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7 Best HCM Tools in 2025 to Consider

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I used to think Fun Fridays were not my thing. Until I witnessed my HR teams in action and their earnest efforts to provide a supportive and positive environment for each employee.

Each HR executive goes out of their way to provide employee assistance, grievance redressal, or instant query resolution to foster a conducive work environment. Some of it is done by establishing in-person interactions, while other quantitative processes require human capital management (HCM) software to work. 

Curious to learn about ethical HR practices and strategies, I experimented with the 7 best HCM software to understand the HR team’s key concerns and solve them.

My ultimate motto for testing and evaluating HCM software was to identify key features and unique differentiators that can optimize overall HR strategy. Let’s get into it!

After exploring a treasure trove of features of HCM software, I came to the conclusion that most of the HR teams still organize their activities in silos, rely on standalone agent legacy software, and don’t have a unified HR suite to consolidate employee workflows.

7 best HCM software that I strongly recommend

I won’t say I am an expert in evaluating HCM software, but I am an experienced employee who receives the offerings of HR teams. With a fair gap between what we expect as employees and what HR teams strive to give, I have always had an innate curiosity to understand the backend of HR management tools and analyze how HCM tools have to be implemented correctly.

From generating performance reviews to providing employee query resolution to managing income tax regulations and revising salary increments, HCM tools provide a unified suite for HR teams to manage accounting and finance operations, cater to employee growth, and overlook recruiting workflows.

By choosing an HCM tool, HR teams can overlook broader and niche HR categories, optimize workforce diversity, and provide end-to-end employee management services. To find out what necessary parameters to seek while investing dollars in HCM software, I tested around seven of them on fronts like features, pricing, pros and cons, and real-time user reviews to put this list together. 

How did I find and evaluate the best game engine software?

 I shortlisted the top leading performers in the HCM software category on G2 and analyzed the top 7 solutions over a period of several days and months. I distinctly verified the claimed features, pricing, and other key parameters like customer satisfaction rate, ease of admin, ease of budget, and market presence in real-time by signing up for free trials as well as experimenting with premium subscriptions.

 

I also narrowed down my findings with AI and shortlisted the most frequently highlighted sentiments of users, drawbacks, upgrades, and annual maintenance of these tools to create a well-researched software analysis for your teams to consider your decisions and continue with your buyer research.

 

In cases where I couldn’t personally use a tool due to limited access, I consulted a professional with hands-on experience and validated their insights using verified G2 reviews. The screenshots featured in this article may mix those captured during testing and those obtained from the vendor’s G2 page.

 

I also went deep into several challenges consequencing from using scattered third-party tools like discrepancy in salary transactions, employee dissatisfaction, delayed team updates, delay in account statement creation, and overall higher recruiting costs, and learned how an HCM tool has the ability to resolve these problems and optimize return on investment (ROI).

What makes an HCM software worth it: my two cents 

I personally feel that an HCM tool should benefit both the buyer and the consumer, i.e., stakeholders, clients, and employees who would work with the rolled-out software stack.

Just like my analysis, factoring in your individual workforce objectives and aiming for a tool that doesn’t compromise employee motivation or productivity should be immediate concerns while shortlisting an HCM tool. As this is a broader software category that holds core HR, performance management, and accounting tools under its umbrella, it is important to categorize sub-HR functions and understand the ROI levers as you dive into the research.

While doing your own research, these are the parameters you should pay attention to in HCM software:

