Best HRIS platforms for small businesses in 2025

High inflation, rising labor costs, and market volatility have pushed many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to freeze hiring or cut budgets. But core HR responsibilities like payroll, onboarding, and compliance didn’t go away — and they’re often left to one overstretched generalist.

Manual processes and scattered tools only add to the friction, increasing risks and wasting time. That’s where a purpose-built HRIS (human resources information system) becomes invaluable.

A well-suited HRIS centralizes HR workflows, reduces errors, and enhances the employee experience — even with limited resources.

Use this guide to compare the top HRIS platforms for small businesses. You’ll get side-by-side features, pricing, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right fit for your team.
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🤩 Connect every stage of the employee lifecycle

Leapsome’s HRIS combines intuitive dashboards, visual reports, and people enablement tools for streamlined processes and data-based decisions.

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‍*The information below is based on our research in April and May 2025. All user feedback referenced in the text has been sourced from independent software review platforms (like G2 and Capterra) in April and May 2025.

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How to choose the best HRIS for your small business

Most HRIS platforms are built for companies with a full-time HR team. You need one that can support lean operations, where HR tasks are just one part of your role. To make sure your platform of choice actually takes work off your plate and drives real efficiency, consider the following must-haves:

Core HR infrastructure

Does it centralize employee data, records, time off, and contracts in one place? A strong foundation here is critical to reduce risk and manual overhead.

Speed & usability

Is it intuitive and easy to adopt? Look for platforms with clean interfaces, thorough documentation, and customizable templates. Most SMBs don’t have time for a lengthy implementation process; they need to get things up and running quickly.

Automation that fits your workflows

Look for built-in workflows that cover onboarding, approvals, reviews, and recurring HR tasks. You should be able to trust automations to fire reliably, adapt them without support, and slot them into the way your team already works.

Practical performance & engagement tools

Look for solutions that help you spot problems early and act before they escalate (like pulse surveys, structured review cycles, and goal tracking). These tools keep team members aligned, supported, and more likely to stick around.

Clean handoff to finance & operations

Can you export what you need for payroll, audits, and compliance without time-consuming manual work? Integrations and export-ready reports reduce admin and risk.

Scalability without complexity

Choose a system that works for a team of 10 and can still support you with a team of 100. Look for modular features you can add on as you grow, so you won’t have to overhaul your system in the future.

1. Leapsome

A screenshot of a graphic that shows the tools Leapsome brings together in its HRIS. — *Leapsome’s new HRIS tool unites human resources features with powerful people enablement capabilities*

Leapsome’s HR platform is an innovative, scalable solution that is well-suited to growing businesses. It combines the core HR functionalities you need to keep your company running smoothly with people enablement features to make your organization a great workplace.

With Leapsome, you can consolidate your tech stack and manage everything from employee data management to performance reviews, compensation management, goal setting, feedback, and more within one dynamic platform. Our suite of tools with people enablement features is unique on the market, making it a people-first software solution.
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Top HRIS features

Core HR capabilities: Tools for employee data management, workflow management, reporting and analytics, document management, compliance tracking, and organization management.
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Performance management: A wide range of features that enable you to conduct reviews, set goals, and exchange feedback without needing a large human resources team to take care of all the steps in between.
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Onboarding and training: Automate onboarding steps, provide easy access to learning resources so new hires can settle in smoothly, and provide pertinent development materials throughout the employee lifecycle.
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Time tracking and attendance: Organize time off and track hours to ensure everyone uses their PTO and doesn’t exceed the hours agreed upon in their employment contract. This data helps HR teams keep accurate records and comply with applicable regulations.

Pros

Brings HRIS and people enablement features together within a single platform
User-friendly interface with powerful analytics tools
Useful for both HR professionals and company employees
Effective for in-person, hybrid, and remote teams
People-first software solution
Strong customer support
Supports 38 languages
Advanced AI tools included in all plans

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cons

Some HRIS features are still in development
The range of features can cause an initial learning curve

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Leapsome is saving us lots of time during our performance appraisals and helps us build an open, value-oriented feedback culture. We’ve compared several platforms, and Leapsome stood out convincingly — it’s user-friendly, intuitive, and highly customizable. As a manager, I love how fast and openly the team at Leapsome reacts to our feedback and suggestions.

Dr. Christian Grobe

CEO

Leapsome enhances meaningful feedback and employee engagement. It’s a must-have for every company at any stage. We are growing toward 750 employees, but the rollout was easy, fast, and successful nonetheless. The great customer support helped us through the whole onboarding process.

Thore Schӓck

Head of HR & Recruiting

With the help of the people analytics, you can quickly understand the significance of the results. We also frequently use the 1:1 function, which, although very simple, is extremely useful.

Erica Ancobia

Head of People Operations

We see the People team as a partner team rather than an admin team. We want to focus on our employees and not on processes. With Leapsome, we have automated the manual work around feedback and career development so that we can spend our time with our people: understanding their needs, guiding them through their very own DCMN lifecycle, and helping them find purpose in what they do.

