9 Best HRIS Software to Streamline HR Tasks for SMB

Hi there! Managing people operations for a growing SMB is no easy feat. As your workforce expands, handling essential HR tasks like payroll, compliance, onboarding, time tracking, and reporting can become extremely challenging without the right technology.

This is where an HR information system (HRIS) comes in clutch! An HRIS provides the tools and structure needed to optimize these redundant HR processes as your employee headcount grows. With the right system in place, you’ll be amazed at how much time and headache it saves your HR team.

In this guide, I’ll explore what an HRIS is, the major benefits it offers, how to select the best platform for your unique needs, and provide you with my top 9 recommendations for stellar HRIS software worth considering for your SMB. Let’s get started!

What is an HRIS?

An HRIS, or human resource information system, is software specifically designed for managing essential HR processes like benefits enrollment, payroll, compliance, reporting, and all other people operations processes in one place.

It provides a centralized database for storing and managing all your employee records and data. Beyond a master employee database, an HRIS software comes equipped with tools and capabilities to help automate and streamline key HR activities.

Some of the most common features an HRIS platform provides includes:

• Applicant tracking – Manage job postings, screen resumes, schedule interviews, and track hiring.

• Onboarding – Automate new hire paperwork, assign training, and smoothly transition recruits.

• Time tracking – Employees can clock in/out, record hours, request time off. Managers can track attendance and hours worked on projects.

• Payroll – Calculate compensation, taxes, withholdings; Integrates with payroll processor. Reduces errors.

• Benefits enrollment – Simplifies open enrollment and managing employee benefit plans.

• Reporting – Generate workforce analytics on compensation, retention, performance, demographics, and more.

• Mobile access – HRIS platforms are cloud-based and accessible on smartphones and tablets too.

According to HR analyst Josh Bersin, nearly 75% of all mid-sized organizations now use an HRIS system. The transformational technology improves HR efficiency by an average of 20% in companies that implement it with retention and recruiting efforts seeing similar boosts. With many options available built specifically to help SMBs, there is huge value in implementing the right HRIS tailored to your needs as your workforce grows.

Benefits of an HRIS for SMBs

Here are some of the biggest ways an HRIS improves HR efficiency, enhances data accuracy, and provides value across growing SMBs:

1. Streamlines routine administrative tasks

HRIS software automates time-consuming tasks like entering new employee info, tracking PTO, running payroll, managing benefits open enrollment, creating org charts, and other redundant administrative work. Your HR staff saves significant time they can reallocate to more impactful and strategic projects.

2. Centralizes and improves data accuracy

With all employee information finally in one place, data consistency and accuracy sees a major improvement. HRIS tools reduce redundant manual data entry while smart forms and structured workflows ensure proper fields are captured completely. Reporting becomes much easier.

3. Provides workforce analytics and insights

Beyond compiling all your records, a good HRIS empowers you to easily generate reports for turnover metrics, retention analysis, compensation analysis, succession planning, and endless other workforce insights. This transforms strategic planning.

4. Reduces compliance risks

Modern HRIS software centralizes compliance-related data for EEO, OSHA, COBRA, employer eligibility verification, and required reporting. This reduces compliance risks and penalty costs drastically.

5. Enables collaboration company-wide

HR staff, managers, and all employees can securely access the employee information they need. Self-service features and company directory access enables workplace collaboration.

6. Improves the candidate experience

Implementing an applicant tracking system as part of your HRIS improves the candidate experience tremendously. It creates an organized, automated recruiting process that makes applying with your company simple and straightforward.

7. Securely facilitates remote work

With a cloud-based HRIS, HR can securely and effectively manage remote employees. Workers can access tools from anywhere via desktop or mobile. It facilitates management and collaboration from anywhere.

8. Boosts data security

Modern HRIS software utilizes role-based permissions, top data encryption, and security protocols to protect sensitive employee records and documentation. Far more secure than manual systems.

9. Provides excellent ROI

Considering the tremendous administrative savings, productivity boosts, reduced compliance risks, and improved workforce analytics an HRIS provides, it‘s easy to see the substantial return on investment the technology delivers over manual systems and spreadsheets.