  • Predictive workforce analytics: After digging into dashboards and tweaking some settings in an HCM, I realized how powerful predictive analytics can be. it helped me forecast attrition risks, identify high-potential employees, and optimize shift planning based on historical performance and engagement trends. Having this feature can really optimize long-term workforce planning and ROI tracking. 
  • AI-driven performance management: I tested multiple performance review cycles and saw how AI-driven insights flagged biased review patterns, highlighted skill gaps, and offered nudges for timely feedback. It turned performance management from check-the-box process to real-time coaching tool. 
  • Dynamic learning experience platforms (LXP): What stood out here was the ability to curate personalized learning paths using AI. These platforms analyzed each employee’s role, skills, and performance to recommend courses and certifications without much manual intervention. This made scaling employee training across departments seamless and efficient. 
  • Skills ontology and talent marketplace: I mapped employee skills against open internal opportunities to fill roles faster without hiring externally. This helped close skill gaps and drive internal mobility by matching people to gigs, not just titles. It also helped reduce talent acquisition costs by strategically tapping into internal resources and reducing job vacancies.
  • Automated DEI analysis and reporting: I explored DEI dashboards that broke down workforce composition, hiring pipelines, pay equity, and promotion patterns by demographic groups. I shortlisted the tools offering automated audit trails and benchmark reports that helped ensure compliance while advocating meaningful, data-backed metrics to determine HR goals. 
  • End-to-end recruitment marketing automation: I also configured a few campaign workflows to target specific candidate personas and saw how the system optimized ad spends, nurtured leads through email drips, and tracked conversations from job post to offer acceptance. This kind of automation reduced my reliance on third-party agencies and directly improved hiring ROI.
  • Competency-based learning paths: I included this because general training programs were not driving measurable growth. With competency-based paths, I could align learning modules directly to job requirements and performance goals. It gave employees a clear roadmap to level up and gave me tangible proof of skill development and business impact. 
  • Programmatic job advertising: I shortlisted solutions that provide this to bring more precision to our recruiting strategy. Instead of blanket job postings, this feature uses real-time bidding and audience targeting to place ads in front of the right candidates on the right platforms at the right time. It maximized our budget and brought in high-quality applicants faster.

At all times, I created end-to-end employee hiring, onboarding, and payroll case studies and evaluated these HCM tools against them to present an unbiased analysis to the audience. 

After my evaluation, I learned that each HCM tool has various categories that cater to each branch of employee staffing and recruitment strategy. Out of several tools I worked with and researched, these top 7 tools stood out and checked all the boxes.

Here is the list of genuine reviews from the HCM software category page. To be included in this category, software must:

  • Be present in three of the four categories: core HR, corporate LMS, performance management, or any recruiting software. 
  • Offer a series of modules that can be purchased separately
  • Include multiple modules that integrate to create a unified system for HR management.
  • Provide functionalities across more than one HR software category destination.

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Gusto

Gusto is a comprehensive HR suite that manages payroll, forecasts workforce strategies, optimizes talent acquisition, and tracks employee hiring pipelines for HR teams.

From the get-go, Gusto’s payroll module stood out. Running payroll was no longer a monthly stressor. It became quick, almost like a hands-off task.

Gusto automates all processes, such as direct deposits, tax filings, and year-end forms like W-2s and 1099s. I didn’t have to chase deadlines or keep up with the compliance updates. Gusto handled that, and it did it cleanly. Plus, the “you got paid!” emails to employees were a nice touch that actually made payday feel kind of fun.

The HR management tools made it easy to onboard new employees. I could send offer letters digitally, collect direct deposit details, and make sure all the I-9 and  W-4 forms were submitted before day one.

I didn’t need to print a single document or deal with awkward first-party paperwork. One thing I appreciated was how intuitive the employee service portal is. My team could log in to update their info, access their pay stubs, and even manage their benefits without asking me for help every time.

Speaking of benefits, Gusto does a solid job there, too. The benefits administration module includes health, dental and vision plans, and they even help with compliance and filings. I loved that everything was integrated, and there wasn’t a need to juggle spreadsheets or multiple platforms. Employees can enroll and make changes for themselves, which again took the work off my plate.

Also, once I upgraded to a higher plan, I also got access to time tracking. Employees could clock in and out, and all of that fed directly into payroll. No manual entry, rounding errors, or late nights trying to calculate overtime. I could also manage paid time off and approve requests through the platform without needing yet another tool. 

However, Gusto does have areas for improvement. One of my biggest frustrations was the reporting functionality. While you can pull standard reports, customizing them is more difficult than it should be. I tried slicing compensation data a few different ways, but the filters and export options felt a little too limited. It is not ideal, but I definitely wished for more flexibility. 

Also, customer support wasn’t always effective. Sometimes, I got someone helpful and knowledgeable. Other times, especially when I had more complex questions, the answers felt vague or generic. 

