12 best HR software suites for businesses in 2025

Managing a team in 2025 without cutting-edge HR tech? Imagine a carpenter trying to build a bookshelf without any tools — what's the difference?

Running an efficient team without the help of modern HR technology is nearly impossible — think of all the admin, compliance, onboarding, and performance management obligations associated with managing teams and individuals. For enterprise businesses with sizable frontline workforces and dispersed hierarchies, this becomes even harder.

Luckily, these processes can now be automated and consistently executed company-wide. However, software shopping can be overwhelming — cutting through marketing lingo, assessing the bells-and-whistles, and deciphering confusing product names can leave you more confused than when you first started looking.

We've written this guide for you as a starting point. More specifically, our intention is to define what a HR software suite is, outline some key features, and provide an overview of some of the HR software suites on offer from a range of vendors.

What is a HR software suite?

Generally, HR software is designed to help HR teams simplify and automate a variety of HR processes. The main components of a HR software suite include:

• A centralised database for employee records

• Compliance and contracts management

• Employee lifecycle workflows and automation, such as onboarding and offboarding

• Performance and engagement tools

• A deep data analytics suite, including HR and people analytics

However, the names 'HR software', 'HRIS', 'HCM' and 'HRM' are often used interchangeably, and while there can be considerable overlap, there are subtle differences.

HCM, HRIS and HRM suites typically offer a broad range of people management solutions. This might encompass workforce management tools (including time & attendance, rostering & scheduling, etc.), talent acquisition tools like an ATS and CRM, benefits management, payroll, and learning & development. Most will also include tools that would typically be classified as 'HR': core employee record keeping, performance management, employee engagement, etc.

Humanforce itself is classified as a HCM suite (you can read our guide on the 12 best HCM software suites here).

Whether you're investigating a specialised standalone HR point solution or a HR solution as part of a broader HCM suite, this article will help you make the best vendor choice for your business.

Key considerations when selecting HR software

At first glance, most HR systems can appear similar. But it's essential to research and understand the design features and capabilities of each option before purchasing a solution. Ask yourself what matters most to your team or organisation. What pain points are you looking to resolve? Where can process improvements be made? In doing so, you can make the best possible choice for your employees.

In no particular order, these are some key considerations and questions to ask when sorting through HR software options:

• Scalability: Can the platform grow and adapt as your business changes? Look for configurable modules that match your HR processes and pricing models that scale fairly to match your budget.

• Integration: Open APIs or pre-built connectors ensure smooth transitions from legacy systems and prevent data silos.

• Single data source: A "Core HR" module should act as the single source of truth, allowing accurate data to flow across all modules and reducing manual entry errors.

• Reporting and analytics: Real-time reporting and visual dashboards provide insights into trends and performance without reliance on complex spreadsheets.

• Security: Confirm that employee data — including financial and personal details — is protected through encryption, role-based access, and compliance with privacy standards.

• Pricing: Value is more important than cost. Cloud-based systems usually provide flexible pricing while eliminating infrastructure expenses.

• Support: Reliable, multi-channel support and an accessible knowledge base can make a significant difference post-implementation.

• Mobile accessibility: For today's frontline and flexible workplaces, mobile access is essential. A purpose-built app allows employees and managers to update records, approve requests, and review shift/roster data from anywhere.

Below we highlight some of the best-known HR software providers. Remember that not every provider will suit your business needs. This is intended as a guide only — it's always best to undertake your own research and due diligence. Ask peers what they are using, ask for customer testimonials from the vendors, and check software review websites such as G2 and Capterra.

The 12 best HR software suites in 2025

1. Humanforce

Headquarters: Sydney, Australia

Markets: Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States

Overview

Humanforce delivers a comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) suite that unifies HR, Payroll, Talent, and Benefits within a single, configurable system. The platform is designed for organisations with diverse and flexible workforces, combining deep automation with compliance and analytics capabilities.

Founded in 2002, Humanforce was created specifically for frontline, roster-driven workplaces. Today, the company supports more than 2,300 customers globally across industries such as Aged Care, Childcare & Early Learning, Healthcare, Retail, Hospitality, Government, and Events & Stadiums. Its design approach focuses on simplifying people management, improving compliance accuracy, and enhancing the frontline employee experience.

