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Managing employees is a complex task that involves a wide array of responsibilities and challenges. As an employer, you might face complicated situations when managing employees, especially in staff productivity, communication, training, labor law compliance and managing remote employees or teams across different offices globally.
These difficulties may grow over time as you diversify workforces, leading to decreased efficiency and production. Mitigating these challenges requires a comprehensive solution offered by employee management software an employee app.
Leveraging such software helps drive productivity by streamlining processes and automating routine tasks. They can also enhance employee engagement by providing platforms for communication and collaboration. 71% of CEOs think employee engagement is important to their success. It helps retain talent by offering goal transparency, enabling performance reviews, and reducing administrative burdens.
The Straits Research 2021 estimated the worldwide market for workforce management software to be worth $7.5 billion. By 2030, its value is predicted to reach USD 12.5 billion, expanding at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2022-2030).
The data shows that employee management software is becoming an industry norm, and more businesses will be looking to reap its potential benefits. In this article, letβs first briefly introduce employee apps, how to choose the best employee app, and then list down the best employee management software.
What are employee apps?
Employee apps refer to tools used by an employer to digitize processes, making work easier for employees. From real-time internal communication to enabling better project collaboration, employee apps offer great benefits to keep staff engaged and productive.
How to choose the best employee app for your organization?
As many employee apps are available online, organizations find it challenging to evaluate and find the best one that suits their needs. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best employee app for your organization.
1. Get clarity on features offered by the app
The first step in choosing the best employee app is to understand what kind of features the app offers. You can compare these features to the organization's requirements, providing better clarity in making the right decisions.
Make a list of questions you would like to ask vendors to help you shortlist the options before approaching management. Some include:
Β· Is the app equipped with an employee engagement survey allowing your organization to collect and respond to feedback?
Β· Does the app have comprehensive features, include capabilities for making company announcements, measuring the employee net promoter score, recognizing employees publicly for achievements and milestones, and others?
2. Navigation features and accessibility
As a decision maker, there isnβt much emphasis on how scalable the employee app is. What matters is whether the app offers a simple yet intuitive user-friendly interface.
Therefore, always look for apps that offer great UI/UX and ease of navigation while choosing the best employee app.
3. Mobile-friendly
The demand for mobile-friendly apps is rising, scaling over 57% of digital media consumption. This percentage is set to increase as the years go by.
As an employer, you need employees to be tuned in to whatβs happening at work on the go by offering a mobile-friendly solution that is intuitive and engaging. Not to mention, it should be device-friendly, too, be it desktop, mobile, or tablet.
4. Customer support and training
Proper customer support and training make employee adoption and usage easier. Check out what kind of service will be offered and whatβs included in support.
Connect with the service provider to understand the support provided for rolling out the app throughout the organization. Choose an employee app that effortlessly onboards your employees.
5. Quality integration facilities
This is one of the most essential features an employee app must offer. Look for the best employee app which integrates with your existing technologies. The benefit of this is that it effortlessly transfers data to other platforms, helping streamline operations.
Top 20 employee management software
Employee management software is usually adopted as part of HR strategy to leverage its cutting-edge features. These tools handle time-tracking, performance management, leave requests, and work allocation. They also feature an approval workflow that facilitates gaining administrative sanctions, promotes effective operations, and improves communication. It is in the companyβs interest to choose the best-fitting software.
Check out the top 20 solutions incorporating these and other functions to improve management.
1. Xoxoday Empuls
Xoxoday Empuls is a comprehensive employee experience platform that aligns with your team's needs throughout their professional journey. It boosts the employee experience with features like employee surveys, unmatched social experience through employee communication, wishboards, enhanced collaboration through groups, and others.
The platform also includes unique nomination workflows that streamline employee recognition, while automation capabilities assist HR managers in distributing rewards and digital gifts, boosting employee motivation and engagement.
Altogether, Empuls offers an innovative solution for fostering a positive and engaging work environment.
