HR software has the power to increase your productivity, help you balance workloads and priorities, and generally make your organization run smoother. But if you choose the wrong software, it could literally do the opposite, making your life harder while introducing new problems to solve.
Choosing the right HR software is an impactful and surprisingly difficult decision, made even more complicated by the fact that there are so many options on the market. Rippling, one of the top names in HR automation software, offers features like payroll management, benefits management, device coordination, and more – but is it enough to serve all your needs? And if not, how can you effectively compare it to other apps?
What to Consider When Choosing HR Software
These are some of the most important features to consider when choosing HR software:
Core features
Think about the core features included in this HR software. Does it help you recruit new employees? Does it include a payroll management feature? Can you manage and review employee benefits? What about handling employee complaints and disputes? Not all businesses need a truly comprehensive tool, but you should make sure the platform accomplishes all your basic needs.
Device and OS functionality
Most of your employees are going to use a combination of different devices to access this HR software, including a laptop, tablet, and/or mobile device like a smartphone. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the app works reliably on a multitude of different devices and operating systems.
User interfaces
Don’t underestimate the importance of the user interface design. Better UI means the app is going to run smoother and be easier to learn. Ideally, this can minimize the amount of time you spend training new employees, reduce the number and severity of errors in the platform, and make your employees happier at the same time.
Price
Of course, we need to mention price in this guide. Generally speaking, platforms with more features, better design, and more support tend to be more expensive, while minimalistic platforms tend to save you money – but may not have everything you need. Compare platforms apples to apples to figure out the relative price and value of each option, and make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Upgrades and optional features
What kind of upgrades and optional bonus features are available? Is it possible to promote your plan to the next tier to get access to more users or a more robust set of features? Can you get access to software functionality that extends beyond the HR department?
Integrations
Most businesses use a variety of software platforms and subscriptions to keep themselves operational. It’s useful to have a system that ties all these individual platforms together. Accordingly, it’s important to see how your HR software can integrate with other platforms you’re currently using; can you share data and unify these different platforms?
Customer service
Even with the best software platform on the market, there’s a good chance something will go wrong eventually. When it does, you’ll want to make sure you have a solid customer service team who has your back. Good software options generally come with 24/7 support – and it’s not hard to get in touch with a representative who can help you resolve your issues.
Ongoing updates and support
You know it’s important to keep all your apps up to date. Why? The biggest reason is security; software updates are an opportunity to patch vulnerabilities and oversights. But updates are also valuable because they can introduce smoother design improvements, new features, and other upgrades. Look for a software platform with plenty of developer support, and one with a clear trajectory for expansion in the future.
Customizability
For some businesses, HR software is fine straight out of the box. For others, it’s important to have a fully customizable experience. Does this platform give you the option to add or remove widgets? Can you build your own reports? Can you rearrange the layout to suit your preferences?
Exporting and migration
Some software platforms intentionally make it hard for their customers to leave. If you ever decide to switch providers, would it be easy, or even possible, to export your data and migrate to a different platform?
Getting a Free Trial
Most HR software platforms offer a free trial for a limited time, so you’ll have a chance to evaluate its functionality before committing to a purchase. Be sure to take advantage of this; experiment with various apps and see what you like and don’t like about each one. The best way to determine whether an app suits all your needs is to get your hands on it.
