10 best Employee Onboarding Software in 2024
An extensive evaluation of the best Employee Onboarding Software, focusing on key features, pricing, and more.
Introduction
Starting a new job should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. The best employee onboarding software takes the hassle out of paperwork, streamlining the process for both new hires and HR teams to create a welcoming and efficient start.
Research shows that effective onboarding processes can boost retention rates by 82% and improve productivity by over 70%, highlighting just how critical this phase is to long-term success.
However, getting onboarding right is no easy feat. It requires carefully managing documentation while ensuring new hires feel valued and prepared.
In this blog, I’ll explore the best human resources onboarding software of 2024, diving into what it is, its key features, benefits, challenges, and answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect tool for a seamless onboarding experience.
What is Employee Onboarding Software?
Employee onboarding software is a tool designed to streamline and automate the process of integrating new hires into an organization. It eliminates the need for spreadsheets, scattered emails, and manual checklists, offering a centralized platform to manage onboarding tasks efficiently.
At its core, the best HR onboarding software handles tasks such as sending offer letters, managing compliance forms, scheduling training sessions, and introducing new hires to the company culture. It serves as the bridge between a new employee and the organization, ensuring a smooth transition while leaving a strong first impression.
5 Key Features of Employee Onboarding Platform
Through my experience working alongside teams managing onboarding systems, I’ve seen certain features that are simply non-negotiable when it comes to choosing the best onboarding software.
Here’s what I believe truly makes an employee onboarding tool stand out:
Automated Workflows: Eliminates manual tasks like sending reminders or processing forms, allowing HR teams to focus on building connections.
Customizable Onboarding Plans: Tailors onboarding experiences to fit individual roles, ensuring relevance and better engagement for new hires.
Self-Service Portals: Empowers employees to complete tasks, upload documents, and access resources at their convenience, reducing HR intervention.
Task Tracking: Provides to-do lists and dashboards to monitor progress, ensuring everyone is aligned and deadlines are met.
Training and Development Tools: Offers integrated modules for compliance and role-specific learning, simplifying early training sessions.
Integration Capabilities: Syncs seamlessly with payroll, performance management, and other HR systems to streamline data management.
List of 10 Best Employee Onboarding Software
BambooHR : Best onboarding software for small business and for streamlining onboarding with automated workflows.
Greenhouse : Best for structured onboarding that ensures new hires align with company goals from day one.
ApplicantStack : Best new hire onboarding software and for creating customizable, straightforward onboarding workflows.
Workable : Best for automating hiring and onboarding with user-friendly templates and tools.
Workday : Best software for onboarding into a comprehensive HR ecosystem.
ClickUp : Best for task-oriented onboarding, offering flexibility and seamless collaboration.
Paycor : Best for combining onboarding with payroll and compliance management.
Deel : Best for global teams requiring compliant and hassle-free remote onboarding.
ClearCompany : Best recruiting and onboarding software with talent and performance management.
UKG Pro : Best for enhancing employee engagement through integrated onboarding tools.
Detailed Overview - Best Employee Onboarding Software in 2024
BambooHR
Why BambooHR?
BambooHR is the best HR onboarding software designed to foster a positive workplace culture while streamlining HR processes. With its automated onboarding software and focus on employee satisfaction and performance, the platform equips organizations with tools to nurture engagement, recognize achievements, and gather actionable feedback.
Built to cater to evolving workplace needs, BambooHR helps businesses enhance their employee experience and strengthen connections across teams.
Best For: Small to Medium-Sized Organizations
Standout Features
Employee Satisfaction Surveys
Peer-to-Peer Recognition
Performance Management
Online Employee Onboarding
Custom Reporting
- The user-friendly interface of BambooHR simplifies engagement tracking and feedback collection.
- The software’s flexible survey options provide deep insights into employee satisfaction.
Customer Review
"BambooHR has made it easy to keep a pulse on our team’s engagement. The surveys and recognition features are simple yet impactful." (Source: G2)
- The platform has limited advanced analytics without add-ons.
- Some users report a learning curve for integrating additional modules.
Customer Review
"The platform is great for engagement, but I wish it had more in-depth analytics built in." (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Grammarly
- Change.org
- Quora
- Universal Group
Pricing
Greenhouse
Why Greenhouse?
Greenhouse is a robust employee onboarding software designed to create a structured, engaging, and efficient onboarding experience. With its focus on automation and collaboration, the platform helps organizations ensure new hires feel welcomed and prepared from day one.