Product overview

Humanforce offers an all-in-one HCM suite, comprised of five key products:

• Workforce Management

• HR

• Payroll

• Benefits

• Talent

Core HR solution

Humanforce HR is a configurable, automated human resources platform that centralises core HR functions for frontline businesses. It aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual overhead, and provide real-time insights to support strategic decision-making around workforce planning, retention, and culture. Key features include:

• Core HR: Central repository for all employee records and documentation. Includes digital contracts, workflow automation for new starters, and support for complex employment arrangements.

• Onboarding & Offboarding: Customisable, paperless onboarding workflows linked to payroll and benefits systems. Exit processes support survey feedback and data capture for attrition insights.

• Performance Management: Structured goal-setting and regular feedback tools that promote continuous improvement and align employee objectives with business outcomes.

• Employee Engagement: Configurable surveys and recognition features designed to measure sentiment and maintain connection across dispersed teams.

• Compliance Management: Automated reminders for certifications, licenses, and training renewals, with digital storage for evidence and reporting.

• People Analytics: Visual dashboards offering real-time metrics such as turnover, engagement, diversity, and performance trends. Built-in reporting supports decision-making across HR and leadership teams.

Compensation Planner: Streamlined and secure compensation management for salary reviews, pay changes, and contract updates — backed by comprehensive audit trails that ensure accuracy and transparency.

Mobile app functionality

The Humanforce Work App enables both managers and employees to access HR and employment information — from anywhere, at any time.

Employees can view personal details, request leave, update work preferences, bid on shifts, view rosters, and access payslips, while managers can approve requests, check attendance in real time, make shift offers, and communicate one-on-one or team-wide. The app's simple interface and flexibility make it perfect for frontline workplaces where people are working in different locations at different times.

Companies served

Well suited to mid- to enterprise-sized organisations with large frontline workforces that require configurable HR automation, structured compliance management, and accessible mobile functionality. Its modular structure (i.e. HR, Workforce Management, Talent, Benefits and Pay) supports scalability for businesses with dynamic, multi-location teams.

2. Workday

Headquarters: Pleasanton, California, USA

Markets: Global

Product overview

Workday's HR product suite includes:

• Human Capital Management

• Human Resource Management

• Workday Peakon Employee Voice

• Talent Management

• Workforce Management

• Employee Experience

• HR Service Delivery

• Workforce Planning

• Analytics & Reporting

• Vendor Management System

• Local & Global Payroll

Core HR solution: Human Resource Management

Workday's Human Resource Management solution is part of their wider product suite. It contains seven key products:

• Organisational Management: Allows organisations to design, visualise, and adjust their organisational structures dynamically to meet evolving strategic needs.

• Global Compliance: Allows organisations to keep pace with HR compliance in one place, regardless of where they are located.

• Benefits: Wellness solutions to help employees make health and wellbeing decisions, including intelligent wellbeing tips, personalised benefits, a pay hub, and more.

• Compensation: Craft tailored compensation packages, identify pay inequities, and reward employees for their performance.

• Skills Cloud: AI-powered skills intelligence engine designed to aggregate skills data from across the entire organisation. It uses data to support the upskilling, reskilling, redeployment, and hiring of staff.

• Wellness: A centralised benefits suite that can be tailored to the needs of each employee. Wellbeing partners can be embedded directly into the dashboard, encouraging full utilisation of their benefits package.

• HR Service Delivery: Self-service help centre, designed for easy access to HR support.

Mobile app functionality

The Workday Mobile app provides access to HR and finance functions such as time tracking, absence requests, expenses, and payslips through a secure mobile interface. It supports features like push notifications, biometric authentication, and offline access for key tasks.

Companies served

Global enterprises prioritising strong data governance, scalability, and end-to-end integration across HR and financial systems.

3. Dayforce

Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and Toronto, Canada

Markets: Global

Product overview

Dayforce's HCM suite includes:

• Human Resources

• Payroll

• Workforce Management

• Talent

• Learning

• People Analytics

• Strategic Workforce Planning

Core HR solution: Dayforce HR

The Dayforce HR solution serves as the foundation of the broader HCM suite, focusing on centralised employee record management. Key capabilities include:

• Maintaining real-time employee data

• Enabling integration across payroll

• Benefits

• Workforce management

• Talent systems

• Organisational chart visualisation

It offers self-service functionality, a personalised employee content and benefits hub, built-in analytics and reporting, and mobile accessibility through Dayforce Mobile for completing HR and workforce tasks remotely.

Mobile app functionality

The Dayforce Mobile app allows employees and managers to complete HR, pay, time, and scheduling tasks from their mobile devices. It supports real-time data access, notifications, and self-service options such as viewing payslips, updating personal information, and managing schedules.