G2 rating: 4.6/5
G2 review
2. Personio
Personio is a comprehensive Human Resources (HR) management and recruiting solution simplifying HR processes. It offers a plethora of functionalities for small and medium-sized businesses, including employee database management, time tracking, absence management, and payroll management, all of which help manage employees effectively.
Key features
- Comprehensive HR functionalities
- Employee self-service portal
- Payroll management
- Document management as a part of employee repertoire
- Time and attendance tracking
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Good integration capabilities.
- Excellent reporting features.
Cons
- Occasional lagging and delays in the system.
- Limited customization options.
- Initial setup can be complex for non-tech-savvy users.
Pricing
Connect to their sales team for Essential, Professional, and Enterprise packages.
G2 rating: 4.3/5
G2 review
3. Workday HCM
Workday provides enterprise cloud applications for human resources and finance. It offers a suite of applications, including financial management, human resources, and planning, providing a robust and comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes.
Leverage Workday to understand your staff, talents, and capacities since it provides greater knowledge to drive organizational adjustments, create tailored experiences for employees, and enable their foster growth.
Key features
- Human capital management
- Financial management
- Advanced analytics and reporting tools
- Integrations with third-party software
- Employee and manager self-service
- Staffing transactions from hire to termination/retirement
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Good integration capabilities.
- Excellent reporting features.
Cons
- Occasional lagging and delays in the system.
- Limited customization options.
- Initial setup can be complex for non-tech-savvy users.
Pricing
It is normal to ask for a quotation for this. Some users reported that prices begin at $99 per user each month.
G2 rating: 4.0/5
G2 review
4. BambooHR
BambooHR is a leading online HR software for small and medium-sized businesses with outgrown spreadsheets. Its cloud-based system is an intuitive, affordable way for growing companies to manage essential employee information in a personalized HRIS.
Use this tool to listen to workers and engage in their growth by providing the right features that help improve communication with staff, increase job satisfaction, and develop talent.
Key features
- Applicant tracking system
- Time-off tracking
- Performance management
- HR reporting
- Employee self-service
Pros
- It is easy to use and navigate.
- You will get a free trial before buying.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- Limited customization options.
- Does not support payroll in all countries.
- Some features need more depth and flexibility.
Pricing
BambooHR offers Essentials and Advantage packages. Connect with their sales team to get a custom quote.
G2 rating: 4.5/5
G2 review
5. ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive solution for managing HR, payroll, talent, and time and benefits administration. It is fully integrated with a robust suite of HR features, making it suitable for mid-sized to large businesses.
Key features
- Payroll processing and tax filing
- Time and attendance tracking
- Talent management
- Custom implementation services
- Reporting and insights
Pros
- It has a robust and comprehensive feature set.
- Some users reported availing excellent customer service.
- Offers scalable solutions that grow with the business.
Cons
- The interface can be confusing at times.
- It can get complex to implement
- Relatively expensive for small businesses.
Pricing
Users have reported monthly costs as low as $62, but businesses should be ready to shelve more than that. A report by an employer having a staff of 50 got the ADP's support team to estimate a monthly cost of $400 for payroll processing alone.
G2 rating: 4.1/5
G2 review
6. ProofHub
ProofHub is an all-in-one project planning software that replaces conventional emailing and several other tools, integrating multiple project management features under one roof. This can be an integral part of your employee management system since it offers complete command over your projects, enabling you to manage them simply with the help of robust collaboration, reporting, and administrative management features.
Key features
- Task management and assignment
- Discussion boards for team collaboration
- Time tracking
- File sharing and storage
- Note-taking and documentation
- Gantt charts and project scheduling
- Stickies and Bookmarking features to make notes or minutes of meetings on the go
Pros
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- A comprehensive feature set for project management.
- Suitable for both small and large teams.
Cons
- Room for improvement in mobile app functionality
- Customization options are limited
- Reporting features could be more robust
Pricing
ProofHub offers two pricing plans, Essential and Ultimate.
The Essential plan is $45 per month when billed annually, while the Ultimate Control plan is $89 per month when billed annually.
