Is your business growing, but your HR processes are holding you back?
Inefficient HR processes can hinder your company’s growth and productivity.
But the right HR software can make all the difference.
In this guide, we review and compare features, pricing, pros and cons of the 10 best HR softwares in Australia to help you find the perfect HR solution for your growing company.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick overview.
What Are HR Management Softwares?
HR management softwares are digital tools designed to streamline and automate various human resource processes, such as:
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Employee data management
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Payroll processing
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Performance tracking
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Recruitment and onboarding
Comparison of Australian HR Management Software:
When it comes to managing your workforce, having the right tools is crucial. To help you find the best fit for your company, here are some key criteria and features to consider:
Firstly, think about what your business really needs.
Do you have a big team spread across multiple locations? Look for software with strong employee self-service and communication features.
Is compliance a major concern? Then, prioritize systems with built-in policy management and reporting.
Once you get a clear picture of your requirements, next, consider the user experience. Your HR software should be intuitive and easy for both HR staff and employees. Mobile accessibility is also crucial.
Leading platforms like ELMO offer smooth interfaces and mobile apps that streamline common tasks like leave requests and performance reviews.
Cost and ROI is also worth considering. Depending on your company’s budget you might want to find the perfect balance between cost and the features you get.
For example, advanced feature-rich softwares can be costly but they offer more automation. However, you need only simple tasks, then you can get away with a bit more affordable option.
Finally, don’t forget about integration and scalability. Your HR system should play well with your existing payroll, accounting, and other business software. For example, Cloud-based solutions are increasingly popular for their flexibility and automatic updates.
Transforming HR through Agile Workforce Solutions
Australia’s Top 10 HR Management Software for 2024
1. Deputy – Specialized in scheduling and applicant management:
Our Score: 4.9/5
Key Features: Employee Scheduling, Time & Attendance, and Applicant Tracking
Pricing: Starts at $3.50 per user per month
Deputy is an Australian-based HR software that has gained a strong reputation for its scheduling and applicant management capabilities.
The platform’s focus on these key areas makes it an ideal choice for businesses with shift-based workforces, such as those in the retail, hospitality, and healthcare industries.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
Deputy’s scheduling tools are among the best in the market, allowing managers to create and adjust schedules quickly and easily.
The platform’s AI-powered auto-scheduling feature takes into account employee availability, skills, and labor laws to generate optimized schedules, saving managers significant time and effort.
We were impressed by Deputy’s applicant tracking system, which streamlines the hiring process from job posting to onboarding.
The platform’s customizable hiring workflows, built-in communication tools, and integrated background checks make it easy for businesses to find and hire the right talent.
Compared to other HR software on our list that offer scheduling features, such as FoundU, Deputy excels in its scheduling functionality and ease of use.
Now comparing Deputy with other HR management softwares, FoundU offers a more comprehensive suite of HR tools, including payroll processing and performance management, which may be a better fit for businesses with broader HR needs.
But all in all, Deputy is the go-to HR software for Australian businesses that prioritize scheduling and applicant management.
While it may lack some of the broader HR features offered by competitors, Deputy’s specialized focus and local expertise make it a top choice for businesses in shift-based industries.
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​2. Apploye – Leading in time tracking and employee monitoring:
Our Score: 4.8/5
Key Features: Time Tracking, Employee Monitoring, and Productivity Analysis
Pricing: Starts at $2.5 per user per month (when subscribed to yearly subscription)
Apploye has gained popularity for its advanced time tracking and employee monitoring capabilities. The platform’s user-friendly interface and powerful features make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to optimize productivity and streamline workforce management.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
Apploye’s time tracking features are among the most comprehensive in the market, offering multiple ways to track employee hours, including manual timesheets, automatic timers, and GPS-based tracking.
The platform’s idle time detection and screenshot capturing features provide businesses with valuable insights into employee productivity and help identify areas for improvement.
Compared to other time tracking and employee monitoring solutions on our list, such as FoundU, Apploye excels in its advanced monitoring features and productivity analysis.
Although for businesses primarily focused on scheduling and applicant tracking, Deputy may be a more suitable alternative.
But Apploye is the go-to HR software for Australian businesses that prioritize time tracking and employee monitoring.
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3. Ascender – Renowned for human capital management:
Our Score: 4.9/5
Key Features: Payroll & Tax Management, Talent Management, and HR Analytics
Pricing: $50/year
Ascender is a highly respected HR software provider known for its comprehensive human capital management (HCM) solutions.
