If you’re looking to grow your mid-sized business, streamline your HR processes—or both—an efficient human resource information system (HRIS) can help keep everything organized and scalable. The right HRIS ensures that your HR team can focus on strategic growth initiatives while automating routine tasks like payroll and benefits management.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best HRIS platforms for medium-sized businesses. These systems can help your HR team automate tedious HR tasks, centralize your people data, and keep growing teams connected and organized.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Prospective users are encouraged to conduct their own research to make the best decision for their organization.
What is an HRIS?
An HRIS is a software system that manages HR processes and tracks employee-related data. HR teams use HRIS solutions for a wide range of functions including payroll management, employee benefits administration, attendance and time tracking, and workforce data analysis.
Why does a mid-sized company need an HRIS?
Mid-sized companies welcome new challenges as they scale, especially when managing diverse roles across multiple sites. An HRIS helps automate tedious paperwork to reduce the administrative burden on HR teams.
HR leaders can use this extra time to focus on strategic initiatives like fostering a healthy company culture, boosting employee engagement, and implementing learning and development programs.
The best HRIS for medium businesses
The right HRIS can optimize HR workflows, guide data-driven decisions, and help teams stay organized—whether in-office or remote. Let’s look at the best HRIS platforms for mid-sized businesses.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Prospective users are encouraged to conduct their own research to make the best decision for their organization.
HiBob
Mid-sized business leaders use HiBob’s all-in-one HRIS, Bob, to engage and manage their people as their business scales. The user-friendly interface helps teams learn the system easily so organizations can boost productivity and see quick ROI (return on investment).
HR teams can access real-time data to make important changes, like optimizing headcount and addressing turnover before they impact business goals. They can also automate HR processes, organize their people data, and improve employee engagement all on one platform.
For businesses managing multiple sites or remote teams, Bob seamlessly integrates with communication tools and payroll software to keep everyone connected.
Key features:
- People Analytics: Generate real-time insights into workforce trends, turnover, and productivity to drive data-driven decisions
- Document management: Centralizes team member documents in a secure digital environment to streamline access and storage
- Onboarding: Automate onboarding tasks and workflows to provide a smooth and engaging experience for new joiners
- Time and attendance tracking: Track hours, attendance, and vacation days to provide accurate records for payroll processing
- Performance management: Manage feedback, goal-setting, and 360-degree performance reviews to ensure individual growth
- Self-service: Empower people to manage their own data, request time off, and access personal documents to reduce the workload for HR teams
- Payroll: Handle salary calculations, deductions, and tax compliance to make payroll more efficient and error-free
- Compensation management: Manage salary structures, bonuses, and compensation packages to provide fair, competitive compensation
- Surveys: Run pulse surveys and collect feedback to help leaders monitor and improve team member engagement and morale
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Intuitive interface for quick adoption
- Seamlessly integrates with other business tools like Slack and payroll systems
- Features customizable onboarding flows and performance management tools to increase employee engagement
- Offers learning programs to promote company-wide growth
- Centralizes a full range of HR features including payroll, performance management, employee engagement, and compliance
- Generates powerful reports to reveal workforce trends
Cons:
- “No specific format for phone numbers” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
Pricing (as of publication date): HiBob pricing plans are crafted personally for HR leaders to match their needs. The flexible options let you get precisely what your HR team requires, from implementation to integrations.
ADP
ADP is an HR suite that provides features for payroll, HRIS functions, and benefits management. The system offers over 200 prebuilt reports for identifying workforce trends. It can help businesses with global operations in over 140 countries.
Key features:
- Access customizable and mobile-enabled onboarding
- Track hours worked and attendance
- Vet potential candidates with screening services
- Measure engagement trends with real-time people data
- Automate payroll processing
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Makes it easy to navigate to find information on team members
- Offers prompt bug fixes
Cons:
- “The onboarding experience is not great and confusing for employees.” – verified review
- “The reporting feature in ADP is absolutely horrible. Half the time it doesn’t work or give you the results you need.” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
BambooHR
BambooHR offers a centralized platform to manage various HR tasks like payroll, time tracking, and performance management. The platform integrates with over 100 third-party apps and is available for use in over 150 countries.
