HR is a business function that can easily be overlooked. But it’s a critical part of any company and requires a dedicated team to manage the many responsibilities.
Jumpstart offers a la carte HR services like drafting employee handbooks and conducting compliance audits while Bambee and Gusto offer monthly HR strategic services along with a suite of tools.
1. Payroll
A good HR tool for small businesses automates manual payroll tasks, saving time and money. It can also provide strategic insights, like identifying workforce trends and employee performance issues, for business owners to improve operations.
The best tools have a simple user interface that is easy to navigate and use on desktop or mobile devices. They also have clear documentation and excellent customer support. Before purchasing an HR tool, check out online reviews from real users on sites like G2 and Capterra to see how well it is rated.
Payroll solutions include software for managing employees, payroll and taxes, and employee onboarding and management. These tools enable small businesses to customize their workflow and integrate with other business apps, like project management and accounting software. They also enable businesses to create reports and analyze data that can help them make better hiring decisions.
Jumpstart HR Solutions is a great option for one-off HR projects, like creating an employee handbook or posting job advertisements. Its starter plan provides access to an HR consultant you can pay by the hour, and its monthly plan includes coaching calls with an HR expert. Jumpstart is a great choice for new businesses, and it offers compliance support such as helping companies register as a business and completing tax forms. However, it doesn’t offer outplacement services for retrenched workers or create HR policies and an employee handbook like Bambee and Employers Advantage.
BambooHR is an all-in-one HR tool for SMBs that has a variety of features, including unlimited payroll runs, payroll tax filing, self-service and W-2 and 1099 forms. The tool also helps employers manage employee performance, track goals and set up training courses. Its focus on engaging employees is evident in the design of its software, which features a company news feed and employee directory similar to popular social networks.
2. Time and Attendance
Keeping track of employee attendance can be tedious and time-consuming, especially for HR professionals who are already overworked. HR software can automate these processes and reduce the amount of time spent on manual tasks. This allows HR to focus on more critical activities like attracting top talent and developing new strategies for growth.
An effective HR solution should also help with employee performance and training. Having a comprehensive system will allow your HR team to manage employees more effectively and ensure compliance with labor laws. Some platforms offer advanced features such as workforce analytics and reporting which will give you insights into employee trends and enable you to make data-driven decisions about your workforce.
Another feature that a good HR solution should include is the ability to monitor employee absences and vacation requests. Having this functionality is helpful in reducing turnover which can be costly to your business. It also gives employees peace of mind knowing that their employers are looking out for them. Some HR systems such as Deel include a Leave Management module that enables users to request holiday or sick days and approve them in one centralized platform, rather than switching between multiple tools.
While many companies offer HR software with similar features, there are a few standout options. Buddy Punch is a good option for small-medium businesses with its user-friendly interface and simple functionality at an affordable price point of $60 per year. GoCo is a more comprehensive platform that helps your organization streamline and automate many of the core HR functions including records, performance, PTO requests and onboarding. It also provides best-in-class customer support to help you get the most out of your HR system.
3. Performance Management
A performance management system helps you track employee development, engagement levels, and overall productivity. It can also help you identify areas where employees need training and support, allowing you to build a stronger team that can meet business goals. With this in mind, it’s essential to invest time and money into your people so that you can improve the company as a whole.
A digital performance management tool saves HR administrators the hassle of conducting manual reviews and addressing performance gaps by automating the process with a simple interface. Moreover, the systematic capture of data through digitization allows the access to more granular information. This allows senior management to take better decisions regarding course correction (if required), training needs, recognition and rewards.
Depending on the size of your company, you can choose from several HR software tools to suit your specific needs. Some come with add-on modules to boost capabilities, such as talent management, succession planning and more. Ensure that the solution you’re considering can meet your business requirements and is within your budget.
There are several SMB-oriented HR software solutions that can manage payroll, employee onboarding and offboarding, time tracking, and employee performance. For example, Gusto is a comprehensive tool that handles payroll and benefits management for small businesses. It is easy to use and comes with features like automatic tax filing, onboarding, and health insurance administration. It also offers a Concierge plan, which gives you access to HR experts and guides you through any compliance responsibilities. Similarly, Zoho People is a cloud-based HR tool that provides features like applicant tracking, onboarding, performance management, and compensation management. It is user-friendly and customizable, and offers mobile apps for on-the-go accessibility.
4. Training
Workable is an all-in-one HR solution that provides a full employee lifecycle, including recruiting and onboarding functionality. Its intuitive plug-and-play system helps small businesses save time and money, while improving the overall employee experience. The software also includes document management, training and time-off functionalities. It serves more than 1200 mid-sized companies worldwide. It is a good fit for forward-thinking human resources departments, and its development team is constantly working to improve the product and deliver what users want.
Founded in 2007, BambooHR is designed to provide HR managers with the tools they need to keep their teams happy and productive. It has features that help with employee engagement and retention, such as a company news feed, recognitions and an internal directory. It also allows employees to track their own progress with goals and assignments. The platform provides a variety of reports, analytics and dashboards to help with decision making and workforce planning.
The software offers a free plan for small business and a paid version that starts at $5 per month for up to 50 users. The paid version offers more advanced features, such as performance management and payroll integration. It is a good fit for small businesses, startups and growing teams.
Designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, JazzHR is an all-in-one solution that can handle core HR functions. Its unified dashboard gives employees the freedom to access all of their HR documents and data from one place. The software aims to simplify the hiring process by providing recruiters and managers with the ability to streamline screening, evaluation and selection tasks. JazzHR has a wide range of plans, starting with its lowest priced Hero plan that lets businesses post three active job openings. Its other plans include Plus and Pro, which offer more advanced capabilities.
5. Recruiting
For a small business, recruitment can be difficult. A fully functional human resources department is not always available to conduct the process, so using HR software can make it faster and easier. The best solutions will enable you to post jobs on multiple websites, screen applicants and perform background checks all through one platform. They can also assist you with onboarding and managing employee records, performance reviews, time off, training and more.
When selecting an HR tool, look for one that has a clean user interface on both desktop and mobile platforms. It should be easy to use and offer good documentation and customer support. Also consider how many features are included in the package. Many of these tools follow a SaaS business model, so they are typically offered at a monthly subscription rate.
Hiring is a critical part of any business. It helps you grow your business and attract high-quality talent. However, it can be a challenging process for small businesses, especially since some employees are not ready to leave large corporations for smaller companies. To avoid this, you need to focus on creating a culture where every employee feels like a big part of the team and can make an impact from the start.
To do so, you need to develop your staff’s skills and ensure they can fulfill their responsibilities. Investing in employee development programs and providing opportunities to advance can help you close the gap between your small business and bigger companies. This can lead to a more cohesive workforce and boost productivity. It can also increase your profitability and reduce hiring costs, which can save you money in the long run.