For midsize companies, your human resources information system (HRIS) can be the bedrock of your talent management strategy. But choosing the right software solution to match your needs? That’s half the challenge.
Balancing ambitious growth plans, future business strategy, and budget while retaining maximum flexibility and scalability can quickly become complicated. You need a more powerful system than your scrappy startup days but don’t necessarily want all of the bells and whistles right now — especially if you won’t get full ROI from them. And critically, you need a platform that has the flexibility to grow with your organization, not against it.
The right HRIS isn’t just a repository for your employee data, it also supports your organization’s growth, drives greater operational efficiency, and enhances your employee experience. Here’s our scoop on the 10 best HRIS software options on the market today.
What is an HRIS?
An HRIS is a software platform that centralizes employee data and core HR tasks in one neat package. Think of it as the control center for all essential HR functions, where you can manage key employee information — such as compensation, role level, and office location — alongside employee lifecycle functions like performance and talent management, benefits administration, and payroll processing.
HRIS platforms can vary immensely in functionality and scope, ranging from core HR — which offers the simplest level of support to house your employee data — all the way up to human capital management (HCM), which is a more comprehensive way of managing the employee experience, from talent acquisition right through to offboarding.
Resource: Can’t tell your HRIS from your HCM or HRMS? Brush up on terms and find the right HRIS solution for you with our HRIS buyer’s guide.
Benefits of Using HRIS Software for Midsize Companies
Choosing the right level of HRIS for your organization depends on a range of factors, including your organization’s HR needs, future growth goals, budget constraints, and workforce complexity. Understanding your key challenges and priorities is critical.
Like Goldilocks, you need to find the perfect fit. When your HRIS fits your company just right, it unlocks several benefits for HR teams and employees alike:
- Centralized data management: Managing all of your employee information in one place creates a single source of truth for all of your HR data. This reduces the risk of redundancy and errors.
- Improved reporting and data-driven leadership: When your data is accurate and in one place, it paves the way to more nuanced, impactful reporting, and faster data-driven decision-making for HR teams.
- Empowered employee experience: HR processes can often feel like a black box for employees. Implementing an HRIS means employees have a secure, self-service way to view their payroll and benefits and manage their time off.
- Improved operational efficiency: When HR processes are housed in one place, it streamlines day-to-day HR operations, enabling HR teams to build in thoughtful automations and workflows that make them more efficient.
- Strengthen compliance and data security: Implementing a secure, standardized system ensures that employee data is always valid, up-to-date, and stored securely, with the right levels of user access.
“I’d recommend doing your own needs assessment within your budget constraints and some quick scenario planning about possible futures,” said Ciara Lakhani, principal and chief people officer at Elevate People, an organization offering executive coaching and HR consulting. “[Focus on] not only the number of employees, but also [your] geographical dispersion and the way the company will possibly operate, and speak to others who have lived that part of a company’s journey to see which learnings might be applicable to your organization.”
Idris Arshad, head of people at nonprofit Asthma + Lung UK, said that a cross-functional approach is best in this regard.
“Bring someone in with system knowledge who can help see things from a technical point of view,” he suggested. “The areas that get neglected the most are [usually] users outside the HR department. Ultimately, a steering or working group [of key stakeholders] is a helpful forum to discuss system priorities.”
10 Best HRIS Platforms for Midsize Companies
Ready to figure out which HRIS will fit the bill? Here are 10 options midsize companies can consider when looking for their next tech.
1. Lattice
Looking for an HRIS that plugs directly into your employee lifecycle and talent strategy? Lattice HRIS could be the right pick for you. Lattice HRIS is an all-in-one platform built with the end user in mind — meaning it’s intuitive to use and easy to get started, even if you’re not an IT pro.
With Lattice HRIS, you can build a centralized source of truth for employee data that connects to your entire employee lifecycle, including engagement and performance. Automated workflows make essential processes a snap, while best-in-class integrations ensure your HR tech stack can flex and scale with your organization.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.7/5
- Key features:
- Unified data reporting across employee data, performance management, engagement, and more
- Customizable employee records and user access permissions
- Flexible, scalable platform with best-in-class integrations to customize your HR tech stack
- Onboarding with scalable personalization and coverage of tasks even outside of HR, such as provisioning IT equipment, setting up manager one-on-ones, and prompting employees to submit required documentation
- Automated workflows to trigger actions like approvals, tasks, emails, and notifications based on certain employee filters
- Payroll and benefits (coming soon!) to house employees’ most sensitive and important data in one secure place
- Integrations include: Greenhouse, Lever, Sequoia, Workday, Personio, and Gusto
- Best for: Organizations looking for a user-friendly software solution that offers a 360-degree HR management experience across core HR, talent, performance, and employee engagement
Lattice reviewers highlight our seamless user experience and ease of use, with many customers praising our software’s quick implementation, “easy and beautiful” interface, and customizable workflows and processes. Users also love our friendly and helpful customer support team (thanks, we do too!), and say that having a centralized source of employee data across HR processes all in one place creates a better user experience for all.