Key features:
- Streamline onboarding with task automation
- Facilitate performance reviews and goal-tracking
- Track employee work hours, time-off requests, and PTO
- Manage employee benefits and the enrollment processes
- Generate reports to track workforce trends
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Offers intuitive onboarding for new joiners
- Features an easy-to-use platform
Cons:
- “The integrations are also lacking, making it difficult to connect with other systems.” – verified review
- “The main downside at the moment is the analytics capability that is weak so you need to extract data and do a lot of the analysis yourself.” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
ClickUp
ClickUp is a project management and productivity platform that offers tools to help mid-sized businesses manage HR processes. While not solely an HR platform, ClickUp allows teams to handle HRIS-related workflows like recruitment, onboarding, and team member performance tracking. ClickUp also offers over 1,000 external integrations.
Key features:
- Simplify onboarding with templates and checklists
- Track team performance, set goals, and run reviews using customizable dashboards and workflows
- Automate candidate tracking with templates, custom statuses, and interview scheduling
- Centralize team member data
- Generate customizable dashboards for real-time insights into performance and workforce KPIs
Pros:
- Offers user-friendly customization
- Minimizes manual labor for HR teams
Cons:
- “New users may face a steep learning curve.” – verified review
- “The system is not suitable for a lot of data” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
Pricing:
- Free Forever: Free
- Unlimited: $7/mo per user
- Business: $12/mo per user
- Enterprise: Pricing is not publicly available
(Features and pricing plans are based on the ClickUp website and are subject to change.)
GoCo
GoCo is an HR platform that focuses on streamlining HRIS processes such as benefits administration, payroll, time tracking, and compliance management. Mid-sized businesses can use GoCo’s customizable workflows and integrations with over 100 other apps to streamline HR processes.
Key features:
- Automate onboarding with customizable workflows
- Handle payroll processing, tax filings, and benefit deductions
- Track employee hours, PTO, and overtime with mobile clock-in and out capabilities
- Access a library of compliance materials, law alerts, state comparison tools
- Generate reports on HR metrics, workflows, performance reviews, and surveys
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Offers a terminal for teams to clock in and out
- Features a document wizard for implementing employee handbooks
Cons:
- “We have had multiple hurdles that have resulted in inaccurate taxes and W-2s.” – verified review
- “Workflows aren’t very intuitive.” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
Paycom
Paycom is an HR and payroll platform that centralizes and automates HR tasks. Paycom provides companies with tools to manage payroll, time tracking, team member development, and compliance. The platform further alleviates HR workload with features like an employee-guided payroll system, where people can fix attendance errors before submission.
Key features:
- Give new joiners the ability to complete forms independently
- Allow people to review and approve their paychecks through Beti, Paycom’s automated payroll system
- Tracks work hours, overtime, and PTO with direct integration into payroll
- Manage individual reviews and feedback
- Provide clear insights into pay deductions per benefit period
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Offers responsive customer service
- Presents a clean interface
Cons:
- “I find there are many reports I would like to run but I’m not able to figure it out.” – verified review
- “I don’t like that some of the same information entered in Paycom has to be updated in several different places within Paycom.” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
Paycor
Paycor is a human capital management (HCM) system that helps mid-sized businesses streamline their HR operations and manage their people data. It simplifies payroll processing, team member recognition programs, and workforce analytics. Paycor provides a single source of truth for all team member data.
Key features:
- Centralize all team member information
- Plan, manage, and execute pay increases, bonuses, and benefits
- Automate scheduling, track hours, and manage labor costs with real-time data
- Offer personalized training programs to promote continuous learning
- Build soft skills in managers with development programs
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Offers a user-friendly platform
- Provides an all in one package
Cons:
- “The reporting capabilities are not so great” – verified review
- “Hit or miss quality of customer service. You can call multiple times a day and receive multiple answers to the same question.” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
Paylocity
Paylocity is an HR and payroll platform that can help mid-sized businesses automate HR tasks such as time off requests, benefits administration, and talent management. It also offers HR consulting through HR Edge for teams that need guidance during growth. Paylocity offers self-service so people can manage their own documents.
