Best Cloud Based HR Software in 2024

A Cloud based HR software is an HR management system hosted on remote servers and accessed online. It combines all possible HR-related data on a single platform, accessed anytime from anywhere.

Unlike traditional on-premises HR software, which requires installation on local servers and dedicated IT infrastructure, cloud-based HR software operates entirely in the cloud. Cloud-based HR software is faster and easier to use than traditional versions.

It offers all important features and functionalities to manage human resource-related tasks seamlessly. From attendance tracking to leave management, employee management, and leave management, cloud-based HRMS is a one-stop employee management solution for startups, SMBs, and enterprises.

Why Shift to Cloud Based HR Software?

Here is why your business needs to adopt cloud-based HR management software.

• Accessibility: One of the main advantages of choosing cloud HR software is the amount of flexibility and accessibility it offers. It allows you to access the system from anywhere in the world and anytime from any internet-connected device. Moreover, this empowers you to play a more active role in meeting your organization's needs.
• Cost Savings: Cloud-based HRMS systems can help your business save money in several ways. First, it does not require huge investments and maintenance fees. Cloud-based HRMS usually have a subscription-based pricing model, allowing you to pay only for what you need.
• Predictive Analytics: Cloud HR software comes with robust reporting and analytical capabilities, allowing HR experts to analyze data and gain detailed insights into their workplace. AI within HR software can monitor employee performance and take necessary steps to manage factors that cause productivity loss. With the help of cloud-based HR solutions, you can identify the reasons behind attrition and take immediate corrective actions.
• Automation: Spending hours on tiresome tasks is a waste of time and waste of resources. According to a report by Gartner, 56% of companies are now using cloud-based HR solutions to automate manual or repetitive jobs. Such software systems can easily streamline and automate several HR procedures to save time and avoid inconsistencies.

Traditional HR Software: Drawbacks

Despite the various benefits of traditional HR software, it also has some notable drawbacks.

• Lack of flexibility: The traditional HR software has predefined workflows and processes, which leaves little room for customization. As a result, some organizations find it difficult to modify the functionalities to their unique HR requirements and processes.
• Complex usage: Traditional HR software can be challenging and complex to navigate, mainly for new users. The abundance of functionalities and features can confuse it, leading to a steep learning curve for some users.
• Integration issues: Conventional HR software programs weren't created with integration in mind. Therefore, integrating them with other systems, such as applicant tracking, payroll, and finance software, can require additional development.
• Pricing: Cost is also one of the major issues as most of the traditional HR software is quite expensive, mainly for small and medium-sized companies. Along with upfront costs, there can be maintenance fees or additional charges for support, customization, and updates.

Finally, traditional HRMS solutions often have outdated user interfaces that may not be user-friendly or intuitive. This can lead to compromised user satisfaction and productivity.

Traditional HR Software Vs Cloud Based HR Software

While traditional hr software has a higher upfront investment for hardware and licenses, on the other hand, cloud-based HR solutions need a lower initial investment. They are often available in a subscription-based model. The major difference between these two lies in the ease of data access.

At the same time, cloud-based solutions allow access to data anytime, anywhere, and traditional HR solutions offer system-based access. Moreover, traditional hr software often has limitations in handling growing needs, and cloud-based HR software is scalable to accommodate organizational growth.

Here’s the comparison of Traditional HR Software Vs Cloud Based HR Software

Traditional HR Software Vs Cloud Based HR Software
Parameters	Traditional HR Software	Cloud Based HR Software
Deployment	On-premise installation	Cloud-based deployment
Accessibility	Limited to location premises	Accessible from anywhere with internet connection
Cost	Higher upfront costs and maintenance fees	Lower upfront costs, subscription-based model
Customization	Limited customization options	Flexible for customization and scalability
Integration	May lack robust integration capabilities	Built with integration in mind
User Interface	Often has outdated or less user-friendly interfaces	Modern, intuitive user interfaces
Scalability	May have limitations in handling growing needs	Scalable to accommodate organizational growth

Types of Cloud Based HR Software

Cloud-Based HR Software comes in various types to cater to different business needs and processes. Some common types of cloud-based HR software are; Software as a service (SaaS), Platform as a service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), hybrid cloud and multi-cloud.