By streamlining onboarding workflows, Greenhouse supports online employee onboarding thus helping organizations in fostering long-term employee success while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency.
Best For: Medium to Large-Sized Organizations
Standout Features
Task Automation
Customizable Onboarding Plans
Integration with ATS
New Hire Portals
Compliance Management
- Streamlined processes of the platform minimize administrative burdens for HR teams.
- Greenhouse’s new hire portals provide a consistent and engaging onboarding experience.
Customer Review
"Greenhouse has revolutionized how we onboard employees. The automated tasks and collaborative features save us hours every week." (Source: G2)
- Integration with non-Greenhouse systems may require additional effort.
- Pricing may be higher for smaller businesses.
Customer Review
"It’s a great tool for onboarding, but the setup and integration with external systems took time." (Source: G2)
Clientele
- HubSpot
- Wayfair
- Squarespace
- Airbnb
Pricing
ApplicantStack
Why ApplicantStack?
ApplicantStack is an intuitive employee onboarding software solution tailored to simplify and enhance the employee onboarding system. It simplifies onboarding tasks by centralizing the management of forms, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance, creating a smooth experience for new employees.
What I find most impressive about ApplicantStack is its user-friendly interface and customizable workflows, which helps businesses reduce administrative overhead and focus on creating a welcoming experience.
Best For: Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
Standout Features
Automated Task Assignments
Customizable Checklists
E-Forms and E-Signatures
Progress Tracking
Integration Options
- The platform has a straightforward setup and easy-to-use interface.
- Customizable workflows of ApplicantStack fit a variety of business needs.
Customer Review
"ApplicantStack transformed our onboarding process. The automated workflows saved us hours of manual work." (Source: G2)
- The platform has limited advanced analytics for tracking onboarding effectiveness.
- Some features may feel basic compared to more comprehensive platforms.
Customer Review
"A solid onboarding tool, though it could use more robust reporting options." (Source: G2)
Clientele
- University of North Carolina
- Cafe Deluxe
- Hallmark
- Omni
- US Space and Rocket Center
Pricing
Workable
Why Workable?
Workable is a comprehensive employee onboarding software designed to bridge the gap between recruitment and onboarding. Known for its ease of use and robust features, it streamlines onboarding workflows while helping new hires settle into their roles quickly and confidently.
With its onboarding automation software and collaborative tools, Workable ensures a seamless onboarding solution that aligns with organizational goals.
Best For: Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
Standout Features
Automated Workflows
Customizable Onboarding Checklists
Collaborative Features
Mobile-Friendly Access
Integration with Hiring Tools
- User-friendly interface makes onboarding straightforward for HR teams and new hires.
- The platform has strong integration capabilities with recruitment and HR tools.
Customer Reviews
"Workable made it so much easier to move from hiring to onboarding. The collaborative checklists kept everyone on the same page." (Source: G2)
- Limited customization options for highly specialized onboarding processes.
- Advanced reporting features require additional setup or tools.
Customer Reviews
"A great tool overall, though we found some of the custom options a bit restrictive for niche roles." (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Forbes
- Sephora
- Beiersdorf
- Oldcastle
- Ryanair
Pricing
Workday
Why Workday?
Workday is a top new employee onboarding software. Its smooth integration with HR and payroll systems makes it perfect for streamlining processes. It offers a scalable and customizable platform that ensures new hires have an efficient and engaging onboarding experience.
Workday focuses on long-term employee success by using data insights and automating workflows beyond just the basic onboarding tasks.
Best For: Medium to Large-Sized Organizations
Standout Features
Unified HR Ecosystem
Personalized Onboarding Journeys
Data-Driven Insights
Mobile Access
Compliance Tools
- Provides a centralized platform for all onboarding and HR needs.
- Real-time insights help improve and refine onboarding strategies.
Customer Reviews
"Workday’s onboarding tools made our process more consistent and data-driven. It’s a comprehensive solution that scales well." (Source: G2)
- Implementation and setup can take time for complex organizations.
- Cost may be a factor for smaller businesses.
Customer Reviews
"A robust platform, but the initial implementation required significant time and resources." (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Dell
- GE
- Humana
- Comcast
- Wegmans
Pricing
ClickUp
Why ClickUp?