Key features:
- Automate payroll, tax filings, and compliance management
- Streamline hiring with automated job postings, applicant tracking, and an AI-driven onboarding process
- Give team members access to HR data, including pay stubs, tax forms, and PTO requests from mobile devices
- Centralize communication through social collaboration hubs
- Facilitate surveys to reveal overall workplace sentiment
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Allows leaders to process payroll for remote teams
- Offers mobile app for on-the-go use
Cons:
- “A large portion of the implementation process was grueling.” – verified review
- “There isn’t as many resources for transitioning employees to a new system.” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
Rippling
Rippling combines HR, IT, and finance operations into a single system. Global teams can access the global payroll and compliance management features to hire, pay, and manage global team members while staying compliant with local regulations. Rippling supports businesses in over 140 countries.
Key features:
- Automate payroll processing for both local and international team members
- Streamline the onboarding process with automated workflows
- Handle time tracking, scheduling, and attendance to sync directly with payroll
- Manage benefits, open enrollment, and benefit updates
- Allow people to manage their data, benefits, and performance through a portal
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Offers a user-friendly interface
- Has the capability to manage global teams
Cons:
- “The demo, quote, and onboarding process is a nightmare.” – verified review
- “Not much room to scale” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
Trinet, previously Zenefit
Trinet is an all-in-one HR platform designed to streamline HR processes such as payroll, benefits, time tracking, and compliance management for small and mid-sized businesses. It also offers HR outsourcing options.
Key features:
- Streamline hiring with background checks, offer letters, and self-onboarding
- Manage payroll with unlimited pay runs, tax filing, and year-end processing
- Automate time tracking for salaried, hourly, and contract employees with clock-in options via mobile, iPad, or desktop
- Empower people to manage personal information, view pay stubs, and request time off
- Access real-time data to gain insights on turnover, diversity, and performance
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Offers responsive customer support
- Automates numerous manual HR tasks
Cons:
- “Implementation was not easy and did not go the way it was supposed to.” – verified review
- “Their system does not integrate well with other HR tools” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2)
UKG Pro
UKG Pro is an HCM platform that can help mid-sized businesses streamline HRIS tasks, payroll, and workforce management processes. It uses AI to further reduce manual workload by optimizing schedules, sharing team insights, and making retention predictions.
Key features:
- Automate payroll processing for various pay scenarios
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, team member development, and succession planning
- Streamline time tracking, leave management, and approvals
- Allow people to manage their data, such as pay, benefits, and time-off requests, through self-service portals
- Gain insights into your workforce with AI-powered reports
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Offers scalability as teams grow
- Incorporates AI to reduce manual workload
Cons:
- “The different parts of the system do not seem to flow into each other” – verified review
- “The program itself seems to be slow at times” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on [link to review company)
Workday
Workday offers a unified platform that integrates HRIS, payroll, finance, and workforce planning. The AI-powered analytics and machine learning capabilities provide real-time insights that help businesses make data-driven decisions.
Key features:
- Administer and adjust benefits plans, packages, and eligibility rules
- Use AI and machine learning to curate training and development
- Model hiring, transfers, and retention plans
- Give people access to their data
- Get real-time sentiment from active continuous listening
(The article includes platform features that reflect the information available as of the publication date.)
Pros:
- Clearly presents where each candidate is in the hiring process
- Offers an easy to navigate interface
Cons:
- “The licensing costs associated with Workday can be higher compared to some other HR software solutions.” – verified review
- “The application is insane and we get a lot of complaints from candidates about how long and difficult the application is.” – verified review
(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2).
Important features to look for in an HRIS for medium businesses
Choosing the right HRIS sets your team up to handle the growth of your success. To maximize team engagement and organization, let’s look at important features that can improve the workflow of your team.
Benefits administration
Benefits administration handles the management of employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. Look for an HRIS that automates benefit enrollment, eligibility tracking, and open enrollment processes.
As your company grows, managing different benefits packages across locations can quickly turn into a time-consuming task. Automating this ensures local compliance and avoids mistakes while making it easier for people to access and manage their benefits.
Time and attendance tracking
This feature tracks work hours, attendance, overtime, and leave requests. It helps ensure accurate payments for the team and provides visibility into attendance patterns. Look for an HRIS that streamlines these processes and provides data on absenteeism rates and other attendance patterns that could affect productivity.
Payroll
Payroll errors can hurt overall trust, lead to fines, and create extra work to correct these mistakes. Automated payroll processing simplifies salary calculations, tax withholdings, benefits deductions, and payments. A great HRIS ensures people get paid accurately and on time while complying with local regulations.