I wasn’t confident that they always understood the issue, which can be a little limiting when dealing with payroll or tax filings.

There were also moments when I felt like I had “grown out” of certain tools. As our teams grew, I noticed Gusto’s limitations around document management and deeper HR analytics. It’s perfect for small teams, but larger organizations need more robust functionality than Gusto currently offers. 

Overall, Gusto offers strong value for money with its full-blown HCM suite and helps manage compensation, payroll, training, and forecasting easily. 

What I like about Gusto:

  • I loved how easy and straightforward Gusto is to navigate, as I could easily and quickly locate the tasks that I needed to complete. 
  • I also received great support during the implementation and integration of Gusto into our payroll process with the onboarding team.

What do G2 Users like about Gusto:

Gusto is a thoughtfully designed platform that offers an exceptionally user-friendly experience. It streamlines time tracking, payroll, and money transfers, making these processes both simple and enjoyable. The app-first approach enhances usability, creating a seamless and intuitive system that feels modern and efficient.”

– Gusto Review, Jonathan A.

What I dislike about Gusto:
  • Although Gusto’s customer service offered good service, I experienced long wait times and insistence on completing verification procedures. It has also been echoed in G2 reviews.
  •  Completing the company profile took me a bit more time. I had to input many areas to create an accurate payroll, which has been highlighted in G2 reviews. 
What do G2 users dislike about Gusto:

The timesheets are simultaneously busy and also don’t show as much information as I’m used to. We came from another platform that would show the hours worked and pay accrued so the employee could track their time and expected pay, and as a manager, I could double check the numbers when doing payroll.”

– Gusto Review, Amanda O. 

Build accurate and timely payrolls to organize your pay-outs with the 7 best payroll software to give timely salary experience. 

2. RUN Powered by ADP

RUN powered by ADP offers a suite of HCM and HRMS features, such as cloud HR data storage, payroll administration, benefits administration, and real-time HR analytics, to streamline your day-to-day tasks and projects.

When I first started using RUN Powered by ADP, I was mainly just looking for something to handle payroll. But I quickly realized it’s more than just a payroll tool.

it’s kind of like a light HCM suite built for small businesses. I was impressed at how it handles core HR workflows without it becoming too overwhelming. 

The payroll module is the highlight of the tool. It’s smooth, accurate, and honestly kind of foolproof. Once I set it up, it became a “set it and forget it” system. I love how it automatically handles tax filing, including federal, state, and even local taxes. I don’t have to worry about missing a deadline or calculating anything. Run just does it.

And yes, direct deposit works like a charm. I’ve never had to deal with employees chasing late payments. 

One more area where RUN surprised me is the onboarding. Setting up new employees is quick and intuitive. The platform guides you through the process, and in some states, it even helps with new hire reporting. That’s been a huge time saver. Plus, I like that it can collect tax forms and direct deposit info digitally, all in one go. 

HR support is also included in some of the higher-tier plans, and while I don’t use it every day, it is nice to know it’s there when I need help with compliance questions or templates for things like offer letters or disciplinary actions.

Speaking of compliance, RUN keeps everything in check. It flags any missing info, sends reminders, and helps me stay aligned with payroll laws, which honestly gives me a lot of peace of mind. 

One of the underrated features for me is the reporting module. Whether I need a payroll summary or a breakdown of taxes and deductions, I can generate it in seconds. It’s especially helpful at the end of the quarter when I’m prepping for year-end taxes. I also found the customization solid, as I can adjust fields and export in any file format for my accountants.

The platform also supports benefits tracking, although I’ve seen more robust benefits modules in full-scale HCM systems. That said, for my side, it covers the basics well, like logging deductions and showing contributions. I also get notifications before every payroll run or filing event, which has saved me from missing a few deadlines. 

run-powered-by-adp

However, there are a couple of tradeoffs. The integration with other platforms like Quickbooks isn’t smooth and can be clunky, especially during the initial setup. 

I’ve noticed that the cost can creep up as you add more modules or features (like worker’s comp or advanced HR tools). But honestly, for what I get in return (the stability and support), it is worth it.

