The Top HR Software Tools in the UK

24 January 2024 | Blog

As an employer, you no longer have to deal with the endless paperwork gathering dust in a filing cabinet or spending hours on spreadsheets that no one looks at. Investing in HR software revolutionises data management, ensuring efficient, secure, and easily accessible information. Embracing HR admin tools not only streamlines administrative tasks but also empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions, fostering a more dynamic and responsive HR environment.

At The HR Booth, we have a wealth of experience in supporting clients with a variety of HR software tools, ensuring they maximise their potential and efficiency in managing HR tasks. Our expertise extends to providing tailored guidance and seamless integration of these systems into diverse business environments. Additionally, as BreatheHR Gold Partners, we offer an elevated level of service and in-depth knowledge in implementing and optimising this leading software, ensuring our clients receive the best possible support.

The HR landscape in the UK is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, thanks to a plethora of innovative software solutions. Here, we explore some of the best HR software available in the UK market, each offering unique features to streamline HR tasks, enhance employee engagement, and also drive organisational efficiency.

BreatheHR

Particularly popular among small and medium businesses, BreatheHR focuses on simplifying HR administration. Its core strengths include managing employee records, tracking sick leave and holidays, and also streamlining performance reviews. The software’s simplicity does not compromise its effectiveness, making it a top choice for those who want a straightforward, no-frills HR solution.

BreatheHR distinguishes itself from other HR software tools through its exceptional user-friendliness, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes without the need for extensive training. Its comprehensive yet intuitive features, including efficient leave management and streamlined performance reviews, cater to the core needs of HR management while simplifying complex processes. Moreover, BreatheHR’s emphasis on small to medium-sized businesses ensures that its solutions are not only powerful but also tailored to the unique challenges and dynamics of this crucial market segment.

Key Features Include:

  • Staff & Holiday Planner
  • Absent Management
  • Rotas & Shift Planning
  • Employee Net Promoter Score
  • People portal mobile app
  • Time tracking
  • HR Management
  • Integration
  • Xero payroll

If you would like any further information about BreatheHR and how this can fit in to your business, contact our HR experts.

People HR

People HR stands out for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of features. Renowned for its robust performance management tools, it helps organisations set and track employee performance metrics effectively. The software also excels in its absence management capabilities, making it a breeze for HR teams to manage leave and attendance. Its mobile app enhances accessibility, allowing employees and managers to stay connected on the go.

Key features include:

  • Absence management
  • Applicant tracking system
  • Recruitment & retention
  • Time management
  • HR payroll
  • Employee engagement
  • HR reporting & data

BrightHR

BrightHR stands out as a versatile and innovative HR software solution, designed to cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that significantly ease the burden of HR management. Key features include efficient absence management, where employers can effortlessly track and manage staff leave and sickness with just a few clicks. The software also offers a unique feature called ‘Blip’, a mobile app for clocking in and out, which is ideal for managing remote or on-the-go employees. This integration of practical HR functions with innovative technology makes BrightHR an appealing choice for businesses looking to modernise their HR practices.

Key features include:

  • Staff holiday management
  • Easy to use mobile app to clock in and out
  • Log sickness and absence
  • Plan shifts and rotas
  • Store documents securely with unlimited cloud storage
  • Export payroll data
  • Manage and calculate your expenses
  • Track overtime

Atlas

Atlas is a business service hub designed to make it easier to stay on top of HR administration and workplace safety. This solution stands out for its robust learning and development module, providing a platform for employees to engage in continuous professional growth. The tool also offers comprehensive absence management capabilities, enabling employers to effectively handle leave requests and track attendance with ease. Additionally, intuitive interface and customisable options make it a user-friendly choice for businesses of various sizes, simplifying HR tasks and fostering a more productive and engaged workforce.

Key features include:

  • Manage holidays and absence
  • keep on top of employee contracts
  • Store HR paperwork in one place
  • Download best-practice HR resources
  • HR e-learning
  • Performance insights

Mitrefinch

Mitrefinch is a comprehensive workforce management solution designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by contemporary workplaces. It excels in offering advanced time and attendance solutions, enabling businesses to accurately track employee hours, reduce administrative work, and also mitigate payroll errors. A standout feature of Mitrefinch is its robust workforce management system. This includes detailed scheduling, absence management, mobile workforce tracking, facilitating greater flexibility and also efficiency in managing a diverse workforce. Additionally, the HR software provides powerful tools for HR management, including employee self-service portals, which empower staff to manage their own data and requests, thereby enhancing employee engagement and reducing HR workload. With its emphasis on integrating time management and HR functionalities, Mitrefinch offers a holistic approach to workforce management, making it an ideal solution for businesses seeking to optimise their HR operations and improve overall productivity.

Main features include:

  • HR software
  • Payroll software
  • Workforce management
  • Time and attendance
  • Access control
  • Hardware

CIPHR

Finally, CIPHR is a comprehensive HR and recruitment solution that stands out for its integration capabilities. It can seamlessly connect with various payroll providers and third-party applications, creating a unified system for HR tasks. Its strong reporting and analytics tools enable HR professionals to track key metrics and improve workforce management.

Key features include:

  • Accessible any time, from anywhere
  • Hosted in the cloud
  • Securely hosted in UK-based data centres
  • GDPR dashboard
  • Suite of partner integrations via their API
  • Powerful reporting and analytics

Conclusion

The UK’s HR software market is brimming with options, each offering a unique blend of features to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, the key is to choose a solution that aligns with your company’s specific requirements and growth trajectory. By leveraging these innovative tools, HR teams can not only streamline their operations but also play a strategic role in driving their organisation’s success.

Remember, the best HR software is the one that fits your organisation’s unique needs and helps you achieve your strategic HR goals efficiently and effectively. If you would like support with HR software, contact us.

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