Theresa Jasaraj

Senior Manager, People Relations

Connect every stage of the employee lifecycle

Learn how Leapsome can automate, connect, and simplify your HR processes.

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2. Personio

HRIS for small business: A screenshot of a Personio dashboard showing inbox and time tracking. — ‍

Personio is an all-in-one HR platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in Europe. It centralizes HR processes, from onboarding to payroll, into a single, user-friendly system, helping teams reduce administrative workload and improve compliance.
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Top HRIS features

Employee data management: Organize team member records with customizable fields and workflows, ensuring accurate and accessible employee information.
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Time tracking & absence management: Monitor working hours, manage leave requests, and support compliance with labor regulations.
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Payroll: Take care of payroll administration and automate salary calculations and payments (not available in all locations).
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Recruitment & onboarding: Access tools to manage job postings, applicant tracking, and streamlined onboarding processes.
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Performance management: Run performance reviews, set goals, and support employee growth and progress.
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Why Personio is a great HRIS for small businesses

Personio aims to reduce manual HR admin. Its prebuilt workflows and simple UI make it easy to manage core HR processes without needing technical setup or HR expertise, though it does lack some native people enablement features, like a built-in learning and development tool.
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Pros

Combines HRIS capabilities and engagement features
User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation
Comprehensive features covering the entire employee lifecycle
Strong focus on compliance with European labor laws

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cons

Primarily tailored for European markets, which may limit applicability elsewhere
Some advanced features may require additional setup or customization
Some missing engagement capabilities, like an integrated LMS

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3. HiBob

HRIS for small business: Composite image of HiBob features including clock-in and clock-out.

HiBob is an HRIS platform that’s focused on the employee experience, retention, and productivity while offering must-have HR features. It’s built to be easy for both People professionals and the employees they manage, with innovative tools and plenty of customization options.
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Top HRIS features

Core HR capabilities: Organize employee data and documentation, org charts, time off, compensation, and document management with customizable workflows.
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Time tracking: Manage PTO and track working hours with location-specific compliance and holiday rules.
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Onboarding: Automate preboarding and onboarding tasks, introduce new hires to teammates, and track progress with built-in workflows.‍
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Performance management: Run structured reviews, 1:1 check-ins, and set up goal cycles with flexible templates and scheduling.
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Why HiBob is a great HRIS for small businesses

HiBob offers small businesses a comprehensive HR solution that combines essential HR functions with tools to enhance employee engagement and company culture. Its customizable features and user-friendly design make it an interesting choice for teams looking to streamline core HR processes. However, as with Personio, HiBob doesn’t include built-in tools for employee learning and development.
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Pros

Flexible workflows, fields, and dashboards that adapt to different organizational structures
Intuitive interface with social features designed to increase engagement
Built-in workflows for onboarding, reviews, and time off reduce manual admin
Supports localized compliance across multiple regions
Integrates with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Greenhouse, and some payroll providers

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cons

Doesn’t have robust performance and development tools, especially around goal setting and continuous feedback
No built-in learning feature or native content creation tools
Lacks advanced AI capabilities for survey analysis or predictive insights
SMBs may find the setup heavier than needed for leaner operations

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5. Lattice

HRIS for small business: Lattice product image showing headcount data.

Lattice is an HR platform that’s designed to help growing teams manage performance, engagement, and development. It centralizes tools for feedback, reviews, and goal tracking to support managers and drive consistent employee growth.
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Top HRIS features

Employee data management: Take care of day-to-day HR admin, like record management, reporting, and payroll administration.
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Onboarding workflows: Automate onboarding processes with customizable workflows, ensuring a consistent experience for new team members.
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Performance management: Facilitate continuous feedback, 1:1 meetings, and customizable review cycles to support employee growth.
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Employee engagement: Manage engagement surveys, pulse checks, and feedback mechanisms to gauge team member sentiment.
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Why Lattice is a great HRIS for small businesses

Lattice helps small businesses by integrating performance and engagement tools into everyday workflows. While it doesn’t offer the broader infrastructure of a comprehensive HRIS, it includes basic HRIS capabilities like employee record management and organizational charts. Meanwhile, the platform’s user-friendly design and automation capabilities reduce administrative tasks and minimize human error.
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Pros

User-friendly interface that’s accessible for managers and team members
Comprehensive performance and engagement tools in one platform
Built-in HRIS capabilities
Customizable workflows and surveys to fit unique business needs
Comprehensive analytics for informed decision-making

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cons

The learning curve may be steep for smaller businesses without dedicated HR support
Better suited for US-based businesses (rather than European or global)
Some newer modules are still in development
Some users flag a lack of customization options
Some users feel there aren’t enough reporting or dashboard automations

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7. Rippling

Rippling integrates HR, IT, and finance functions into one system. It offers businesses of all shapes and sizes a wide range of features to streamline their HR processes and boost efficiency.
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Features

Core HR capabilities: Features for managing employee data, taking care of reporting, and adjusting accessibility.
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Time tracking and attendance: These integrated tools show who worked when and ensure fair and quick payouts.
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Performance management: Smart tools for goal setting and tracking.
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Onboarding: Onboarding tools to help new team members get settled into their roles.