Overall, RUN Powered by ADP is a well-suited HCM suite that empowers your teams to monitor payroll, optimize tax filings, and improve accounting efficiency. 

What I like about RUN Powered by ADP:

  • RUN Powered by ADP can support a digital onboarding process during new hire onboarding.
  • I found RUN extremely easy to navigate, adding employees and all the information necessary to create payroll profiles.

What do G2 Users like about RUN Powered by ADP:

One of my favorite things about RUN is that it has the capabilities to support a digital onboarding process. This enabled us to switch to a more streamlined process when bringing new employees on board. This has helped to eliminate room for error and make onboarding more clear and easier to facilitate.”

– RUN Powered by ADP Review, Kennedy H.

What I dislike about RUN Powered by ADP:
  • While I appreciate that RUN offers ADP Salary Benchmarks within the HR section, the wage breakdown could be a little clearer. The same is highlighted in G2 reviews.
  • I felt that there were long wait times on the phone for technical issues, as also highlighted in the G2 reviews. 
What do G2 users dislike about RUN Powered by ADP:

ADP systems do not always link or integrate with other platforms. It works best if you use their systems for payroll and benefits to ensure information is shared between systems. The downfall of customer service is every time you call, you speak with a different person.”
– RUN Powered by ADP Review, Kim S. 

3. Rippling

Rippling is an all-in-one HR management tool offers HR, payroll, compliance, IT, onboarding, and workforce analytics services. It helps HR teams manage and optimize employee operations while maintaining compliance among teams.

The interface is clean and intuitive; you don’t need to be proficient in tech to figure it out. I could move through onboarding, payroll, and benefits like I’d been using the system for years. Even basic things like logging in and navigating modules felt seamless. 

The onboarding module stood out to me. I’ve never had such a fast and easy setup experience. Rippling walks you through everything step by step, and it even includes training videos that explain how to use different features.

You can add new hires to the system and handle docs, device assignments, and payroll enrollment all in the same flow. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into it. 

Payroll is a highlight of the platform. Running payroll is fast, and I didn’t encounter any weird lags or confusing menus. I love that I can view employee details, run reports, and adjust salaries all in one place. Plus, it connects to benefits, taxes, and paid time off (PTO) modules and syncs information in real-time. It’s saved me so much time.

It also offers user-friendly benefits administration. I didn’t need to dig through a million tabs or send three follow-up emails to HR to get answers. I can see everything on the platform, like open enrollment and selecting plan features. I can also review plan details, make selections, and even compare options without any headaches.

What’s also impressive is how Rippling integrates all these features into one platform. Whether I am looking at documents, tracking time off (PTO), or just accessing my training materials, I don’t have to juggle between platforms.

I never felt as if I was jumping between disconnected tools. Even the mobile experience is very well integrated into the entire ecosystem. I can approve time off and check employee benefits while I am on the go.

rippling

However, that said, it does have its share of cons. Sometimes, smaller things like admin permissions or the time tracking setup are a little difficult to understand and require some research. It is not that they don’t work; it’s just that there is a learning curve if you want to customize them.

While I haven’t personally encountered support issues, a few team members mentioned minor delays when contacting customer service.

Overall, Rippling consolidates HRIS, payroll management, salary information, tax and compliance, and audit management all in a single platform to provide broader support and accommodate all branches of the HR department.

What I like about Rippling:

  • I love how Rippling integrates HR, payroll, benefits, and IT management on a single platform, thus reducing the need for multiple systems.
  • I found the platform extremely easy to navigate. With just a few clicks, I can clock in, check pay stubs, or request time off. 

What do G2 Users like about Rippling:

“Most of my experience is as an end user of Rippling. I find it really easy to file for time off, view my organizational data, and perform benefits changes. I have used these all roughly monthly and find them really great. I feel that the approvals happen smoothly and I am notified when needed, and no more than that. In these ways, Rippling is pretty straightforward; I’m grateful for that. It really is a nice product.”

– Rippling Review, Tyler J.