“Lattice is super intuitive to use and makes it easy to keep everything contained in one system,” noted one G2 reviewer. Another user wrote that “Lattice is a well thought-[out] system which gives all the tools HR needs.”
2. BambooHR
BambooHR is an out-of-the-box HR software provider for small to midsize businesses that spans core HR, payroll, time tracking, and benefits management all in one place. The platform also offers employee self-service, performance reviews, and an ATS.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.4/5
- Key features:
- Recruitment suite, including an applicant tracking system (ATS) and new hire employee onboarding workflows
- Pre-built reports and automated reporting workflows
- Employee satisfaction, eNPS, and wellbeing tracking
- Integrations include: Oyster, Checkr, Deel, Lattice, Travitor, and Spark Hire
- Best for: Organizations that want a fast setup process and lightweight HRIS with a few added employee experience extras
Pros
- Integrated user experience
- Easy implementation and roll-out
Cons
- Limited customizations and ability to build bespoke workflows
- Limited flexibility around different types of employee classification, with one reviewer noting that contracted employees were not reflected in the company directory
3. HiBob HRIS
HiBob HRIS is an all-in-one HR solution that boasts features spanning core HR, workforce management, and essential processes including onboarding, learning management, employee engagement, and people analytics.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.5/5
- Key features:
- Fully configurable for onsite, remote, and hybrid workforces
- User-friendly interface with a high level of personalization
- Real-time reporting, with customizable dashboards
- Integrations include: Ashby, Bonusly, Deel, Greenhouse, and LinkedIn Learning
- Best for: Multinational workforce management
Pros
- Social media-like self-service component
- Easy to manage multinational workforces and different types of contract, with one reviewer saying that it “can seamlessly handle W2 employees and [oversee] independent contractors”
Cons
- HR professionals feel that HiBob HRIS comes in at a higher price point than competitors
- Reporting functionality is strong, but let down by limitations in data filtering
- Some users said the performance capabilities aren’t good enough
4. Rippling
Rippling is a platform purpose-built for HR teams that value a cross-functional approach. The platform’s functionality spans a multi-department offering across HR, IT, and finance, helping each stakeholder better manage responsibilities in mutual tasks.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.8/5
- Key features:
- Cross-functional collaboration across key co-owned processes, including compliance tracking, device management, benefits management, and global payroll
- 600+ integrations
- Customizable workflows and automations
- Integrations include: Human Interest, BrightHire, Gem, Workable, Greenhouse, and ADP
- Best for: Teams that prioritize cross-functionality, or prefer a DIY approach to their HR tech stack
Pros
- User-friendly layout and ease of navigation
- G2 reviewers rate Rippling highly for remote and distributed teams, with one user saying it’s “eliminating the complexities of managing HR and payroll remotely”
Cons
- Offers a broad range of integrations, but users flagged that some integrations don’t work as well as others
- Lacks quality customer support for implementation
- Complex modular pricing structure that charges per feature, including pulling many types of reports, so some buyers feel nickel and dimed
- Regularly removes integrations that become completely unavailable to users
- Performance capabilities aren’t best in class
5. Paycor
Founded in 1990, Paycor started as a payroll provider before branching out into a full suite of HR tools spanning the broader employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, benefits administration, and workforce management.