Companies served

Dayforce primarily serves large, complex organisations seeking unified workforce and payroll data, compliance capabilities, and real-time workforce insights across multiple regions.

4. UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)

Headquarters: Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida, USA

Markets: Global (including Australia and the United Kingdom)

Product overview

UKG offer two main HR product suites, as well as other standalone products:

All-in-one HR:

• Human Resources

• Talent Management

• Scheduling

• Analytics

• Compliance

• Time & Attendance

Workforce Management:

• AI

• Analytics

• Compliance

• Scheduling

• Strategic Workforce Planning

• Time & Attendance

Standalone products:

• UKG Virtual Roster

• UKG InTouch DX

• UKG Talk

• UKG One View

Core HR solution: HR Software

UKG's HR software falls under the All-in-one HR suite, and includes:

• People centre: Centralises personal, job, and performance history; supports targeted communications; and provides visual org charts.

• Preboarding and onboarding software: Connects new hires to culture, mentors, and tools; tracks onboarding progress with automated reminders; and supports an engaging start.

• Talent and career development: Enables career pathing, coaching tips, and progress tracking to support upskilling and internal mobility.

• AI-enabled performance management: Supports goal setting and tracking, feedback prompts for 1:1s, and identification of high performers and leadership readiness.

• Compliance and ethics safeguards: Tracks tax, EEOC, and GDPR requirements; provides AI-assisted privacy audits and alerts; links internal policies to employment-law updates.

• People analytics and sentiment insights: Dashboards visualise trends in turnover, engagement, and performance; captures feedback via surveys and pulse checks; benchmarks against large-scale survey data.

• Mobile workforce tools: Allows clock in/out, time-off requests, info updates, surveys/notifications, coaching/training access, and schedule changes via mobile.

Mobile app functionality

The UKG Pro app provides secure mobile access to pay, schedules, goals, and HR data, supporting communication, approvals, and updates for employees and managers. The UKG Ready app allows users to clock in and out, view pay, request leave, and manage schedules or benefits, offering full HR and workforce management access for smaller organisations. While UKG Pro targets larger enterprises with strategic HR and engagement tools, UKG Ready is designed for small to mid-sized businesses focused on everyday workforce operations.

Companies served

Organisations looking for mature HR and payroll solutions that can scale across multiple sites or regions.

5. Oracle

Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA

Markets: Global

Product overview

Oracle's HCM suite falls under its wider Cloud Applications catalogue, and includes:

• Human Resources

• Talent Management

• Workforce Management

• Payroll

Core HR solution: Oracle Human Resources

Oracle's primary HR feature sits within its HCM suite. It includes the following features:

• Core Human Resources

• Benefits

• Workforce Modeling and Predictions

• Strategic Workforce Planning

• Work Life

• Advanced HCM Controls

• Experience Design Studio

• Activity Centers

• Oracle ME Employee Experience

Oracle Human Resources is designed to help companies effectively manage a global workforce through the planning, management, and optimisation of people processes through a single data source.

Mobile app functionality

The Oracle Fusion App provides mobile access to HR dashboards, employee data, and workflow approvals. Employees can review benefits and update information from any device.

Companies served

Enterprises with complex governance and security requirements, often operating within broader Oracle technology environments.

6. SAP SuccessFactors

Headquarters: Walldorf, Germany

Markets: Global

Product overview

Part of SAP's wider catalogue of business applications, Human capital management contains the following HR focused products:

• Core HR and payroll

• Talent management

• Workforce management

• Sales performance management

• Digital adoption

• Artificial intelligence

• Data and analytics

• Technology platform

Core HR solution: Core HR and Payroll

Core HR and payroll is a cloud-based HR solution built around a single data source, designed to help automate processes, simplify tasks, and strengthen compliance through a unified location.

Aside from a centralised data repository, key features of this solution include time-tracking, payroll, document management, a digital workplace for collaborative task completion, and a HR self-service delivery function that acts as a self-service help desk.

Mobile app functionality

The SAP SuccessFactors Mobile app offers a consumer-style, secure interface for employees and managers to access HR functions from their phone. It supports tasks such as viewing profiles, approving requests, browsing the organisation chart, managing goals, applying for leave, and accessing pay summaries.

Companies served

Large, global organisations needing extensive localisation, language support, and integration with other SAP enterprise systems.