ClickUp is a versatile recruiting and onboarding software that combines task management and team collaboration, making it a great choice for organizations seeking a highly customizable and intuitive onboarding platform. Its robust features empower HR teams to design workflows, track progress, and ensure every new hire has a smooth onboarding journey.
Built to adapt to any industry or organization size, the employee onboarding app streamlines onboarding tasks while fostering collaboration between teams and new hires.
Best For: Small to Medium-Sized Organizations
Standout Features
Customizable Templates
Task Automation
Team Collaboration
Progress Tracking
Integration Capabilities
- The platform is extremely customizable to fit diverse onboarding needs.
- ClickUp encourages cross-team collaboration and communication.
Customer Reviews
"ClickUp streamlined our onboarding process with its intuitive workflows and collaboration features. It’s made onboarding new hires an enjoyable experience." (Source: G2)
- The extensive features may have a learning curve for new users.
- Advanced customization might require additional setup time.
Customer Reviews
"Fantastic for task management, but it took some time to get used to the wide range of features." (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Netflix
- Airbnb
- Freelance Cake
- Watson Digital
Pricing
Paycor
Why Paycor?
Paycor is a robust onboarding tool for new employees that I've found incredibly useful for simplifying the new hire experience. With its emphasis on automation and compliance, Paycor enables HR teams to manage onboarding tasks efficiently while ensuring a positive first impression for employees.
Paycor stands out for its user-friendly interface and powerful tools, which support seamless onboarding across various organizational sizes.
Best For: Medium to Large Organizations
Standout Features
Automated Workflows
Compliance Management
Employee Self-Service Portal
Customizable Onboarding Plans
Integration Options
- Strong compliance features of Paycor make regulatory adherence stress-free.
- The platform’s self-service tools enhance the new hire experience by reducing manual HR intervention.
Customer Reviews
"Paycor has simplified our onboarding process, especially with its automated workflows and compliance tools." (Source: G2)
- Customization options might require additional time for setup.
- Reporting features could be more advanced for detailed analytics.
Customer Reviews
"The platform works well for onboarding, but setting up workflows for unique roles required extra effort." (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Wendy’s
- Detroit Zoo
- ACMS
- Wetland
- Two Men and a Truck
Pricing
Deel
Why Deel?
Deel is dynamic employee onboarding software tailored for companies hiring globally. It simplifies onboarding processes while navigating the complexities of international compliance and payroll. Deel ensures that new hires—whether remote or in-office—have a seamless and compliant onboarding experience.
Deel excels at providing an all-in-one platform for organizations working across borders, making it a top choice for global teams.
Best For: Businesses of All Sizes
Standout Features
Global Compliance Management
E-Contract Generation
Automated Payroll Integration
Self-Onboarding for New Hires
Document Storage
- The platform is ideal for managing international hires with strong compliance and payroll support.
- Deel eases cross-border complexities with pre-built templates and localized expertise.
Customer Reviews
"Deel has transformed how we onboard international employees, making compliance simple and stress-free." (Source: G2)
- The platform may feel complex for businesses that don’t require global hiring features.
- Pricing can escalate depending on the number of global hires.
Customer Reviews
"A fantastic tool for global onboarding, though smaller companies may find features they don’t use." (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Shopify
- Nike
- Cloudflare
- Intercom
- Upwork
- Gitlab
Pricing
ClearCompany
Why ClearCompany?
ClearCompany is an intuitive employee onboarding and offboarding software that helps organizations deliver a consistent, engaging, and compliant onboarding experience.
ClearCompany is known for its easy integration, user-friendly interface, and automation, making it ideal for businesses that want to streamline their onboarding process.
Best For: Medium to Large
Standout Features
Automated Onboarding Checklists
Paperless Document Management
New Hire Portals
Integration with HR and Payroll Systems
Customizable Workflows
- Highly customizable workflows enhance the onboarding experience.
- The paperless system of ClearCompany reduces manual errors and saves time.
Customer Reviews
"ClearCompany made onboarding seamless and improved new hire engagement, especially with its centralized portal." (Source: G2)
- Some users may find the customization options complex initially.
- The platform has limited advanced reporting.
Customer Reviews
"Great platform for onboarding, though setting up customised workflows required some initial effort." (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Chick-fil-A
- Panasonic
- Subaru
- Gerber Technology
- Ichor Systems
Pricing
UKG Pro
Why UKG Pro?