What I dislike about Rippling:
  • While Rippling offers a great suite of features, there can be a bit of a learning curve for new users like me. G2 reviews have highlighted this.
  • I also felt that Rippling offers limited customization options for its reporting tools. The same has been reflected in G2 reviews.
What do G2 users dislike about Rippling:

One thing that I dislike about ripping would be the mobile app. It can be a bit slow at times, and there are a few extra steps to correct a missed punch. A more responsive app with a smoother process for edits would be helpful.”

– Rippling review, Tania S.

Build a comprehensive, data-driven workforce strategy by understanding real-time metrics via HR analytics software and plan successful, data-backed initiatives.

4. Deel

Deel is a robust HCM tool that oversees payroll, tax, compliance, staffing, employee training, and real-time performance analytics while offering data privacy and security.

When I first started using Deel, I was honestly just looking for a way to simplify payroll for my remote team. However, I ended up doing way more than I expected.

Deel isn’t just another HR tool but a complete platform for managing global workforces. From onboarding to payroll to compliance, it handles it all, and the whole experience is surprisingly smooth.

What immediately stood out was how intuitive and responsive it was. Setting up my account took less than 10 minutes, and I could create and sign contracts with almost no effort. The user interface is clean and minimal, with a dashboard that actually makes sense.

It doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary features but still gives you access to everything you need, like automated contract generation, localized compliance rules, tax documents, or a self-serve payment system.

One thing I appreciated early on was how easy it was to pay contractors and employees in their local currencies. Deel supports over 150 countries and seamlessly handles multi-currency payroll. I could choose from various withdrawal methods (like bank transfer, PayPal, Wise, or Revolut), and payments were fast and reliable.

Deel also offers some perks depending on your plan tier. On higher-end plans, for example, you get access to employer of record (EOR) services, which basically let Deel legally hire employees on your behalf in countries where you don’t have a business entity.

That alone saved me the headache (and cost) of setting up a local branch in places like the Philippines and Brazil. For contractors, there are even options to get advanced payments or loans based on their work history—kind of like an earned wage access feature, which is super helpful to cash flow.

I also appreciated their active customer service. I never had to wait long to get a real person on chat, and the support team was actually helpful. There was none of that generic copy-paste nonsense. They were quick with contract adjustments and payroll questions and even helped one of my hires with a relocation visa. 

deel

However, I did encounter some issues with the platform. There were occasional bugs, although nothing major. Sometimes, logging in through Google was a bit hard. 

I’ve also had a couple of moments when document processing was slower than expected. While Deel’s reporting system is decent, I really wished they had offered more advanced customization or better integration with tools like QuickBooks and Bamboo HR. 

I also found a lack of robust tax guidance for contractors, especially those working with multiple contractors. Plus, if you are a startup or a solo operator, the price might be a bit steep. 

Some team members have also mentioned that the tool has a learning curve. If you are not acquainted with global payroll systems, you need to learn how to use them. It would help if Deel offered more onboarding tutorials or used case-specific guides.

That said, Deel is a user-friendly, compliant, and reliable HR platform to store, manage, and secure your company transactions, payroll, and employee profiles.

What I like about Deel:

  • I love how Deel makes it easy to receive payments and takes care of everything, like currency conversion, to ensure payments are made on time and according to other factors.
  • I also found that it was extremely simple, easy, and intuitive to set up an account without wasting time searching or figuring out the work. 

What do G2 Users like about Deel:

Deel makes hiring and managing international payments ridiculously easy. The interface is clean, contracts are automated, and payments are handled smoothly without me having to think too much about exchange rates or compliance headaches. The best part? I don’t have to chase down invoices or worry about local labor laws—Deel takes care of that. It’s a real game-changer for remote work”

– Deel Review, Tyler J.

 

What I dislike about Deel:
  • While the deal offers great functionality, the pricing can be a bit high for smaller businesses, as reflected in G2 reviews.
  • I also felt a gap, as there were times when I needed help, and it felt like it took some time to get a response. The same has been highlighted in G2 reviews.
What do G2 users dislike about Deel:

“While Deel is highly efficient, the transaction fees for certain payment methods can be a bit high. Bank transfers occasionally take longer than expected, and expanding local currency support would improve accessibility. Additionally, a more detailed breakdown of transaction fees upfront would enhance transparency for users.”