G2 rating: 4.5/5
G2 review
7. Zoho People
Zoho People is an integrated HR solution designed to cater to the needs of both small and large enterprises. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing and automating various HR processes, including time tracking, leave management, performance management, onboarding, and more. With its intuitive interface and robust functionality, Zoho People aims to streamline HR operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the employee experience.
Key features
- Comprehensive HRIS
- Time tracking
- Performance management
- Onboarding and offboarding workflows
- Employee self-service portal and mobile app
Pros
- User-friendly and customizable interface
- Extensive integrations with other Zoho products and third-party systems
- Affordable pricing models for small and medium-sized businesses
Cons
- A steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Customer support can sometimes be slow
- The mobile app experience is not as robust as the web application
Pricing
An Essential HR plan at $1 per employee per month, a Professional plan at $2 per employee per month, and a Premium plan at $3 per employee per month. Zoho also offers an Enterprise plan with custom pricing.
G2 rating: 4.4/5
G2 review
8. Lattice
Lattice is a people management platform focused on driving organizational performance and engagement. It is built around the understanding that people strategy is business strategy. Lattice blends performance reviews, employee engagement surveys, real-time feedback, and goal setting into a simple, easy-to-use platform.
Key features
- Performance management
- Engagement surveys
- Goal setting and tracking
- Real-time feedback and recognition system
- People analytics and reporting
Pros
- Robust performance management features
- User-friendly interface and intuitive design
- Great customer service and support
Cons
- Limited customization capabilities
- Not as comprehensive in HR functions as some other platforms
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
Pricing
Lattice offers three main plans:
The Performance plan starts at $9 per user/month.
The Performance & Engagement plan pricing is available on request, as is the Enterprise plan, which offers additional features and services.
G2 rating: 4.7/5
G2 review
9. Reflektive
Reflektive is a performance management solution that aims to transform how companies motivate and develop employees. With a focus on real-time feedback and performance reviews, Reflektive allows for more frequent and meaningful conversations between managers and their teams, leading to increased employee engagement and performance.
Key features
- Real-time feedback and recognition
- Performance check-ins and reviews
- Goal management system
- Engagement surveys
- People analytics and reporting
Pros
- It emphasizes real-time, continuous feedback.
- Features strong Integration capabilities with other software like Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, and Slack
- Easy to use with a modern interface
Cons
- Less extensive HRIS capabilities
- It may require training to fully utilize
- Customer service has mixed reviews
- Costlier option for small and medium businesses
Pricing
Getapp and other platforms report a $7,500/month flat price. For more, you can connect with their sales team.
G2 rating: 4.2/5
G2 review
10. UKG Pro (Formerly Kronos)
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) provides comprehensive HCM (Human Capital Management) solutions designed to help manage and nurture all your staff. It offers all the capabilities to run a successful business, from managing talent, payroll, timekeeping, and scheduling. UKG solutions are built with employees in mind, providing tools that help foster connections, make work-life more manageable, and provide insights that promote strategic decision-making.
Key features
- Time and attendance tracking
- Optimized scheduling
- HR management that includes recruitment, onboarding, and talent management.
- Payroll & taxes management
- Reporting and analytics
Pros
- It offers a comprehensive suite covering most HR management needs.
- Provides excellent reporting and analytical tools.
- Surety of great customer support and training resources.
Cons
- The platform may be complex for some users, necessitating training.
- It can be expensive compared to other solutions.
- Some users have reported occasional software glitches.
Pricing
The starting price is reported to be $600 per year for every five users. For clarity, get in touch with their sales team.
G2 rating: 4.2/5
G2 review
11. Culture Amp
Culture Amp is a leading employee engagement platform that allows companies to gather actionable insights about employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. It fosters a culture of feedback and continuous improvement within organizations that help improve employee experience, increase engagement, and decrease attrition.
Key features
- Employee feedback
- Performance management
- Reporting and analytics
- Learning and development
- Culture of Amp community
Pros
- User-friendly interface with comprehensive reporting tools.
- Comprehensive survey tools with customizable questions.
- Data is presented in an easy-to-understand way, allowing for actionable insights.
