether you’re a small company or a fast-growth startup, OnPay is versatile enough to suit your needs.

Plus, you never have to guess how much you’re going to pay every month with their transparent pricing.

And you can rest easy knowing you have access to every feature

OnPay offers regardless of the number of employees you have because they only provide one pricing plan.

Their software includes access to powerful features, including:

• Unlimited monthly payroll runs
• W-2 and 1099 capabilities
• Automatic tax calculations and filings
• Employee self-service onboarding and dashboardsIntuitive mobile app for management on the go
• PTO, e-signing, org charts, and custom workflows
• Integrated workers’ comp, health insurance, and retirement
• Multi-state payroll

Plus, getting started is super easy.

All you have to do is set up your account, add your employees, and start running payroll.

Furthermore, OnPay automatically calculates and withholds taxes so you don’t have to worry about manual calculations or human error again.

They also offer specialized solutions for different industries, including nonprofits, restaurants, and farming/agriculture.

OnPay is $36 per month plus $4 per person per month.

So, you can add new employees to the software for just a few dollars, making it excellent for fast-growing companies and small businesses alike.

And while OnPay can handle large companies with hundreds of employees, there are better enterprise options available.

It’s most suitable for small businesses and fast-growth companies that need simple pricing and flexibility.

Try OnPay free for 30 days to see if it’s right for you!

#3 – Paychex Review — The best for larger organizations

Paychex is an excellent choice for businesses with more than 50 employees.

They also offer low-tier plans for small businesses, but they’re quite limited compared to the other small business options on this list.

However, their midsize-to-enterprise plans are perfect for large companies.

 

The larger your business is, the worse small discrepancies and human errors affect your tax calculations. And wrong tax filings equal harsh penalties from the IRS, even if it was an accident.

So as a large company, it’s imperative to have a payroll service that adapts to meet your needs.

Paychex is more than a payroll service. It’s a human capital management (HCM) system designed to help you save time and reduce errors.

Their enterprise plans include features like:

• Recruiting and onboarding
• Performance and learning management
• Powerful real-time analytics
• 100% employee self-service
• Payroll automation features
• Direct deposit, paper checks, and paycards
• Salary, hourly, and contract workers
• Paycheck garnishments
• PTO and benefits management
• Job costing and labor distribution

All of which are scalable for enterprises with thousands of employees (or as little as 50). Plus, Paychex services more than 650,000+ companies and has more than 50 years of experience in the industry.

So, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

With that said, getting started isn’t as easy as it is with some of the other options on this list.

Because each deployment is tailored to your business, you can’t get going on your own.

However, they do offer a team of specialists to help you get the ball rolling.

Contact their sales team for a custom quote to get started!

#4 – ADP Review — The best for built-in HR features

ADP is the way to go if you’re looking for a payroll service with the most built-in HR features.

It’s perfect for smaller companies without an HR department and growing/large companies looking to streamline the process.

ADP works with more than 700,000 businesses in 140+ countries, making it one of the most popular payroll services for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

They offer tailored solutions for small, midsize, and enterprise businesses, so you’re sure to find the perfect solution whether you have five employees or 1000+.

Their lower-tiered plans include basic payroll features like automatic tax calculations, employee self-service tools, a mobile app, PTO management, and complete compliance support.

However, ADP offers more than just basic payroll and HR.

They also include time tracking, talent recruitment, HR consulting services, advanced employee benefits, and the option to outsource your entire payroll/HR department.

You can also get unique benefits, like personalized training, legal assistance, background checks, and interview scheduling too.

Furthermore, ADP offers industry-specific solutions for nine different industries, including:

• Restaurants
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Nonprofits

Note: ADP pricing isn’t available online, so it may not be suitable for micro or small businesses interested in getting started quickly.

If you need something fast and straightforward, my #1 recommendation is Gusto.

Request a free quote to see if ADP is right for you today.

#5 – Quickbooks Payroll — The best for QuickBooks integration

Quickbooks Online is one of the most well-known accounting tools on the market.

And if you’re already a user, QuickBooks Payroll is an excellent addition to your tech stack.

The two tools integrate seamlessly, making account reconciliation and tax season a breeze.

Furthermore, QuickBooks’ payroll system works in all 50 states.

So, whether you have a remote team or work with contractors across the country, you don’t have to worry about making errors or mishandling taxes.

You can also rest easy knowing your federal, state, and local taxes are automatically calculated plus paid for you every time you run payroll.

Plus, the entire process is easily automated after your first round of payments.

With QuickBooks, you get a full-service payroll system regardless of the plan you choose.

And the user interface is aesthetically pleasing with direct deposit payments landing in your employees’ bank accounts within 24 – 48 hours.

The Core Plan starts at $45 per month, plus $4 per employee per month. It includes:

• Full-service payroll with unlimited runs
• Automatic payments after the first run
• Health benefits
• Wage garnishments
• Next-day direct deposit
• 24/7 live chat support
• All 50 states

So, even their most basic plan includes everything you need to simplify your HR and payroll processes.

But if that isn’t enough, their advanced plans include:

• Premium — $75 per month + $8/employee per month
• Elite — $125 per month + $10/employee per month

Get 70% off your first three months to take QuickBooks Payroll for a test drive today!

Note: 1099 contractors and freelancers aren’t included.

It comes as an add-on with additional monthly fees.

So, this isn’t the most affordable choice if you frequently handle contractors or freelancers.

#6 – Wave Payroll Review — The most affordable payroll service

If you’re on a tight budget, Wave Payroll is an affordable payroll option.

Wave also offers numerous other small business tools for free, including invoicing, accounting, and receipt management.

The different apps integrate seamlessly to create an affordable small business accounting and payroll solution.

With Wave, getting started takes just a few minutes, and running payroll goes even faster.

Plus, they offer a 100% accuracy guarantee.

You can also pay hourly, salary, and contractors and automatically generate the right tax forms.

In some states, Wave automatically files and pays your state/federal payroll taxes for you.

However, in those states, Wave’s services are more expensive.

You also get access to features, like:

• Automatic journal entries (if you use Wave Accounting)
• Self-service pay stubs and tax forms for your employees
• Workers’ compensation management
• Basic payroll reporting
• Automatic year-end tax forms
• Timesheets for PTO and accruals

While Wave is one of the most affordable payroll services, it doesn’t sacrifice functionality and essential features.

Despite being cheaper than the other options on this list, you still get all the essentials you need to run payroll for your small business.

In tax service states, Wave is $35 per month + $6 per contractor/employee per month.

This service isn’t necessarily cheaper than the other options on this list.

But, it’s still a great option if you’re a small business owner looking for a simple payroll solution.

However, it’s $20 per month + $6 per contractor/employee per month in self-service states. At this price, it’s easily the cheapest option with the most features available.

And don’t forget that Wave Payroll seamlessly integrates with Wave’s free accounting and invoicing software as well.

So, if you don’t yet have accounting software, this is a smart choice.

Try Wave Payroll free for 30 days to see if it’s right for you and your business!

 

Summary

For most users, Gusto, OnPay, and Wave are my top recommendations.

They’re all excellent for small and fast-growth businesses with the ability to scale to match your needs.

Plus, they’re affordable and easy to use.

However, different businesses require different solutions.

So, don’t forget to use the considerations we talked about as you go through the process of choosing the best payroll services for your business.

What payroll services do you prefer?

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