With a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Ascender has built a reputation for delivering innovative and reliable HR technology to businesses of all sizes.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
Ascender’s HCM suite is a standout in the market, offering a complete set of tools for managing the entire employee lifecycle. The platform’s payroll and tax management features are particularly noteworthy.
We were impressed by Ascender’s talent management capabilities, which include performance management, succession planning, and learning and development. These features enable businesses to nurture and retain top talent, driving long-term organizational success.
Compared to other HCM solutions on our list, such as Elmo, Ascender excels in its payroll and tax management capabilities. However, businesses primarily focused on specific HR functions, such as applicant tracking or time and attendance, platforms like Workable or Deputy may be more suitable.
But if you’re looking for a comprehensive HCM suite, robust payroll and tax management, and advanced talent management features, then Ascender is a great fit.
>> Learn More
4. FoundU – Highly rated for workforce management HRIS:
Our Score: 4.8/5
Key Features: Rostering & Scheduling, Time & Attendance, and Payroll Integration
Pricing: Starts at $3/user per month
FoundU is an Australian-based Human Resource Information System (HRIS).
The platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it a popular choice among businesses of all sizes, particularly those in industries with complex scheduling needs, such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
FoundU’s rostering and scheduling features are among the most advanced in the HRIS market.
The platform’s drag-and-drop scheduling interface, automated award interpretation, and real-time labor cost tracking enable managers to create efficient schedules while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
We were impressed by FoundU’s time and attendance features, which include geofencing, facial recognition, and real-time alerts for missed clock-ins or unauthorized overtime.
Compared to other workforce management HRIS on our list, such as Deputy, FoundU excels in its advanced rostering and scheduling features.
However, Deputy offers a more robust applicant tracking system, which may be a better fit for businesses with high-volume hiring needs.
For businesses primarily focused on payroll processing, ADP Workforce Now may be a more suitable alternative as well. But all in all, FoundU is a top choice for Australian businesses seeking a highly rated workforce management HRIS.
​>> Learn More
5. ADP Workforce Now – Premier choice for payroll processing HRIS systems:
Our Score: 4.9/5
Key Features: Payroll Processing, Time & Attendance Management, and HR Analytics
Pricing: $79/month (and $4/employee)
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive Human Resource Information System (HRIS) that stands out for its robust payroll processing capabilities. As a global provider of HR solutions, ADP has a strong presence in the Australian market, serving businesses of all sizes.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
ADP Workforce Now’s payroll processing features are unmatched in the HRIS market.
The platform’s automated payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance management functions ensure that Australian businesses can efficiently manage their payroll while staying compliant with local regulations.
We were impressed by ADP Workforce Now’s time and attendance management features, which seamlessly integrate with its payroll processing capabilities.
Compared to other HRIS systems on our list, such as FoundU, ADP Workforce Now excels in its payroll processing capabilities and global presence.
FoundU may be a more suitable choice for Australian businesses primarily focused on workforce management, as it offers advanced scheduling and rostering features.
And for businesses looking for a more comprehensive HR solution, platforms like Elmo or BambooHR may be better alternatives.
With all that said, ADP’s global presence and strong reputation make it a top contender for businesses prioritizing payroll processing efficiency.
>> Learn More
6. BambooHR – Expert in employee data management:
Our Score: 4.8/5
Key Features: Employee Self-Service Portal, HR Reporting, and Performance Management
Pricing: Starts at $8-$10 per employee per month
BambooHR is a US-based HR software that has gained popularity among Australian businesses for its user-friendly interface and robust employee data management capabilities.
The platform’s cloud-based design allows for easy access to employee information from anywhere, making it an ideal choice for businesses with remote or distributed teams.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
BambooHR’s employee self-service portal is a standout feature, empowering employees to manage their own data, request time off, and access company documents. This not only improves data accuracy but also reduces the administrative burden on HR teams.
We were impressed by BambooHR’s HR reporting and analytics capabilities, which provide valuable insights into workforce trends, employee turnover, and performance metrics.
The platform’s performance management tools also streamline the process of setting goals, conducting reviews, and providing feedback to employees.
Compared to other all-in-one HR solutions on our list, such as Elmo, BambooHR excels in its user-friendly interface and employee self-service features. However, Elmo offers a more comprehensive suite of HR tools, including learning and development management, which may be a better fit for businesses with more diverse HR needs.
