Free HR software can dramatically shift how you manage your business, allowing you to streamline traditionally time-consuming processes at no cost.
Today’s business owners often face stiff competition and need to continually find creative ways to attract and retain top talent. That’s where free human resources software comes in. Free HR software solutions give you the resources you need to foster open communication with current employees and train new hires effectively — and at no cost.
What To Look For in Free HR Software
Effective free HR software should have tools that help you attract and retain quality employees. Here are some must-haves:
- Communication features: Look for a tool that lets your management team and employees communicate in one app.
- Customization: Many platforms offer levels of customization so you can adapt the program to your needs, culture, and existing systems.
- Training and onboarding tools: HR software should allow you to create, deliver, and evaluate training courses and materials for effective onboarding and upskilling.
- Progress tracking: The right system should include employee development and performance tracking so you can evaluate employees and ensure business goals are met.
The Best Free Human Resources Software
Below are the best free HR software solutions for businesses of all sizes.
1. Connecteam – The Best All-in-One Free HR Software
Connecteam offers a free, all-in-one human resources solution for managing the people-oriented facets of your business. Its robust communication tools, including in-app chat, notifications, and message boards, allow management and employees to stay in touch, even while on the go. Your management team can post company news and shoutouts and even use the platform to reward employees for a job well done. These tools allow you to create a culture of open communication and employee appreciation.
With Connecteam, you can create training courses and upload onboarding documents into the app, allowing new hires to access and fill out everything they need in one place. You can also help current staff learn new skills or freshen up existing ones with courses and quizzes.
In this app, your management team can manage HR documents, communicate time off policies, track leave, and manage balances in the same platform your employees use to clock in and out. This feature helps ensure compliance and streamline the payroll process.
Key Features
- In-app communication tools
- Employee recognition and rewards
- Training and onboarding
- HR document management
- Employee engagement resources
Pros
- Comprehensive and easy to use
- Budget-friendly
- Quality customer support
Cons
- More integrations in development
- Some customizations take time to set up
Pricing
Connecteam is free for up to 10 users. The paid version starts at $29 per month for up to 35 users, and a free trial is available.
2. OrangeHRM – Good for Career Development
The majority of workers are willing to learn new skills to stay up-to-date in their jobs. OrangeHRM’s career training and development tools give you what you need to hone your employees’ skills and align them with best practices in your field.
The free version of the app is open-source. It transforms performance metrics into a matrix you can use to identify your top performers and any employees who may be in need of additional development. Then, you can give recognition or engage team members who need help through individual development plans.
Additionally, you can manage employees’ records, attendance, and other documents. OrangeHRM also offers recruitment tools including an automated tracking system to help you match potential new hires with the right positions more easily.
Key Features
- Employee career development plans
- Applicant tracking system
- Training and onboarding
- Time and attendance management
- Mobile app
Pros
- Easy to navigate
- Detailed reporting tools
Cons
- Data saving inconsistent in time tracker
- Infrequent updates
Pricing
There is a free plan, but no free trial for the paid version. For more information about pricing, contact Orange HRM.
3. BambooHR – Good for Applicant Tracking and Management
BambooHR offers an applicant tracking system that helps speed up the recruiting and hiring process. There is no free plan available, but you can request a 30-day free trial.
Recruiters can use the platform to maintain a detailed applicant database with resumes, interview notes, and other helpful information. Each member of the hiring team can sift through all applicants and add their notes and suggestions for each candidate. With this software, your human resources manager can post job openings to multiple boards and receive all applications in one location.
Once a person is hired, your managers can use the app for onboarding and training. They can also house new-hire paperwork, job descriptions, and manuals in one location. With electronic signatures, you can take care of some paperwork before new hires even start.
Key Features
- Applicant tracking system
- Ability to post jobs to multiple boards
- Interview scheduling
- Onboarding
- Background checks
Pros
- Company frequently updates the platform with new features
- Good customer support team
Cons
- Reviewers have noted that this app can get expensive when adding multiple users
- Incompatible with some state-regulated documents
Pricing
While there is no permanently free plan available, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial of BambooHR. You’ll need to contact the vendor for details on plan pricing.
4. WebHR – Good for Data Visualization
WebHR is a free, cloud-based platform that you can use to connect with and engage your employees. From hiring and onboarding to scheduling and payroll, this system’s features help you manage each aspect of human resources.
It features robust, visual reporting tools to guide decision-making. You can see a summary of employee attendance and hours worked, time off requests and vacation time used, and even response rates to employee satisfaction surveys.
With WebHR, you can assign HR tasks to different employees who can then check them off when finished. Everyone on your HR team will know who is responsible for what, helping avoid overlap and making it easier for team members to cover one another’s tasks when they’re away.
Features
- Clean, easy-to-read performance reviews
- Electronic forms with e-signature capabilities
- Workflow management
- Document management
- Task management
Pros
- Performance module makes it easy to track employee progress
- Easy to organize and manage workflows
Cons
- App customization required
- The mobile app lacks important features such as the ability to track employee hours
Pricing
WebHR has a free plan available. Its paid service starts at $3 per user per month, and no free trial is available.
5. Bitrix24 – Good for Small Businesses
Although businesses of all sizes can use Bitrix24, it was designed to make HR and other operational tasks easier for small business owners. This platform has a variety of administrative tools you can use to streamline various aspects of managing your business, including human resources.
Its HR tools include scheduling and time tracking, attendance tracking, and work reports. Team members can communicate in the app’s online workspace and request time off. There is also a company feed where managers and other team members can share news and recognize helpful or high-performing staff.
Key Features
- E-learning modules for employee development
- Time tracking and scheduling
- Mobile app
- In-app communication tools
- Employee directory
Pros
- Good for collaboration between employees
- Offers group chats and video conferencing
Cons
- Users have reported difficulty with the interface
- Reports of the app going down on occasion
Pricing
Bitrix24’s free plan includes basic features. Its paid plans start at $49 per month for up to five users and include more advanced task, project, and customer support options. There are no free trials for paid versions.
What Is Free HR Software?
Human resources software helps centralize various HR functions to streamline processes for your management and HR teams. Free HR software typically offers more limited features or allows a smaller number of users than paid software, but it is often enough for smaller businesses.
The best platform for your business will depend on your HR needs. For example, if you’re in an industry with high turnover or seasonal fluctuations, you may be interested in applicant tracking systems and other recruiting and hiring tools that make this process less time-consuming. If you’re interested in building culture, you might choose a platform with robust communication and development tools.
What Are the Benefits of Using Free HR Software?
Free HR software provides a number of benefits to businesses, including:
- More efficient, centralized HR processes: The right tools will effectively automate and streamline rote HR tasks, such as onboarding, document management, and benefits administration, so you can focus on more important, high-level tasks. They also provide a single location HR materials so your team doesn’t have to juggle multiple spreadsheets or switch between various platforms. You can easily create readable reports with important data for future decision-making.
- Happier, more productive employees: Free HR software streamlines communication, performance monitoring, and feedback. This allows employees to sharpen their skills and stay engaged.
- Better time management and compliance: HR tools help you manage employee time and attendance and keep up with key labor laws. Many of these platforms feature time tracking or integrate with time-clocking software, helping smooth out the payroll process.
Whatever your HR priorities, there is likely a free tool you can use to meet them more effectively.