According to leading HR researcher Sierra Cedar, SMBs spending over $250 per employee annually on HRIS software see the greatest gains in operational efficiency, data accuracy, and employee engagement. With so many options available packed with capabilities that add tremendous strategic and tangible value, finding the right HRIS partner is a no-brainer for forward-thinking SMBs!

How to Select the Best HRIS Software

With your interest piqued, you’re probably wondering how to select the right HRIS software for your growing organization. Not all HRIS vendors are created equal, so this decision requires careful consideration. Here are some tips on finding the perfect platform:

Define your must-have functionality – Compile a list of the HR processes and capabilities you want to optimize most. Do you want strong applicant tracking? Robust reporting? Payroll integration? Outline the feature wishlist before starting your search.

Consider required integrations – Ensure the HRIS platform you choose allows simple integration with your other essential software like payroll, productivity suites, recruiting tools, etc. APIs make this seamless.

Calculate total cost – Compare setup fees, ongoing per-employee pricing, customization charges, required hardware, and other costs to make sure the HRIS fits your budget over time.

Weigh implementation methodology – Some HRIS vendors provide full implementation services while others leave you to figure it out. Know what level of assistance you require.

Seek an HRIS tailored to SMBs – Opt for platforms built for your smaller to mid-sized organization with the flexibility to scale rather than clunky enterprise software.

Verify stellar training resources – Look for vendors that provide the IT support, videos, training guides, and resources needed for your team to fully leverage the new technology and get users onboard.

Assess data migration help – Ask providers about data migration services to seamlessly and securely transfer over your legacy HR data into the new HRIS system.

Confirm strong security – Make sure the platform adheres to top security protocols like encryption for safeguarding sensitive employee data.

Check for mobile optimization – All leading HRIS platforms today come equipped with iOS and Android apps for accessing the system from anywhere.

Doing your due diligence considering these key factors will ensure you get the maximum bang for your buck from your investment. Now let’s explore some of the top-rated HRIS tools I recommend checking out!

Top 9 HRIS Software for SMBs

1. Deel

Deel is one of my favorite HRIS recommendations because it provides everything a growing SMB needs to run an international or distributed team seamlessly – all in one beautifully designed system.

Deel allows you to easily onboard, pay, and manage employees and contractors globally while ensuring compliance everywhere you hire. Features include:

• Local payroll in 120+ countries

• Contractor agreements and 1099s

• Visas and immigration assistance

• Automated tax/accounting

• Custom benefits packages

• Applicant tracking

• Onboarding and offboarding

• PTO tracking

• Reporting and analytics

Deel is the complete package for SMBs hiring abroad or managing a distributed workforce. It provides the essential end-to-end global employment infrastructure so your team can scale across borders worry-free.

2. Rippling

Rippling brings all your essential HR, IT, payroll, and productivity management into one beautifully designed system that‘s flexible to your needs.

This all-in-one platform allows you to seamlessly manage the entire employee lifecycle – from pre-hire to offboarding – in a single unified solution. Key features include:

• Applicant tracking and hiring

• Streamlined onboarding

• Payroll and compensation

• Time off tracking

• Performance management

• Benefits enrollment

• IT provisioning and security

• Custom apps and integrations

• Robust analytics and reporting

Rippling reduces the complexity of managing your technology, people, payroll, and security by bringing it together under one roof.

3. Paycor

Paycor performs as a full-service HRIS designed for SMBs complete with integrated payroll processing. It automates administrative HR tasks to make your people processes smooth and compliant.

Paycor centralizes your employee records and provides powerful tools for applicant tracking, onboarding, payroll, timekeeping, benefits administration, and advanced reporting. Top features include:

• Robust employee self-service

• Automated payroll processing

• Customizable onboarding

• GPS mobile time clock

• Integrated benefits administration

• Smart talent management tools

• Custom analytics and insights

Paycor’s integrated payroll processing combined with compliance expertise makes it a leading pick for SMBs seeking an end-to-end HRIS with payroll included.