– Deel review, Muhammad Mateen Ali H. 

5. UKG Ready

UKG Ready is a cloud-based payroll and HCM solution that centralizes all employee workflows- from leave management to time and attendance tracking to payslip generation. It offers a seamless and intuitive UI to manage payroll accurately

What I loved most about UKG Ready is that it offers HR and workforce management processes under one umbrella. Whether I am clocking in with a single tap from a mobile app, requesting time off, or approving timesheets for my team, the platform makes it all seamless. 

It is super user-friendly, clean, intuitive, and pleasant to use. Tasks that took ages before, like running payroll reports or modifying timesheets, now take a lot less time.

I also appreciate UKG Ready’s mobile app. It syncs in real-time, which means I can approve and review requests even when I am not at my desk.

One of the small but handy features I really love is being able to view my next pay date and hours worked right on the main dashboard 

The platform is modular, so depending on your plan, you can access more advanced capabilities like talent acquisition, onboarding, performance reviews, and learning management. We opted for some of the premium modules, and it has been worth it. 

I especially like the HR and payroll integration, where I can find everything, from employee data to benefit deductions. No more clunky spreadsheets or imports.

If you are a part of a growing organization or juggling multiple departments, these add-ons really streamline everything.

ukg-ready

However, there are a few areas where UKG Ready can improve. The system has either slowed down or temporarily gone offline a few times during peak usage hours. While the support is helpful, you still need to create tickets and wait around, which isn’t ideal if you are on a tight deadline.

Another issue I’ve noticed is with report customization. The canned reports are fine, but trying to create something custom can be confusing unless you are already familiar with the system’s logic. It’s not as drag-and-drop friendly as I had hoped. 

Also, the onboarding flow feels a bit rigid. For new hires, there could be more flexibility around forms and scheduling. Some users in my team also pointed out that the clock-out process for breaks isn’t intuitive. 

That said, UKG Ready provides a myriad of HR and payroll automation services, time tracking, time-off accrual, and compliance management to optimize your recruiting and HR workflows. 

What I like about UKG Ready:

  • I loved how easy and user-friendly it is to implement and the implementation team’s reciprocation during the onboarding process. 
  • I also appreciate how it operates in an “Excel-like” format, and any data or information I can see in front of me can easily be exported to a .csv file.

What do G2 Users like about UKG Ready:

I use UKG Ready daily for timekeeping/timeclock punches. The UI is very clean and easy to see. I like that it’s not “busy” with too many colors and too much information on the “home” screen after login. Also, I like that some of the widgets can be resized and moved around and that button icons are easy to understand at a quick glance. Last, I appreciate that my bookmarked link doesn’t require me to sign in or authenticate with a 2FA method each time I need to submit a time punch (especially when it’s 07:59:45 and it’s time to clock in!).”
– UKG Review, Thomas C. 

 

What I dislike about UKG Ready:
  • While it offers a great user interface, I noticed that while implementing time off, there are some extra steps that users need to take that need to be taught. The same has been highlighted in G2 reviews.
  • I also noticed that at least once a week, I get logged out of the system and have to log back in. This has also been highlighted in G2 reviews. 
What do G2 users dislike about UKG Ready

The only negative I have experienced is that sometimes the connection to the mobile device doesn’t always register. I signed in/out on the phone but later found it was not in the system.”

– UKG Ready Review, Kathy H.

6. Paylocity

Paylocity is a one-stop HR and talent management solution that provides onboarding, talent acquisition, payroll, benefits, and time tracking to consolidate major HR workflows and simplify daily hiring and staffing hassles. 

At first, the interface felt a little overwhelming, but after getting the hang of it, I realized how much it offers. I use it for everything from onboarding to payroll to performance management and time tracking.

What I love most is how seamlessly integrated everything is. I don’t have to switch between multiple tools to handle HR and payroll tasks, as everything is unified in one platform.

The UI is generally clean and user-friendly. We can run reports very straightforwardly. It also features a self-service portal where employees can update their information, access pay stubs, or request time off without me having to get involved constantly.