⭐ G2 rating: 3.9/5
- Key features:
- Automated payroll processing, including payroll calculations, tax filings, and on-demand pay options
- Employee self-service portal and mobile accessibility that enables staff to access pay stubs and book time off
- Integrations with timekeeping software and insurance brokers
- Integrations include: JazzHR, Kudos, ZipRecruiter, Lattice, and Guusto
- Best for: Organizations with industry-specific payroll and HR requirements, including healthcare, professional services, and retail
Pros
- Users like that they can run payroll and other related essential processes in a snap, including timekeeping, benefits administration, and compensation
- Self-service mobile app for employees
Cons
- Customer support is not always helpful, with one reviewer noting they have to “wait on hold for a long time”
- Reporting and analytics don’t always sync up
6. Paylocity
Paylocity is a cloud-based HCM and payroll software that offers a full suite of HR tools spanning the entire employee lifecycle, from talent acquisition to global payroll, time management, and benefits administration.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.4/5
- Key features:
- Global payroll management
- Comprehensive benefits management, including a streamlined enrollment process and integrations with benefits providers
- Time and labor management, including scheduling and time tracking
- Integrations include: Aon Consulting, Fond, Greenhouse, Hireology, and 401GO
- Best for: HR teams prioritizing comprehensive benefits management, or taking a step up in power and scope from a more lightweight HRIS provider
Pros
- Reviewers say it’s a “huge time-saver” for benefits management, and it offers 100+ integrations with benefits carriers
- “Robust and accurate” payroll function with automated tax compliance
- Offers in-house specialist support
Cons
- Some reviewers say the platform can feel “very overwhelming” and has “a lot of moving gears to memorize”
- Reporting functionality lacks flexibility
- Lacks strong employee engagement functionality
7. Paycom
Founded in 1998, Paycom is a cloud-based integrated HCM and payroll management platform. It’s best known for its full range of payroll products, including a payroll checking service that means employees can check that their pay is correct before payroll submission.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.3/5
- Key features:
- Real-time employee payroll checking to ensure error-free payroll submission
- Expense and reimbursement management
- User-friendly interface with employee mobile app
- Integrations include: Rippling, Paychex, Vestwell, and Sequoia
- Best for: Organizations looking to enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy
Pros
- Centralized platform for core HR processes
- Helpful, knowledgeable customer support
- Able to handle unique setups, including government organizations
Cons
- Complex implementation with a steep learning curve
- Unintuitive user experience
- Limited customization for reporting
8. UKG Ready
UKG Ready is an all-in-one platform built for midsize and small businesses. Billed as “flexible, seamless HR for leaner teams,” it combines HR, talent, and payroll in one unified platform.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.3/5
- Key features:
- Customizable employer branding functionality
- Scalable for diverse workforces, including salaried, hourly, and contracted employees
- Mobile accessibility for on-the-go workforces
- Integrations include: Boomi, iCIMS, NetSuite, IBM, and QuickBooks
- Best for: Leaner HR teams managing multiple functions and processes
Pros
- User-friendly platform, with minimal training required
- Quick customer support via the Community feature
- Responsive to customer feedback
Cons
- Login and access issues, including session time-outs and long load times
- Users say it’s hard to clock in and out accurately, and editing entries is not possible
- Unintuitive platform navigation
- Some found that the platform did not drive the performance culture they wanted
9. ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a full-stack HRIS that includes over 70 integrations to leading tools. Featuring core HR alongside payroll, benefits, talent development, and people analytics, it’s particularly well-suited for organizations with complex compliance needs, or those that are looking to consolidate HR processes and systems.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.1/5
- Key features:
- Detailed, integrated payroll tools
- One-stop-shop for essential HR processes spanning hire to retire
- Reporting and analytics, with in-depth benchmarking
- Integrations include: Greenhouse, JobScore, JazzHR, and Rain
- Best for: Leaner HR teams managing multiple functions and processes
Pros
- Strong compliance and reporting capability
- Users really like ADP Workforce Now’s recruitment functionality.
- Automated time tracking and attendance tools
Cons
- G2 reviewers say that service tickets and support take a long time to resolve
- It can be challenging to train employees on how to use the platform
- Modules lack customizability
10. Personio
Personio is an all-in-one HR platform designed to fit the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It’s designed to flex and scale with the needs of growing companies, offering a comprehensive HR solution encompassing everything from talent acquisition to employee engagement.
⭐ G2 rating: 4.4/5
- Key features:
- HR management, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee data, and time and attendance
- Payroll integrations and compensation management
- Employee engagement surveys
- Integrations include: Okta, Greenhouse, Xero, and Ashby
- Best for: Organizations looking for a built-for-them, scalable option that they won’t outgrow too quickly
Pros
- User-friendly platform for HR and employees alike
- Day-to-day HR, manager, and employee functionality, all in one place
- Easy to create a standardized system of record in multinational workforces
Cons
- Integrations can be challenging to master
- Unintuitive document and contract management
- Lacks full payroll functionality
- Poor implementation, adoption, analytics, and user experience
How Lattice Works With Midsize Companies
Choosing the right HRIS is a balance of budget, features, scalability, and user experience. The right choice will become a pillar for all of your organization’s people processes, supporting your organization through growth and beyond. But the wrong choice can weigh you down, saddling you with unused tools, a poor user experience, an inflexible toolset, and a product that doesn’t quite fit your organization’s changing needs.
Lattice HRIS is built for midsize organizations. Our modern, user-friendly platform gives teams a source of data they can count on, and the flexibility to grow as your organization scales.
With Lattice HRIS, HR teams can:
- Centralize and standardize employee data
- Improve the employee experience with self-service management for employees
- Connect and analyze HR data across employee lifecycle processes, including engagement, performance management, and compensation
- Assemble a customized HR tech stack that flexes and scales with evolving needs using our best-in-class integrations
- Generate accurate, real-time reports that guide strategic decision-making
- Drive operational efficiency with smart automations and workflows
- Scale onboarding programs with personalization and coverage of tasks even outside of HR, such as provisioning IT equipment, setting up manager one-on-ones, and document submission
- Automate workflows to trigger actions like manager approvals, employee tasks, welcome emails, and notifications
Find out more by booking a demo of Lattice HRIS.