Reporting and analytics
As your company scales, relying on manual tracking and gut feeling can lead to missed opportunities for improvement. Reporting and analytics tools give HR leaders insights into workforce trends including turnover, engagement, performance, and attendance.
Prioritize an HRIS that compiles data in real time and provides customizable reports to support informed decision-making.
Integration
Integration capabilities allow an HRIS to work with other software systems like accounting tools, project management platforms, or communication apps. Robust integrations ensure HR data syncs with other critical business functions as your tech stack expands. With seamless integrations, you improve efficiencies, data accuracy, and department communication.
Benefits of using an HRIS system for mid-sized businesses
Let’s look at the key benefits of HRIS platforms that make managing your business easier—without adding additional headcount.
Streamlines HRIS functions
An HRIS automates and simplifies various HR tasks, from payroll and time and attendance management to benefits administration and compensation management. This means eliminating repetitive, time-consuming tasks that would otherwise require manual input.
HR teams can focus on higher-level strategic work while the HRIS runs the automations, calculations, and reports in seconds.
Improved overall employee experience
HRIS platforms can enhance the team member experience in a few ways, including:
- Providing self-service tools so people can request time off, update personal information, and enroll in benefits without waiting on HR
- Offering performance reviews and regular feedback to ensure that team members feel heard and valued
- Facilitating recognition programs to acknowledge each person’s contributions and boost team morale
- Personalizing onboarding flows so new joiners feel engaged from day one
Centralized, accurate data
An HRIS consolidates all team member data into a single, secure system so businesses always have access to accurate and updated information. This allows HR teams to easily retrieve important details for reporting, compliance, or performance evaluations without searching through multiple spreadsheets or disconnected systems.
Increased employee productivity
All departments benefit from faster approvals, fewer administrative bottlenecks, and clearer expectations. You can expect productivity across the entire organization to increase with reduced delays and smoother workflows with a great HRIS.
FAQs on HRIS systems for medium businesses
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions on HRIS systems for mid-sized businesses..
How do you choose the right HRIS for your mid-sized business?
Start by assessing your current HR challenges. Are you struggling with manual payroll, lack of team engagement, or inefficient time tracking? Then, make a list of the HR functions you need automated and look for an HRIS that offers those features while also allowing for scalability.
Book free trials or demos to see how the system fits into your current workflows and tech stack. You can also speak to potential vendor’s clients to learn from their experiences.
How much does HRIS software cost?
The cost of HRIS software varies depending on the size of your organization, the features you need, and the vendor you choose. Budget for upfront costs including implementation, custom integrations, and any ongoing support or maintenance fees.
Are HRIS solutions secure?
Reputable HRIS solutions prioritize security to protect sensitive data, such as personal information, payroll details, and benefits. Many solutions also offer role-based permissions so that only selected leaders can access sensitive information.
What is an HRIS vs. HCM vs. HRMS?
HRIS, HCM, and HRMS systems all build on top of each other:
- An HRIS primarily focuses on storing and managing team member data
- An HRMS (human resources management system) adds advanced tools for performance management, employee engagement, and analytics
- An HCM covers a broader range of strategic workforce planning, including talent management, recruitment, and succession planning
An HRIS handles core HR functions, an HRMS enhances with management tools, and an HCM system adds strategic workforce development elements.
Recommended For Further Reading
Is an HRIS hard to learn?
Most modern HRIS platforms offer user-friendly interfaces to make adoption easier for HR leaders and team members. While learning curves may exist, many providers offer training resources, customer support, and onboarding assistance to help users get up to speed quickly.
For example, Bob by HiBob, provides onboarding support, detailed training resources, and ongoing customer assistance to ensure users feel confident with the platform from day one.
Pick the best HRIS for your medium-sized business
Now that you know what makes a great HRIS, it’s time to reduce admin workload, increase employee productivity, and promote organizational growth.
For mid-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one HRIS solution, consider Bob. With an intuitive platform, real-time analytics, and endless integrations, Bob empowers HR leaders to streamline operations and keep their workforce productive, engaged, and aligned with company goals as they scale.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Prospective users are encouraged to conduct their own research to make the best decision for their organization.