I also appreciate how responsive it is on mobile. It is great for quick approvals and checking updates on the go. The performance management module is another highlight. It includes goal tracking, regular feedback, and review cycles that actually help drive engagement and good employee experience.

I also appreciated the survey feature. It lets us gather real-time employee feedback through pulse surveys, which has helped improve workforce morale and decision making. We also had web-based access to benefits, timecards, and payroll summaries through Web Pay and Web Time, which made things super convenient for our distributed teams.

paylocity

Paylocity also gives you access to a report writer and a knowledge base, which are helpful but have limitations. While the reporting system is powerful, it isn’t as customizable as I’d like.

Sometimes, I struggle to get granular data out without manually messaging it in Excel afterwards. It is also hard to set up multiple direct deposit accounts. 

If you want to learn new features of the tool, you need to go through a learning curve and train yourself hard.

Customer service was another pain point for me. The team has some great reps, but reaching out to them when something fails is tricky. It seems that once you’re onboarded, you kind of lose the white glove support.

If you are on a higher tier plan, you might get a dedicated account manager, but “available” isn’t always “helpful.” The support team tends to be reactive, and some team members have reported that their account managers have disappeared for months with no backup.

You also need to be patient in the implementation phase of the onboarding. It is not exactly plug-and-play. You have to spend time cleaning your data and learning system logic. It’s definitely powerful, but you need to meet it halfway.

Overall, Paylocity extends its powerful and customized HRMS services to the organization and offers a centralized platform to monitor workforce management.

What I like about Paylocity:

  • I love Paylocity’s UI, which makes locating features I need for my daily tasks relatively straightforward.
  • I also appreciated the continuous updates that are being made to the platform to make it even more reliable and user-friendly. 

What do G2 Users like about Paylocity:

“I like that Paylocity is easy to navigate. Also, our company has run the gambit of payroll processors, and Paylocity is one of the few that offers customer support that is available after a short hold, and everyone I have spoken to is local. Other large payroll processors outsource their client services, and hold times were atrocious. We look forward to all that Paylocity will roll out in the future to make our lives easier!”

– Paylocity Review, Jamie G.

What I dislike about Paylocity:
  • I do have issues with the customer service team when it comes to problem-solving. I feel it often takes weeks, if not months. The same has been highlighted in G2 reviews.
  • While the implementation was mostly smooth, it took us a bit longer to understand how the system worked, and we underwent a challenging transition. The same is reflected in G2 reviews.
What do G2 users dislike about Paylocity:

“I do not like that Paylocity can take days, if not weeks or months, to provide an answer to tax questions. Sometimes, we have had an issue with taxes or tax rates that Paylocity researches and then comes back with a generic answer that doesn’t help us, and we feel like we have to start over again under a time constraint.”

– Paylocity Review, Charvel W.

7. Remote

Remote is an integrated HR and workforce management solution that provides remote administration of employee onboarding, offers performance management and employee training, and automates financial operations for your company. 

One drastic difference I noticed with the remote is that it doesn’t bombard you with unnecessary options or clutter. You can navigate payroll, onboarding, and tax compliance seamlessly.

From when I signed up, I could easily manage everything, from document submission to contract agreement finalization. The onboarding process, while a bit lengthy, covered everything thoroughly. And I love that everything is centralized; payslips, contract updates, tax documents – all in one dashboard.

What makes Remote stand out is its ability to handle cross-border employment like a pro. I’ve used it to hire in multiple countries, and each time, it gave me a clear picture of legalities. No more chasing legal advice or second-guessing compliance issues. It offers the Employer of Record (EOR) service integration that takes care of that.

I have also relied heavily on payroll features, which have been consistent with timely payments and clear breakdowns. I also want to give a shoutout to their support team, who were incredibly responsive and helpful, even with the most basic questions.

I’ve been on the growth plan, which includes EOR services, benefits administration, and global payroll. It’s honestly a crucial tool if you are scaling quickly and don’t want the legal and compliance headache. What I found particularly useful is the integration of third-party tools and how Remote offers built-in document templates that can be customized for each country. 