Software as a service (SaaS) HR software

Software as a service (SaaS) HR software is hosted in the cloud server and offered to users over the internet. In this type of hr solution, the software provider hosts and maintains the application on their servers and users can access the servers without needing any local installation. Moreover, SaaS-based HR software follows a subscription-based price model, and users pay monthly or annual fees to use the service.

Platform as a service (PaaS) HR software

In Platform as a Service (PaaS) HR software, the application is built and deployed on a cloud-based platform of a third-party service provider. In this model, the service provider offers all the necessary infrastructure, tools, and services to develop, customize, and deploy HR applications without the need for you to manage the hardware or software infrastructure.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) HR software

IaaS solutions give consumers access to the cloud's server, storage, and networking infrastructure. These solutions are frequently used in conjunction with other kinds of cloud services by firms that require a high degree of control over their HR systems.

Hybrid Cloud HR software

This type of solution combines the features and benefits of both private and public clouds. This enables businesses to store and process sensitive data locally while utilizing the scalability and affordability of public cloud computing for other tasks.

Multi-cloud HR software

Multi-cloud cloud-based HR software is designed to operate across multiple cloud computing platforms and can be deployed on multiple cloud infrastructure providers. This software ensures data portability, as you can easily move your HR data and applications between different cloud providers without vendor lock-in. Moreover, multi-cloud software lets you leverage pricing variations between cloud providers to optimize costs.

Key Features of Cloud-Based HR Software

Some of the most prominent features of cloud-based HR software are time and attendance tracking, employee information management, application tracking system, payroll and others. Let's look at all the features in detail.

• Attendance Tracking: The attendance tracking system helps track your employee's working hours, attendance and leave requests. Moreover, it is often integrated with payroll software for accurate salary calculations.
• Payroll: The integrated cloud based hr and payroll software complies with tax regulations, plus it eliminates the requirement for manual computations.
• Employee management: It has a centralized database to store and manage employee information, such as personal details, employment history, contact information, performance evaluations, etc.
• Employee Self-Service: The self-service facility allows employees to independently access information related to their leaves, attendance, payroll, etc., and update their details without the help of HR staff.
• Leave management: Cloud-based hrms systems simplify the process of requesting, approving, rejecting, and managing employee leaves.
• Performance Management: This unique feature includes the tools to evaluate employee performance and monitor their growth over time.
• Learning Management System (LMS): The cloud hr solutions have built-in training and development modules to deliver and track employee learning initiatives.
• Recruitment Management: Using this platform, you will have convenient access to candidate data from anywhere. It will be easier to find qualified candidates this way because the evaluation process will be more collaborative.

What are the Benefits of Cloud Based HRMS?

Cloud-based HR software offers several benefits for organizations and HR professionals. Here are some key advantages of using cloud-based HR software.

• Time-saving: Cloud based HR management software automates numerous repetitive tasks like tracking employee attendance, payroll processing, managing time off requests and more. This allows the HR team to focus on more critical tasks at hand.
• Scalability: Cloud-based platforms can be easily scaled to fulfill the changing needs of your business. This makes it easy to add or remove any user as required.
• Cost-effective: Cloud-based solutions are often less expensive than their on-premises alternatives due to the lack of expensive hardware and software requirements.
• Enhanced data security: With a cloud based HR management system, you get robust security measures, such as encryption and data backups, to protect sensitive employee or payroll data.
• Increases accessibility: Cloud HR software allows employees and HR professionals to access data and tools from anywhere with the help of a web-enabled device.
• Better Insights: Cloud HR solutions offers advanced reporting and analytics features, allowing you to get more visibility into your employee-related data and make more informed decisions.
• Mobile compatibility: Cloud based HRMS solutions are compatible with mobile devices. It allows HR experts to access the system from their tablets or phones. This level of flexibility empowers them to resolve queries and respond to requests on the go, which improves efficiency and overall productivity. Moreover, thanks to the mobile-friendly interface, users can quickly and easily become used to cloud-based HR systems.