4. Zenefits

Zenefits is another excellent full-service HRIS, tailored for SMBs, that bundles payroll, benefits, compliance management, and HR tools in one intuitive software suite.

Zenefits automates time-consuming HR administrative work and makes benefits, payroll, and compliance easy through purpose-built features like:

• Streamlined employee records

• Customizable onboarding

• PTO tracking with accruals

• Built-in payroll processing

• Benefits enrollment and management

• Compliance automation

• HR analytics and reporting

• Mobile app access

With Zenefits, SMBs can optimize people processes, control benefit costs, reduce compliance risks, and enhance payroll accuracy all from one connected HRIS platform.

5. BambooHR

BambooHR stands out as a top HRIS software choice built exclusively for SMB organizations. It’s both powerful yet refreshingly intuitive and easy-to-use.

BambooHR provides growing companies with exactly what you need – streamlined employee records, applicant tracking, customizable onboarding, built-in time off tracking, payroll/benefits integrations, and insightful analytics – without getting bogged down by complex enterprise features.

Top features that make BambooHR an SMB favorite include:

• Clean, aesthetically pleasing interface

• Centralized employee database

• Applicant tracking

• Custom onboarding workflows

• Accrued time off tracking

• Mobile app access

• HR, compliance, and payroll integrations

• Reporting and analytics

The simplicity, stellar support, intuitive design, and SMB-tailored feature set makes BambooHR a leading HRIS platform.

6. Paylocity

Paylocity is an all-in-one HRIS meets payroll platform optimized specifically for the needs of SMBs. It combines robust workforce management tools with integrated payroll and talent management capabilities.

Key features Paylocity offers for unified HRIS and talent management include:

• Centralized employee database

• Automated onboarding

• Time tracking with scheduling

• Integrated payroll processing

• Benefits administration

• Mobile access and payroll app

• Custom analytics and reporting

Paylocity enables end-to-end employee lifecycle management, talent optimization, and payroll processing in a single unified solution.

7. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is a market-leading HRIS platform purpose-built to make managing your workforce easy. It comes equipped with everything SMBs need for payroll, benefits, compliance, staffing, timekeeping, and more.

Top features include:

• Employee records and self-service

• Benefits enrollment and management

• Applicant tracking system

• HR document management

• Payroll processing integrated

• Custom analytics and reports

ADP Workforce Now allows growing SMBs to optimize the entire HR lifecycle through an integrated human capital management and payroll system designed with you in mind.

8. isolved People Cloud

isolved People Cloud brings next-generation HCM technology, tools, and services together in one modern suite built to help SMBs manage their workforce optimally.

isolved offers a full-service approach covering:

• Employee lifecycle management

• Compliance automation

• Payroll processing

• Benefits enrollment

• Time and scheduling

• Custom reporting

• Talent management

isolved allows you to manage your people, processes, compliance, and compensation all from one unified cloud platform tailored to growing SMBs.

9. PeopleStrategy eHCM

PeopleStrategy eHCM delivers complete, end-to-end HRIS functionality SMBs need like payroll, talent management, benefits enrollment, and compliance tools – all under one login.

Robust features include:

• Centralized HR database

• ACA compliance tools

• Applicant tracking

• Time and attendance tracking

• Performance management

• Learning management

• Benefits administration

• Integrated payroll processing

PeopleStrategy eHCM empowers SMBs to optimize HR processes, control labor costs, drive performance, and make data-driven decisions from one connected HCM platform.

Key Takeaways

Implementing a modern HRIS delivers ROI through optimized HR workflows, improved data accuracy, reduced compliance risks, stronger talent management, and significant administrative cost savings.

For growing SMBs, having the right human capital management technology in place is critical for scaling your most valuable resource – your workforce – smoothly and compliantly.

With the right HRIS partner, you can transform HR from a cost center to a strategic, analytics-driven asset that gives your organization a competitive edge when it comes to talent management and people processes.

I hope this guide gave you a helpful overview of what an HRIS is, the immense benefits it provides SMBs, and a starting shortlist of top-rated platforms worth considering for your unique needs. Don‘t hesitate to reach out if any other questions come up! Wishing you tremendous success finding the perfect HRIS fit.