Pros

Comprehensive integrations with other business systems
Strong focus on automation and efficiency
User-friendly interface
Powerful analytics tools

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cons

Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Some users report a steep initial learning curve

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7. Workday

HRIS for small business: Screenshot of Workday hub showing events overview. — ‍

Workday is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that integrates HR, finance, and planning functions into a unified system. While it’s widely used by large enterprises, Workday also offers solutions that are tailored to SMBs, providing tools to streamline HR processes and support organizational growth.
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Top HRIS features

Core HR & employee data management: Organize employee data, organizational structures, and HR processes for efficient management.
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Time tracking & absence management: Track employee hours, leave management, and attendance records.
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Payroll & benefits administration: Support payroll processing and benefits management, ensuring compliance with various regulations.
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Talent management: Access tools for recruiting, onboarding, performance evaluations, and succession planning to nurture employee development.
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People analytics & reporting: Get real-time insights and generate customizable reports to inform strategic HR decisions.
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Why Workday is a great HRIS for small businesses

Workday’s enterprise-grade tools and unified platform are well-suited to SMBs with complex operational needs or long-term scaling plans. It helps you manage HR, finance, and planning in one place, while built-in analytics provide the visibility needed to stay compliant, control costs, and adjust quickly as your business grows. However, it may be an overly advanced or expensive solution for SMBs that need a simpler, more straightforward solution.
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Pros

Integrated platform combining HR, finance, and planning functions
Robust analytics and reporting capabilities
Modular platform lets you expand capabilities as needed
Real-time data updates across modules to support better decision-making
Comprehensive global compliance features

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cons

Complex implementation process may require dedicated resources
Despite the modular system, it may be less cost-effective for small businesses with simpler needs
Implementation requires significant planning and resources, which may necessitate a dedicated team
Ongoing updates and maintenance require continuous administrator training

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8. Deel

HRIS for small business: Deel product image of manager's dashboard.

Deel is designed for businesses that manage international employees and contractors. It combines HRIS functionality with global payroll, compliance, and contractor management tools, making it especially useful for distributed or remote-first teams.
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Top HRIS features

Global payroll: Manage multi-country payroll from one platform, with built-in compliance and tax calculations.
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Contractor & EOR management: Hire and pay international employees or contractors legally without setting up local entities.
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Onboarding: Automate document collection, equipment provisioning, and access setup for new hires across regions.
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Compliance tracking: Monitor legal, tax, and labor law compliance across different jurisdictions with regular updates.
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Why Deel is a great HRIS for small businesses

Deel simplifies international workforce management by consolidating HR, payroll, and compliance. Its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities reduce administrative overhead, making it an efficient solution for small businesses operating across borders. However, it doesn’t have the in-depth people enablement capabilities that dedicated platforms like Leapsome have.

Pros

Comprehensive global payroll and compliance features
User-friendly interface with strong self-service options
Automated onboarding and HR workflows
Centralized document management with enterprise-grade security

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cons

Doesn’t have extensive people enablement capabilities
Advanced payroll and compliance features may be unnecessary for businesses without international operations
Some users feel it’s an expensive solution

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Warum Kunden uns lieben

Leapsome hat mein berufliches Wachstum und meine Entwicklung grundlegend verändert. Was mir an Leapsome am besten gefällt, ist, dass es mir ermöglicht, meine Karriere selbst zu gestalten. Die benutzerfreundliche Oberfläche und das intuitive Design von Leapsome haben mir die Navigation und Nutzung der Plattform unglaublich leicht gemacht.

Victor J.

Enterprise (1000+ Mitarbeiter)

Leapsome zeichnet sich als erstklassige Plattform aus, die nahtlos ein breites Spektrum organisatorischer Anforderungen abdeckt und in den Bereichen Leistungsmanagement, Mitarbeiterengagement, OKRs und Lernen überzeugt. Seine beispiellose Stärke liegt in der tiefen Integration mit bestehenden Tools und der mühelosen Anbindung an unser HRIS, Slack, etc.

Jamie S.

Mid-market (50-1000 Mitarbeiter)

Unser Unternehmen ist neu bei Leapsome, aber das Onboarding verlief fantastisch. Unser Leapsome-Ansprechpartner hat uns bei jedem Schritt begleitet, um sicherzustellen, dass der Prozess für das HR-Team und alle Mitarbeiter einfach ist. Er hat uns Schritt für Schritt durch den Prozess geführt, um innerhalb kürzestes Zeit startklar zu sein!