For businesses primarily focused on specific HR functions, such as payroll processing or workforce management, platforms like ADP Workforce Now or FoundU may be more suitable alternatives. These specialized solutions offer advanced features tailored to their respective focus areas.
But overall, BambooHR is an excellent choice for Australian businesses seeking a great solution in employee data management.
While it may have limited payroll processing capabilities and slightly higher pricing compared to some alternatives, BambooHR’s ease of use and data management expertise make it a top contender for businesses prioritizing employee data accuracy and accessibility.
>> Learn More
7. Elmo – Distinguished for overall HR system software excellence:
Our Score: 4.8/5
Key Features: Comprehensive HR Suite, Performance Management, and Learning & Development
Pricing: $35/month
Elmo is an Australian-based HR software that offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline and automate HR processes.
With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Elmo has earned a reputation for overall HR system software excellence among Australian businesses.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
Elmo’s all-in-one HR solution covers a wide range of HR functions, including employee data management, performance management, learning and development, and payroll processing.
The platform’s modular design allows businesses to choose the features they need, making it a flexible choice for organizations of all sizes.
We especially liked Elmo’s performance management module, which enables continuous feedback and goal tracking to support employee growth and development.
The platform’s learning and development features are also noteworthy, with a built-in course library and the ability to create custom training programs.
Compared to other all-in-one HR software on our list, such as BambooHR, Elmo excels in its performance management and learning and development features. However, BambooHR has a slight edge in terms of user interface and ease of use.
If you’re looking specifically for an Australian-based HR solution, the ELMO is the perfect choice.
>> Learn More
8. Deel – Best for managing remote-first teams:
Our Score: 4.8/5
Key Features: Global Payroll, Compliance Management, and Contract Management
Pricing: Starts at $49 per contractor per month
Deel is a leading global payroll and compliance platform that simplifies the process of hiring, onboarding, and managing remote teams.
With the rise of remote work in Australia, Deel has become an essential tool for businesses looking to expand their talent pool beyond geographical boundaries.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
Deel’s robust features cater specifically to the needs of remote-first teams, making it a standout choice for Australian businesses embracing the future of work.
The platform automates the complex processes associated with global hiring, ensuring compliance with local regulations in over 150 countries.
We were impressed by Deel’s user-friendly interface, which streamlines the onboarding process and allows businesses to quickly and easily hire top talent from around the world.
The platform’s contract management feature is particularly noteworthy, as it enables the creation and signing of locally compliant contracts in minutes.
>> Learn More
​9. Workable – Ideal for talent acquisition:
Our Score: 4.7/5
Key Features: Applicant Tracking System (ATS), Job Posting, and Interview Scheduling
Pricing: Starts at $149 per job per month
Workable is a comprehensive HR software that specializes in streamlining the talent acquisition process. With its powerful Applicant Tracking System (ATS), Workable helps Australian businesses find, attract, and hire the best talent in their respective industries.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
Workable’s talent acquisition features are unmatched in the HR software market. The platform’s AI-powered sourcing tool helps businesses discover top candidates from a vast pool of talent, while its customizable job templates and one-click job posting functionality simplify the job advertising process.
We were particularly impressed by Workable’s interview scheduling feature, which automates the scheduling process and reduces the time-to-hire. The platform also offers a mobile app, allowing hiring managers to review candidates and provide feedback on the go.
In comparison to other HR software on our list, such as BambooHR and Elmo, Workable excels in talent acquisition but may lack the comprehensive HR features offered by its competitors.
If your business requires a more comprehensive HR solution, you may consider alternatives like BambooHR or Elmo. These platforms offer a wider range of features, including employee data management, performance management, and payroll processing.
However, for Australian businesses primarily focused on streamlining their hiring process, Workable is an ideal choice.
>> Learn More
10. Monday.com – Superior for integrating HR tasks with project management:
Our Score: 4.6/5
Key Features: HR Workflows, Project Management, and Customizable Dashboards
Pricing: Starts at $8 per user per month
Monday.com is a versatile work management platform that seamlessly integrates HR tasks with project management.
While not exclusively an HR software, Monday.com’s flexibility and customization options make it a popular choice among Australian businesses looking to streamline their HR processes alongside their project management needs.
Why It Made It To Our Top 10 List:
Monday.com’s unique approach to integrating HR tasks with project management sets it apart from other HR software on our list.