7. ELMO Software

Headquarters: Sydney, Australia

Markets: Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom

Product overview

As a HCM software suite, most foundational HR areas have equivalent ELMO solutions. Their product suite includes:

• HR Core

• Payroll

• Recruitment

• Onboarding

• Performance Management

• Learning Management

Additional HR management themed modules include Rewards & Recognition, Survey, Wellbeing, Succession Management, and Remuneration. The HR Analytics module provides reporting capabilities across the suite, “from hire to retire”. Each module integrates into a central employee database, simplifying reporting and recordkeeping.

Core HR solution: HR Core

In addition to the focus areas listed above, ELMO's HR Core solution forms the backbone of the ELMO HCM suite. It is designed to centralise and automate people management. It includes:

• Employee self-service: Allows employees to update personal details, submit leave requests, and complete assigned HR tasks.

• Compliance tools & audit logs: Maintains records of HR activities, supports compliance monitoring, and provides audit trails for accountability.

• Custom reporting & dashboards: Generates configurable reports and visual dashboards to analyse workforce and HR data.

• Position & role management: Manages job positions, reporting structures, and user access based on defined roles.

• Unified org chart: Displays an up-to-date organisational chart outlining roles, reporting relationships, and departmental structures.

Mobile app functionality

The ELMOHR App offers access to training materials, wellbeing programs, and leave requests. Mobile features are primarily aimed at employee development and engagement.

Companies served

Mid-sized organisations in Australia and New Zealand seeking locally compliant HR and learning systems.

8. Ascender

Headquarters: Sydney, Australia

Markets: Asia-Pacific (APAC) region

Product overview

Ascender provides payroll and HR solutions:

Payroll:

• Payroll Software

• Payroll Outsourcing

HR Software:

• Recruitment

• Onboarding

• Performance Management

• Learning and Development

Additional categories:

• Hire

• Manage

• Grow

Core HR solution: Ascender HCM Software Suite

Ascender's HCM suite includes a range of HR modules such as recruitment, onboarding, performance management, eForms, incident management, remuneration management, learning and development, talent management, employee engagement, and HR analytics.

The platform also supports payroll outsourcing services aimed at automating payroll processes and maintaining compliance across varied regulatory environments.

Integration Platform

Ascender Connect, the company's cloud-based integration platform, links payroll, HR, and enterprise applications from both Ascender's own ecosystem and external third-party systems.

Mobile app functionality

While Ascender HCM currently does not provide a mobile application, customers typically use Dayforce Mobile.

Companies served

Medium to large organisations and multi-country enterprises seeking integrated payroll, HR, and compliance solutions across the Asia-Pacific region.

9. Employment Hero

Headquarters: Sydney, Australia

Markets: Global, with a primary focus on Australia and New Zealand

Product overview

Employment Hero calls their HCM suite EmploymentOS, which contains four categories:

• Hiring

• HR

• Payroll

• Employee Experience

Core HR solution: HR Software

The HR component focuses on automation and employee self-service to simplify administrative processes. Key features include:

• Employee management: Centralised management of employee records, compliance tasks, and HR processes.

• Time and attendance: Automated tracking of employee hours, attendance, and leave requests.

• HR advisory: Access to expert advice, compliance reviews, and HR documentation support.

• Hero AI: An AI chatbot providing 24/7 responses to queries on policies, documents, and HR processes.

• Learning Management System (LMS): Provides access to compliance and upskilling training resources.

Mobile app functionality

Employment Hero Work is a mobile app that combines work, wages, savings, and benefits into a single app for employees.

Companies served

Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR and payroll solution to automate compliance, workforce management, and employee engagement.

10. HiBob

Headquarters: London, England

Markets: Global, with offices in New York, Sydney, and other major cities

Product overview

HiBob provides a modern Human Capital Management (HCM) platform built for fast-growing, globally distributed organisations.

The HCM suite includes:

• Core HR

• Payroll

• Onboarding

• Time and attendance

• Compensation

• Hiring

• Learning

• Time off

• Surveys

• Performance

• People analytics

• Your voice

• Workforce planning

Their HCM suite consists of many HR-centric products. As indicated above, these include Onboarding, Compensation, Performance, and Analytics. However, it's the HiBob Core HR solution that forms the key element of their suite.

Core HR solution: Core HR

Core HR is HiBob's central HR solution and serves as the foundation of its broader HCM suite. It acts as an employee management hub for automating HR processes, generating reports, and securely storing documentation. Key features include:

• Company homepage: A social media–style dashboard for sharing company updates and information.

