Find the right HR software for your business

Think about how you manage HR tasks today, from hiring and onboarding to benefits and performance reviews. What aspects of your current process do you want to improve? Business owners often wish to save time on manual paperwork while reducing compliance and recordkeeping errors. The ability to offer employee self-service, centralized records, and streamlined onboarding may also appeal to you.

To assess HR software providers, you must understand which features and resources will benefit your company the most. For instance, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees face fewer labor and tax regulations than larger companies but may want help complying with recordkeeping and reporting laws. Also, consider the experience levels of your HR staff and what types of tools would help them fulfill their roles.

Think about the following questions:

• How many employees and contractors do you have?
• Do you need to manage HR or hire talent in multiple states or foreign countries?
• Do you need built-in payroll, or just HR and benefits administration?
• Which third-party software applications need to integrate with your HR system?
• Do you want onboarding, performance management or applicant tracking features?
• Should your system include benefits management and administration?
• Are you in a niche industry with specific compliance requirements?

Make a list of HR software providers and your criteria. Read professional reviews involving user testing to get an idea of the pros and cons of deploying and using various tools. Also, check out user reviews and software ratings. Look for patterns of complaints or positive points.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professional network. Often, other business leaders readily share insights and recommendations. Track your findings in a spreadsheet or project management platform.

Once you’ve narrowed your list, contact the best HR software providers to request demonstrations, quotes and free trials. Involve staff members who will use the software, and encourage them to ask questions. Remember to call or message customer service and interact with various representatives to get a feel for how the company handles support tickets.