Cons
- Advanced features can have a learning curve for some users.
- Integration with other HR software could be improved.
Pricing
Connect with their sales team for Self-Starter (25-200 employees), Standard (201-299 employees), and Enterprise (1000+ employees)
G2 rating: 4.2/5
G2 review
12. WorkHub Connect
WorkHub Connect is an all-in-one employee management software that centralizes various aspects of HR management. It helps businesses streamline operations and enhance productivity by automating tasks and providing a unified platform for managing employees.
Key features
- Employee scheduling
- Time and attendance management
- Payroll management
- Compliance management
- Competency assessments
Pros
- User-friendly interface with comprehensive reporting tools.
- Comprehensive survey tools with customizable questions.
- Data is presented in an easy-to-understand way, allowing for actionable insights.
Cons
- Advanced features can have a learning curve for some users.
- Integration with other HR software could be improved.
Pricing
It is a myriad of pricing structures starting at $2 per user/month to $299/user for 200 users with a setup cost ranging from $299 to $599. Hereβs the pricing structure for your better understanding.
G2 rating: 4.9/5
G2 review
13. Workable
Workable is a comprehensive recruitment platform designed to simplify the hiring process. It provides tools for candidate sourcing, tracking, and assessment, all within a user-friendly interface.
Key features
- Job posting
- Candidate tracking
- Interview scheduling
- Reports and analytics
- Performance monitoring
Pros
- Streamlines the entire recruitment process, making it more efficient.
- Excellent integration with various job boards and social media platforms.
- User-friendly interface with a comprehensive feature set.
Cons
- Some users might find the pricing high for small businesses.
- Customization options could be more robust.
Pricing
Workable has three price bands:
Starter for $149/month
Standard for $299/month
Premier for $599/month
G2 rating: 4.6/5
G2 review
14. Cornerstone OnDemand
Cornerstone OnDemand is a cloud-based learning and talent management software suite that provides recruiting, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation tools. It is designed to help companies manage the entire employee lifecycle.
Key features
- Learning management portal
- Recruiting and onboarding
- Performance management
- Succession planning
- Employee analytics
Pros
- Comprehensive, all-in-one platform for managing employee lifecycle.
- Customizable to suit specific organizational needs.
- Extensive library of training content available.
Cons
- Given its wide range of features, it can be complex and may require training to use effectively.
- Customer service and support could be improved according to some users.
Pricing
The pricing plans begin at $6/month per user.
G2 rating: 4.3/5
G2 review
15. Ascender PeopleStreme
PeopleStreme is a comprehensive employee management software designed to help organizations maximize employee engagement, optimize productivity, and streamline HR processes. This software strongly emphasizes aligning individual goals with the organization's strategic goals, promoting a high-performance culture, and identifying and developing talent. Its user-friendly interface, real-time data visualization, and advanced reporting capabilities make it a go-to solution for organizations of all sizes.
Key features
- Performance management
- Learning and development
- Succession planning
- Recruitment support through job postings, applicant tracking, and onboarding processes.
- Workforce analytics
Pros
- Easy to adopt based on its user-friendly interface
- Provides hassle-free reporting experience
- Offer task reminders to keep things afloat
Cons
- Challenging to learn and adapt fast
- Lack of customization
- Limited options for integration
Pricing
No pricing details are available right now. Youβll need to connect to their sales team directly.
G2 rating: 4.5/5
G2 review
16. Ceridian Dayforce HCM
Ceridian Dayforce HCM (Human Capital Management) is a comprehensive, cloud-based platform for workforce management, human resources, benefits, workforce management, and talent management. Developed by Ceridian, Dayforce provides solutions for managing the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring to termination and even retirement.
Key features
- Employee schedule tracking, attendance, and timekeeping.
- Payroll management
- Talent management
- Employee welfare management
- HR management
Pros
- A comprehensive suite of tools covering every aspect of human resources.
- Real-time processing allows for immediate access to data.
- A User-friendly interface makes it easy for employees to manage their data.
Cons
- Some users report the system can be slow.
