People are the ultimate asset for an organization, and buying the right HR tools is critical for their management and efficiency. An HRMS solution comprises a suite of solutions that HR can use to manage daily HR processes such as hiring, onboarding, and payroll of its people. 

For any organization, choosing the right HRMS solution can be tasking, given the extent of complexity and unique nature distinct for every company.  People management is a priority today for small businesses, and HRMS solutions automate, streamline, and optimize these management processes.  

HRMS solutions are a long-term commitment for small organizations and companies. They require expensive and time-consuming implementation and, therefore, should be selected with great know-how, research, and comparison. Only after proper due diligence and the involvement of stakeholders should a selection be made and implemented. 

Let’s dig deeper and discuss the criteria for selecting the best HRMS solutions for small businesses and the best solutions available for small businesses to explore.   

How can you compare the Best HR Management Software (HRMS) for Your Small Business? 

“Features and functionality aren’t much help because most products are mature and do the same things. The issue is which products do a killer job of solving your most complicated, messed-up functions or process pain points.” 

~Brian Sommer, president of the TechVentive consultancy

Given the number of HRMS solutions available in the market, searching for the best solution for small businesses is no less than finding a needle in a haystack. HR should compare solutions and match them with the current and future needs of the organization.  

Few things to keep in mind while choosing an HRMS solution for your small business: 

#1 Build a strategy for evaluating the shortlisted HR tools

While doing so, measure the capability of each tool based on the workforce challenges, needs, and goals of your organization. Look beyond the key features and functionalities, as most possess a set of common features and functions.   

#2 Identify the needs 

Clearly identify the needs for which the organization requires the HRMS solution. These requirements and needs may include criteria like the technology stack and its integration with the HRMS solution, compliance needs, ease of use, etc. 

#3 Cross-disciplinary needs 

HRMS solutions should serve the cross-disciplinary needs of all departments within an organization. As such, form a buying team with members from HR, IT, finance, and other departments who will be using the software.  

#4 Shortlist potential HRMS vendors

Employ multiple sources, such as research, peer reviews, reports, client testimonials, etc., to generate a list of 5 to 10 options for HRMS vendors.  

#5 Create a clear and concise RFP

RFP or request for proposal should include information about your organization, its workforce strength, timeline, submission rules, etc. A questionnaire for the vendor in the RFP could be useful criteria to evaluate multiple HRMS vendors against each other. 

#6 Evaluate using demos and case studies

Demos can give a true-blue picture of the actual working of an HRMS system. The scouting team can ask the vendor to build demos based on the use cases from your company. 

Other than demos, studying previous case studies demonstrating how the vendor overcame a particular adoption challenge for a client could give insight into the vendor’s track record. The HR can also ask the vendor for referring clients to get your questions answered directly.     

The managers can employ multiple criteria and data points to gauge the worth of each against the other. Some criteria that can be used to evaluate one HRMS solution against the other include: 

• Clean and User-friendly interface
• Usability 
• Integrations with existing solutions 
• Value for money 
• Compliance
• Security
• Timeline
• Free trial 
• Customer support 

Key Features to look for in the Best HR Management Software (HRMS) for Your Small Business 

Transitioning from excel sheets and tedious paperwork to a full-fledged HRMS solution can be transformational and enlightening for many small businesses. HRMS solutions help small businesses with core HR functions like recruiting, payroll, onboarding, performance tracking, and employee training and development. 

By doing so, these solutions help these businesses improve employee performance, productivity, and satisfaction. These solutions also provide useful insights and performance indicators to make your small business more profitable. Some key features to look out for in an HRMS system are 

#1 Payroll management 

To help you manage the payroll process, including compensation and benefits. 

#2 Employee management 

To help your company manage and forecast workload, attendance, leaves, and benefits. The solution must contain a self-service portal for employees. 

#3 Performance tracking 

To gauge employee work and productivity, reward top performers, and use the gathered insights to improve processes. 

#4 Talent management 

To streamline the company’s recruitment needs, like tracking applicants, hiring, maintaining a candidate database, and onboarding.      

Top 5 Best HR Management Software (HRMS) for Your Small Business 

#1 Paycor 

Paycor is a powerful HCM solution with an intuitive self-service portal for employees. Its HRMS solution lets organizations capture employee data, manage payroll and tax compliance, and hire new employees. Its payroll system manages employee attendance, keeps track of employee hours, and automates tax calculation and withholding.  

Salient Features 

• Automates payroll, tax, and other compliance at the federal, state, and local levels. 
• Useful tools include a compliance calendar, an onboarding checklist, and a document library. 
• Tracks employee compensation history and compares it to market rates.
• Handles HR tasks such as maintaining employee records and payroll reports, and managing invoices.  
• Provides regular reports, both standard and customized, and data analytics.  
• Fully compliant with employment laws.