The platform’s customizable dashboards and workflows allow HR teams to manage tasks such as employee onboarding, performance reviews, and employee engagement initiatives alongside their company’s projects.
We were impressed by Monday.com’s user-friendly interface and extensive library of templates, which make it easy for HR teams to set up and manage their workflows.
The platform also offers a wide range of integrations with popular tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Zoom, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams.
Compared to other HR software on our list, Monday.com excels in its ability to integrate HR tasks with project management. However, it may lack some of the more specialized HR features offered by dedicated HR platforms.
For Australian businesses primarily focused on workforce management, FoundU or ADP Workforce Now may be more suitable alternatives. These platforms offer robust features for managing employee scheduling, time tracking, and payroll processing.
If your business prioritizes talent acquisition, the powerful Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and AI-powered candidate sourcing feature of Workable may be a better fit.
However, Monday.com is an excellent choice for Australian businesses seeking to integrate their HR tasks with project management.
With its customizable dashboards, extensive template library, and wide range of integrations, Monday.com offers a flexible and user-friendly solution for managing HR processes alongside company projects.
Innovative Features In HR Management Software:
As HR tasks are becoming more complex, innovative features in HR software have become increasingly crucial.
One of the most significant advancements in HR technology is the rise of mobile application capabilities.
With the growing prevalence of remote work and flexible schedules, HR software that offers mobile access allows employees to manage their personal information, request time off, and access company resources from anywhere, at any time.
As data privacy and security concerns continue to evolve, compliance and data security have become critical aspects of HR software. That’s why leading HR software providers prioritize compliance and security, offering features such as role-based access control, data encryption, and regular security audits.
Finally, integration with other business tools has become a key differentiator among HR software solutions.
By seamlessly connecting payroll systems, time and attendance software, and performance management tools, HR platforms can offer a complete overall view of the workforce and enable more informed decision-making.
Choosing the Right HR Management Software:
Here are some key points to consider while choosing the right HR management software:
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Identify your company’s unique HR needs – Consider employee headcount, payroll complexity, and required features. Look for performance management or learning and development tools.
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Consider the size and nature of your organization – Small startups have different requirements than large, multi-state enterprises. Ensure the software aligns with your company’s structure and compliance needs.
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Evaluate software scalability and flexibility – Choose a system that can adapt to changing demands as your business grows. Cloud-based solutions offer better scalability and easier updates than on-premise software.
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Understand the pricing model and total cost of ownership – Providers may charge per employee or offer tiered packages. Factor in hidden costs like implementation, training, and support.
Implementing HR Management Software in Australia:
Once an organization has chosen the right HR management software, the next critical step is to plan for a smooth implementation process. This involves defining clear goals, timelines, and responsibilities, and communicating the changes to all stakeholders.
Conclusion:
So, the top HR management software for 2024 in Australia are Deputy, Apploye, and Ascender.
Deputy stands out for its powerful scheduling and applicant tracking features, making it ideal for businesses with shift-based workforces.
Apploye excels in time tracking and employee monitoring, helping companies optimize productivity. Ascender offers a comprehensive human capital management suite with robust payroll and talent management capabilities.
When selecting the right HR software, consider your organization’s unique needs, size, and growth plans. Look for user-friendly platforms that integrate well with your existing systems. Don’t forget to factor in costs, scalability, and the level of support provided.
Ready to find your perfect HR solution? Visit our marketplace to explore the top HR management software options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the key differences between HR mobile app functionalities?
HR mobile apps can vary in features such as employee self-service, time tracking, and manager approvals. The specific functionalities depend on the app and the needs of the organization.
How can I ensure compliance with HR software?
To ensure compliance, choose HR software that aligns with relevant laws and regulations. Regularly review and update the software to maintain compliance.
Should I choose cloud-based or on-premise HR software?
Cloud-based HR software offers scalability, remote access, and automatic updates, while on-premise solutions provide more control and customization. Consider your organization’s specific needs and resources when making a decision.
How can I maintain data security with new HR software?
To maintain data security, look for HR software with robust security features like encryption, access controls, and regular backups. Ensure that the software complies with data protection regulations.
What integration capabilities should I look for in HR software?
HR software should integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, such as payroll and accounting software. Look for software with built-in integration capabilities or API support.
What is the average cost of HR management software in Australia?
On average, the cost of HR Management software starts from $2-$5 per user, per month and goes all the way up to several hundred dollars in total based on the total employees, type of software and features.
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