- Customization options could be more flexible.
- As it is a comprehensive solution, it may be more than smaller businesses need.
Pricing
A typical Ceridian Dayforce HCM subscription would cost you anywhere between 21 to $29 per employee monthly (subject to company size and choice of modules).
Moreover, there is an additional, one-time installation cost to the product's price of 40% - 60% of the software's yearly cost.
G2 rating: 4.2/5
G2 review
17. Toggl Track
Toggl is a simple, intuitive time-tracking software designed to help businesses and individuals boost their productivity. It allows users to track how they spend their time to better understand productivity patterns.
Key features
- Employee time tracking
- Employee reporting
- Calendar integration
- Project management
- Multiple billing rates
- Third-party integrations
Pros
- A simple and intuitive interface makes it easy to use.
- Provides detailed insights into how time is spent.
- It can be used on multiple devices, including mobile.
Cons:
- This one needs advanced project management features.
- Some users find the reporting functions could be more robust.
- While there's a free version, more advanced features require a paid plan.
Pricing
The Team plan costs $8 per user/month, and the Business plan is $13.35 per user/month.
G2 rating: 4.6/5
G2 review
18. Leapsome
Leapsome is a people management platform that provides tools for performance management, employee engagement, and learning and development. It aims to create a cycle of performance improvement through feedback and personalized learning.
Key features
- Performance reviews
- Employee engagement surveys
- Personalized learning & development
- Goal & OKR (objectives and key results) tracking
Pros
- Offers an all-in-one solution for performance management and employee engagement.
- User-friendly interface with a wide range of features.
- Strong focus on feedback and continuous improvement.
Cons
- It can be complex to set up initially.
- Some users report that customization can be limited.
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations.
Pricing
The cost for Leapsome starts at $8/month for one user.
G2 rating: 4.8/5
G2 review
19. 15five
5Five is a comprehensive performance management software designed to improve employee engagement, performance, and productivity. It provides a platform where managers and employees can communicate, track objectives, and recognize accomplishments. The software is named after the idea of spending 15 minutes a week writing a report that takes your manager five minutes to read.
Key features
- Continuous performance management
- Virtual 1-on-1s and performance reviews through feedback tools
- Employee recognition through High-Fives feature encouraging peer-to-peer recognition
- Reporting and analytics
Pros
- Comprehensive performance management tool
- Encourages regular communication between managers and employees
- Employee recognition boosts morale
- Detailed analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Lack of sentiment analysis for comments on tasks and projects
- Minor glitches reported by a few users
Pricing
Pricing starts at $7 per user per month.
G2 rating: 4.6/5
G2 review
20. PeopleSoft
PeopleSoft is an Oracle product that offers a suite of business applications addressing various aspects of business operations, including human resources, financials, and supply chain management. It's highly versatile and widely used in various sectors, including education, health care, and government.
Key features
- HR Management
- Financial management that includes forecasting, budgeting, and general ledger.
- Workforce planning and talent management
- Compliance tracking
- Analytics/Reporting
Pros
- Robust set of features addressing multiple areas of business operations
- Scalable solution suitable for both small businesses and large corporations
- Integrates with other Oracle products
Cons
- It can be complex and requires training to fully utilize
- The interface may feel dated compared to newer HR systems
- Pricing is high compared to other counterparts
Pricing
Hereβs the extensive document containing PeopleSoft pricing
G2 rating: 3.7/5
G2 review
Over to you
Employee management software is already making strides halfway into 2023, becoming a key aspect in streamlining HR functions and managing the workforce efficiently. The scope of analyzing employee management software is huge since each software offers something unique, bringing along a distinctive set of pros and cons.
Therefore, choosing the best employee management software in 2023 depends on an organization's needs. It is impossible to write off the evolving role of HR in employee engagement, emphasizing factors like the company's size, the industry, specific HR challenges, and the budget.
Ensure aligning software capabilities with organizational goals to leverage the above-mentioned software. Focus on using your chosen software to gain efficiency, maintain compliance, and improve employee satisfaction to drive the business forward.