The higher-tier plans also include more detailed reporting and expense management tools, which are essential when managing international contractors and employees.

remote HCM software

However, the platform has some downsides. One thing I struggled with initially was the account setup. It wasn’t impossible, but it was definitely not plug-and-play. Also, while the desktop interface is great, the mobile version can feel a little clunky, especially when trying to approve documents or payroll in one go. 

I’ve also noticed that things like health insurance benefits and invoicing aren’t always clear, especially for contractors outside the US. Some team members mentioned that they’d appreciate more transparent options and the ability to customize.

I also had issues with currency conversion. As someone who pays contractors in Europe while managing from the US, I know that remote users’ USD to EUR rates aren’t always competitive. It is not a big deal, but the cost adds up.

A few folks in my network have also said they’d love more flexibility in plan upgrades or the option to manually handle some HR functions.

Overall, Remote is a reliable and globally renowned payroll and HR platform that empowers you to manage cross-border transactions, legal and compliance, payroll and taxes, and contractor agreements all on a single platform.

What I like about Remote:

  • I love how Remote’s support team is extremely professional and always ready to help to make things simple.
  • I also appreciated how the platform made it easy to follow instructions and file all the paperwork needed before my contract, like signing NDAs and verifying identity. 

What do G2 Users like about Remote:

“Remote.com makes it easy for companies to hire and pay employees or contractors worldwide without worrying about legal and tax compliance. It handles payroll, benefits, and compliance in different countries, saving businesses time and effort. The platform is user-friendly, and their customer support is responsive.”

 

-Remote Review, Christian L.

What I dislike about Remote:
  • Although it is a great HCM, pricing can be a bit high for small businesses and startups. G2 reviews have also highlighted this.
  • I struggled to connect the tool with our HRIS system. For some parts, like registering leave, we have to have a double administration. The same has been highlighted in G2 reviews.
What do G2 users dislike about Remote:

“It could be a bit more flexible, as it doesn’t allow you to create special sections for your invoice. For example, I would like to be able to state the number of hours worked and the cost per hour, as opposed to doing it as a lump sum. In general, I’d like more flexibility in setting and filling out the fields of my invoices.”

-Remote Review, Rafael V.

Click to chat with G2s Monty-AI

Best HCM software: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best HCM software for large companies?

Workday, SAP Success Factors, and Oracle HCM are top choices for large companies. They offer robust scalability, global compliance, and deep integrations suited for complex enterprise needs.

2. What is the best HCM software for manufacturing companies?

The best HCM for manufacturing companies include UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), SAP SuccessFactors, and Oracle HCM Cloud. These platforms offer strong workforce scheduling, labor cost tracking, and compliance features tailored to shift-based, high-volume environments.

3. What HCM does Accenture use?

Accenture has partnered with SAP SuccessFactors to elevate their HR and finance strategies with transformative technologies. By leveraging machine learning and blockchain, Accenture has emphasized the importance of staying ahead in a dynamic market and revolutionizing the workforce of today. 

4. How does the HCM tool integrate with existing payroll and ERP systems?

An HCM tool can integrate with existing payroll or ERP via an application programming interface (APIs), webhooks, or integrated data studios (IDE). One also needs to be wary of operating system versioning and network compatibility while configuring an HCM tool.

5. What data security and compliance standards does the HCM solution support?

Top HCM software companies comply with global standards like GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001, offering role-based access controls and encrypted data storage to protect sensitive HR information.

6. How scalable is the HCM platform for a growing workforce and global expansion?

An HCM platform is built to scale global transactions, supervise HR operations, automate payroll administration, and engage in conducive training, surveys, and growth initiatives to expand a global footprint and increase workforce productivity.

Better than a salary cash counter

While I was analyzing and reviewing the top HCM tools, I came to terms with the vast and diverse operations of the HR sector. From salary management to performance review to appraisals to legal and compliance, HR teams need to wear multiple hats to mitigate the risk of sensitive employee data and legal breaches.

As an HR professional, it is imperative for you to understand the resource bandwidth, revenue, turnover, and budget parameters of your department and then align your goals and proposal with your research to invest in a compatible HR solution. At the same time, you should prioritize employee experience and growth to build a successful company. Once you have the deliverables in place, you can dive into meaningful research and compare organic efforts with this research report to get the best results. 



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