• People directory and organisational chart: Searchable employee database showing reporting lines and team structures.

• Automated workflows: Tools to automate preboarding, onboarding, and offboarding, with task assignments and reminders.

• eSign: Enables digital signing of contracts and legal documents, including dates, initials, and checkboxes.

• Docs management: Centralised repository for HR documents such as contracts, policies, and handbooks.

• People analytics: Dashboards displaying real-time metrics like headcount, turnover, and growth rate.

The platform also includes culture and engagement tools to support connection across in-office, hybrid, and remote teams.

Mobile app functionality

Bob HR, HiBob's mobile app, allows employees to view company updates, request leave, log attendance, and track progress on goals from any device.

Companies served

Mid to upper-mid and lower enterprise organisations seeking an intuitive, globally scalable HR platform that supports employee engagement, automation, and workforce analytics.

11. Rippling

Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA

Markets: Global

Product overview

Rippling combines HCM, IT, and payroll, compliance, and finance into a single tech stack. All solutions are powered by a single source of truth, ensuring a consistent look and feel for all users, regardless of the tool being used.

Rippling's wider HCM suite contains:

• HR Management

• Talent

• Workforce Management

• Benefits

Core HR solution: HR Management

Rippling's HR Management suite forms part of its broader HCM offering and includes three primary components:

• HRIS: Centralises employee data within a single system supporting multiple locations, document types, and currencies. Automates workflows, compliance administration, leave management, and reporting.

• Compensation Bands: Provides headcount and compensation planning tools to streamline budgeting and recruitment processes.

• Rippling HR Services: Offers legal and compliance expertise, including automated tools for monitoring tax, leave, and wage requirements. The Compliance 360 feature flags potential violations, while Rippling LMS automates mandatory training enrolments.

Rippling supports both native and third-party integrations, enabling flexible connection with external business tools.

Mobile app functionality

The Rippling mobile app allows employees to manage HR and IT tasks, including accessing benefits, submitting expenses, viewing payslips, requesting leave, and securely sharing credentials.

Companies served

Startups, small to mid-sized businesses, and enterprises seeking a unified HR, IT, and finance platform with strong automation and compliance capabilities.

12. Deputy

Headquarters: Sydney, Australia

Markets: Global, with offices in Melbourne and London

Product overview

Deputy is a workforce management and HR platform designed for shift-based workforces. Their wider product suite includes:

• Rostering

• Time & attendance

• HR management

• Payroll

• Communications

• Integrations

Core HR solution: HR Management

HR Management is a point solution within Deputy's broader platform, aimed at improving hiring, onboarding, and employee engagement processes. Key features include:

• Hire: Create job posts, manage applicants, and track recruitment progress.

• New hire onboarding: Conduct paperless onboarding, collect employee information, and store documentation securely.

• Document management: Maintain a single repository for company-wide document access and storage.

• Leave management: Configure leave entitlements, manage absence requests and balances, and identify suitable replacements.

• Employee engagement: Capture real-time feedback using Shift Pulse+ and recognise team achievements.

• Analytics: Monitor scheduling efficiency, manage labour costs, and identify workforce trends through dashboard metrics.

Deputy supports integration with a wide range of third-party systems.

Mobile app functionality

Deputy offers a mobile app that enables employees and managers to clock in and out, request leave, access rosters, and view company announcements in real time.

Companies served

Small to medium businesses and enterprises seeking a centralised HR and workforce management platform for managing shift-based operations.

Find the right HR solution for your business

Choosing the right HR software can be challenging, with so many providers promising similar results. The difference lies in finding a solution that truly understands the needs of your workforce. Humanforce is purpose-built for frontline businesses, with a proven track record of helping organisations simplify HR processes, stay compliant, and empower their people.

Our platform brings together powerful integrations, mobile-first functionality, and compliance-driven design to deliver an HR solution that works wherever your people do. Use this guide to explore the HR landscape and see why Humanforce is the trusted choice for businesses that want to work smarter, stay connected, and grow with confidence.

About Humanforce

Humanforce is the all-in-one platform for frontline and flexible workforces, offering a truly employee centred, intelligent and compliant human capital management (HCM) suite – without compromise. Founded in 2002, Humanforce has a 2300+ customer base and over half a million users worldwide. Today, we have offices across Australia, New Zealand, the US, and the UK.

Our vision is to make work easier and life better by focusing on the needs and fulfilment of frontline workers, and the efficiency and optimisation of businesses.