 

Pros	Cons
Provides a secure and optimized environment	Doesn’t include 1-on-1 classroom training
A self-help portal for employee benefits management	Inefficient online self-support portal
Intuitive user interface	Confusing insurance settings
Provision to set up automatic payments
Helps offset the cost of training new employees
Dedicated customer support
Easily integrates with third-party HRM apps.

Pricing 

Paycor HRMS solution is available at $199/month. 

#2 Rippling

Rippling HRMS solution allows small businesses to run their HR, IT, and finance functions in an integrated single space. The software also integrates various HR processes spread across the organization and streamlines them for smooth workflows. 

Salient Features

• Tracks, organizes, and provides instant access to critical employee data, job profiles, transfers, benefits, and promotions.  
• Allows pay calculation and benefit plan administration 
• Manages direct deposit, salary revisions, and payroll tracking. 
• Streamlines communication between HR
• Efficient leave and attendance management 
• Prebuilt and custom reports to improve performance management 

 

Pros	Cons
User-friendly and easy-to-navigate interface	Limited reporting capabilities
Added security with features like 2FA	Glitches in integration with third-party apps
Simple-to-follow and easy-to-use tools like the timesheet, PTO requests, etc.	Clunky and hard-to-navigate organizational structure functionality
Manages and automates all parts of an employee’s life cycle in a single place.
Fully compliant with COBRA, OSHA, etc.

Pricing

The Rippling HRMS solution is available via the subscription mode at a charge of $8 per user per month. 

#3 Eddy

EDDY HRMS solution is built as an HR Suite suitable for local businesses. It streamlines time-consuming HR processes like hiring, onboarding, and payroll, and manages employee data, including employee days and leaves, mandatory training, and licenses.  

Salient Features

• Manages to recruit tasks like applicant tracking, onboarding, reporting, website posting, etc.  
• Creates custom PTO policies
• Allows for time tracking 
• Manages employee data like employee directories, important documents, notes on performance, etc. 
• Streamlines payroll management with other HR functions
• Can be integrated with HR platforms and recruitment websites like Quickbooks, HelloSign, and Indeed.

 

Pros	Cons
Intuitive and customizable	Doesn’t automatically populate the onboarding tab when a new employee joins
Handles all HR processes across an employee’s life cycle	Lacks visibility
Detailed employee directory	Lacks regional compliance and adherence
Help minimize risk and penalties via timely tax compliance and adherence to labor laws
A free trial is available

Pricing

Price available on request. 

#4 Monday.com

Monday.com Work OS is one of the top-rated HRMS solutions for small businesses. It is an open platform where anyone can create tools related to all aspects of HR processes. It also has readymade templates and customized solutions for clear direction and deadlines. 

Salient Features 

• Allows to create tools and tasks to align with their HR functions and processes
• 200+ HR-related templates
• Adaptable dashboards
• Allows to set functions such as employee management, performance tracking, recruitment, onboarding, etc.
• Automates payroll
• Tracks and manages the hiring process   

 

Pros	Cons
Flexible, all-in-one solution	The dashboard can be confusing at times
Customizable and Configurable to suit specific requirements	Automations are tied to users and need to be recreated
Automates and integrates complex processes
Efficient applicant tracking and hiring
Integrates with third-party apps like Zapier, Google Drive, Zoom, Outlook, etc.

Pricing

Monday.com has a 14-day free trial and can be purchased at $8 per user per month. 

#5 Freshteam 

Freshteam is an award-winning HR suite that empowers your employees with paperless self-service options. Freshteam’s low-code HR system helps organizations to manage their employees’ hiring, onboarding, payroll, data, and workflows and reduces the workload of the recruiters by up to 75%.   

Salient Features 

• Manages time-off and tracks absences of the employees
• Paperless hiring and onboarding 
• Self-service portal for employees to access their records and update their information.
• Allows third-party integrations with applications like Google Meet, LinkedIn, DocuSign, Google Calendar, etc. 

Pros	Cons
Secure and safe upkeep of employee data and files	Inefficient mobile app
Suitable for growing businesses	Occasional glitches in the search option
Manage the entire lifecycle of an employee	Sub-users aren’t given customization options free of charge
Easy to customize
Easy integration with other apps
Detailed reports – standard and customized

Pricing

Freshteam has a 21-day free trial period and is available at the cost of $1.20 per user per month.  

Wrap-Up 

Once you wrap your head around the perfect HRMS solution appropriate for your small business, check the fit and compatibility of the solution when it is implemented and integrated with HR processes. Also, conduct a basic training session to get your employees accustomed to the working of the HRMS solution. 

HRMS for small businesses can be a great addition to streamlining workflows and bringing efficiency and cost savings in the long run. With better candidates onboard and a self-sufficient solution to manage all employees, the company’s work culture will improve, leading to satisfied employees and reduced turnover.  

FAQs on HRMS solutions for small businesses