DISCLAIMER: The “free HR software” options are recommendations designed to get you off the ground. While these programs are indeed “free” on the most basic levels or for limited times, it’s important to note that once the free trial period concludes, you will be required to pay for continued use. Additionally, if you use “Freemium” human resources management software, you must pay for more advanced features and functionality.

What is Human Resources Management Software?

HR professionals use human resources management systems to manage and optimize HR processes through organization and automation on a digital platform. Effective human resources software can save the HR department time and money regardless of the number of employees.

Key features of the most popular HR platforms include but are not limited to the following:

Store and secure employee data, including personal employee information
Workflow and project management modules
Performance management tools
Time off management (i.e., leave management, PTO, etc.)
Benefits administration and benefits management
Applicant tracking systems and automated job postings
Employee onboarding modules for new hires
Streamlined document management
Payroll processing
Employee self-service portals
Integrations with popular CRM, accounting, payroll software, etc.
Overall employee management, including time tracking (including digital timesheets), performance reviews, employee scheduling, and more

It’s essential to note that every on-premise and cloud-based HR system is different. Further, there are differences between open source HR solutions, free plans, and paid plans. Overall, the best HR tools for your business depend on your industry, HR team experience with HR software, business needs, and many other factors.

Why is HR Management Software Needed?

The number of employee hours dedicated to manually handling the tasks of an HR team can be overwhelming for startups, small businesses, and corporations. Workforce management for new employees and throughout the employee lifecycle of tenure requires compiling, organizing, and analyzing a lot of data.

With that in mind, the functionality of the best free HR software is needed because it:

Creates, centralizes, and streamlines employee databases and employee profiles
Saves the HR department time and money
Improves talent management and offers a way to track employee performance
Empowers employees
Enhances overall company communication
Helps retain top talent via job board automation, applicant tracking, and other HR features used for onboarding
Can be accessed anywhere via mobile apps on iOS, Android, Windows, etc.

Is There a Difference Between HRIS, HCM, And Human Resources Management Software?

Technically, there are differences between Human Resources Information Software (HRIS), Human Capital Management (HCM), and Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS). However, most vendors use the terms interchangeably.

As such, each type of software generally offers the same core HR functionality, which includes:

User-friendly HR optimization and automation
Project management and task progress automation and reviews
Employee directory management and optimization
Time tracking, attendance management, and talent management
Benefits management and administration
Identifying workforce needs, gaps, and opportunities

What Are The Advantages of a Free HRIS?

If you’re not ready to invest in the paid plan of HR software, then there are plenty of free versions to choose from. Generally, the benefits of using free HRIS software include but are not limited to the following:

Workforce and employee data organization
Frees up time for your HR team
Helps businesses comply with HR regulations
Applicant tracking and onboarding
Enhances the company profile
Can be accessed on multiple platforms
Secured data storage

Generally, using a free HRIS, HCM, or HRMS is better than using nothing at all. However, there are a few disadvantages of using free HR software that you should know. Continue reading to learn more.

Disadvantages of the Best Free HR Software

If you’re contemplating whether you should use a Free HR system or handle core HR functions manually, then in most cases, it’s better to use free software. However, if you have the option, you should consider the following drawbacks of free HR solutions:

Generic templates and lack of customizability
Data, functionality, and user caps
Reduced customer support compared to paid plans
The time it takes to transfer and upload user data
Inability to use advanced features

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Free HR Management Software

If you’re considering a free HR solution like Bitrix24, FreshTeam, Zoho People, BambooHR, Paycor, or similar, then you likely have a few questions. Continue reading to learn the answers to some of the web’s most frequently asked questions about free HR management software.

Is There Any Free HR Software For Small Businesses?

There are countless free HR management solutions for start-ups, small businesses, and medium-sized companies. Some only offer a limited free trial, while others are free for life (with optional paid upgrades). Some of the most popular free HRIS software include Bitrix24, ADP, BambooHR, Zoho People, and many others.

What is the Best Free HR Software?

The best free HR software for your start-up or small business depends on your industry, the number of employees, the complexity of HR data, and many other factors. Generally, a few of the best free trial HR HR management software include:

ADP – free trial
BambooHR – totally free options and free trial available
Zoho People – totally free options and free trial available
Zenefits – free trial
TriNet – free trial
Bittrix24 – totally free options and free trial available

What Are The 5 Most Popular Applications of an HRIS?

Most HR applications offer similar core HR functionality. However, the five most popular features of HR management software include the following:

Payroll and time tracking functions
Organized employee information
Recruitment and hiring
Benefits administration
Talent management solutions

If you’re unsure about the best software for HR for your start-up or small business, check out our top free HR software recommendations at the top of the page.