UKG Pro is an automated employee onboarding software designed to streamline and personalize the onboarding experience. It automates tasks and engages employees, helping new hires succeed while easing HR's workload.
UKG Pro simplifies the onboarding process by connecting seamlessly with HR tools, offering a smooth experience for both employees and organizations.
Best For: Medium to Large
Standout Features
Personalized Onboarding Journeys
Automated Paperwork Management
Learning and Development Integration
Mobile Accessibility
Engagement Metrics
- The platform can seamlessly integrate with payroll and other HR systems.
- Personalization tools of UKG Pro help engage new hires effectively.
Customer Reviews
"UKG Pro made onboarding stress-free for both our HR team and new hires. The mobile accessibility was a game-changer." (Source: G2)
- The platform may feel complex for first-time users.
- Customization requires time and technical expertise.
Customer Reviews
"While it’s feature-rich, the initial setup required considerable effort. But the results were worth it." (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Nestle
- Baylor University
- Mariani Packing Company
- Amyris
- Bankers Healthcare Group
Pricing
Benefits of Employee Onboarding Programs
From my experience, the advantages of using onboarding software or an employee onboarding app go way beyond convenience. Some of the benefits are:
Better First Impressions: A smooth onboarding process helps new hires feel welcome and confident, creating a positive start.
Time Savings: Automation helps HR save time on admin tasks so they can focus on connecting with new employees.
Easy Compliance: Employee onboarding software ensures all documents and rules are handled correctly.
Increased Retention: Effective onboarding makes employees feel supported and more likely to stay with the company.
Consistency Across Teams: Standard processes ensure a similar onboarding experience for everyone, improving efficiency and culture.
Challenges of Employee Onboarding Services
Learning Curve: Some platforms can be overwhelming, especially for non-tech-savvy users. It may take time for HR teams to get comfortable with the system, slowing down the initial adoption.
Integration Issues: Not all onboarding software seamlessly integrates with existing systems, leading to data syncing problems and potential delays.
Cost Concerns: Some onboarding tools can be costly, which may be challenging for smaller businesses with limited budgets.
Personalization Limitations: Some platforms don't allow full customization to meet a company's specific needs, which can reduce their effectiveness for businesses with unique structures.
You can solve these challenges by planning carefully and choosing a solution that fits your institution's goals and resources.
How to Choose the Best Employee Onboarding Software
When choosing onboarding software, consider your company’s size, growth trajectory, and the complexity of your onboarding process. Focus on selecting user-friendly software that is intuitive for both HR team members and new hires.
Integrating your existing HR tools ensures that your data is consistent and up to date across all systems. This integration creates a smooth workflow and improves accuracy by connecting all relevant platforms. Also, consider the software's capacity for growth to ensure it can grow alongside your business.
Check the quality of customer support the onboarding software offers to ensure help is available when needed. The ideal solution will streamline administrative tasks, boost employee engagement, and provide a seamless onboarding experience, ultimately improving employee retention and lowering turnover costs.
FAQ’S
Q1: Why do I need an onboarding tool when I already have an HR system?
A. Onboarding software handles tasks like paperwork, training, and introducing new employees to the company. This helps new employees feel welcomed and ready to start working quickly. An HR system, on the other hand, mainly focuses on storing and managing employee details and records.
Q2: How secure is an employee onboarding portal?
A. Security is a priority for most onboarding software providers. They use encryption and secure data storage to protect sensitive employee information, such as personal details and tax forms.
Q3: How do I measure the success of onboarding programs for new hires?
A. You can measure success by tracking employee retention, time-to-productivity and gathering feedback from new hires. Many onboarding tools also offer built-in analytics to track progress and ensure a smooth transition for new employees.
Q4: Will employee onboarding software improve employee engagement?
A. Yes, onboarding software helps enhance engagement by providing a streamlined, interactive experience for new hires. These tools create a smoother transition and foster a sense of belonging.
Q5: Can I customize an employee onboarding platform to fit your company’s needs?
A. Most onboarding software offers some level of customization. You can customize the platform by adjusting onboarding plans and workflows to fit your company's specific needs and culture.
This article is written by Tanu Nath who is a Product Research Analyst at Vantage Circle. Tanu has a knack for diving deep into products, unraveling their features, and understanding their unique selling points. Her academic background in business administration complements her passion for product knowledge. Tanu finds joy in exploring the world of products and connecting with like-minded individuals. To get in touch, reach out to editor@vantagecircle.com