Implementing Cloud Based HR software

By following the below-mentioned steps, you can ensure the successful implementation of cloud-based HR software:

• Define Clear Objectives: Determine the specific HR processes and functions you want to improve or automate with the cloud-based HR software. You should assess your organization's infrastructure, data security requirements, and integration needs. Moreover, you must define clear objectives and goals for the implementation.
• Data Migration and Integration: Identify the data that needs to be transferred from the current HR systems to the cloud-based HR software. You need to work with your vendor to properly plan and perform the data migration process to ensure integrity and data accuracy. Moreover, you must address integration requirements with current business systems like finance or payroll.
• Training: Create a thorough training program for HR personnel and workers to acquaint them with the new cloud-based HR software. Additionally, you should offer training and support to ensure seamless adoption and shorten the steep learning curve.
• Monitor & Adjust: Once the cloud-based hr management software is up and running, monitoring its performance and adjusting as required is important. This will ensure that the system meets your company's needs and you're getting the most out of it.

How Secure Cloud-Based HR Software Is?

The security of cloud HR solutions depends on numerous factors, such as the security modules implemented by the software provider, the underlying infrastructure, and your company's security measures. Reputable cloud-based HR software providers invest heavily in security to protect sensitive HR data from unauthorized access and potential threats. Some key security measures contributing to the overall security of cloud-based HR platforms include data encryption, access controls, multifactor authentication, regular security updates, and data backup and recovery.

Why Businesses are Shifting to Cloud HR Software?

Most businesses are switching to cloud-based HR solutions for several reasons that offer significant benefits than traditional HR software systems. The main reasons for this shift are automatic updates and maintenance, data security, cost-effectiveness, real-time analytics and reporting and integration capabilities. Also, cloud-based HR software modules can scale as the organization's workforce and HR needs change.

Moreover, cloud-based solutions can be deployed faster compared to traditional on-premises software. Lastly, cloud solutions offer robust backup and disaster recovery solutions, which ensures data integrity and business continuity in case of data loss or system failures.

How To Choose the Right Cloud Based HR Software for My Business?

To choose the right cloud HRMS software for your business, consider your company's specific needs, budget and long-term goals carefully. Let's look at some critical steps to help you make the right decision.

• Assess Your Needs: Identify your HR pain points and the specific features and functionalities your company needs in an HR software solution. You must consider payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, employee information management, performance management, and compliance requirements.
• Set Your Budget: You need to identify the budget you can allocate for cloud-based HR software. Consider both upfront costs, subscription fees, and any additional costs for modification, training, and support.
• Search for Software Providers: You should compare different cloud-based HR software providers. Look for companies with excellent reputations, positive customer reviews, and experience serving businesses like yours.
• Check the Integration Capabilities: Ensure that the cloud HR solution you choose can seamlessly integrate with other essential business software, such as payroll, accounting, or applicant tracking. This integration will help you in avoiding data silos and streamline HR processes.
• Security: Check if the software stores data encrypted and offers access-based authorizations. It should allow two-factor authentication to avoid data breaches, plus you should be able to maintain an audit trail for all data changes.
• Customer Service and Support: Evaluate the level of customer service and support the software provider offers. Choose a vendor that provides 24/7 and responsive customer support. Moreover, ongoing training resources should also be provided to assist with implementing and using the HR software.

Top 10 Best Cloud Based HR Software

Here’s the comparison of top cloud based HR solutions in terms of features and pricing:

Best Cloud Based HR Software
Cloud HR Software	Free Trial	Integration Facility
KEKA HR	Yes	Supports 3rd party integrations
Gusto	No	Supports 3rd party integrations
Spine HRMS	Yes	Supports 3rd party integrations
BambooHR	Yes	Supports 3rd party integrations
Zoho People	Yes	Integrates with Zoho Suite
ADP Workforce Now	Yes	Supports 3rd party integrations
greytHR	Yes	Supports 3rd party integrations
Zenefits	Yes	Supports 3rd party integrations
Freshteam	Yes	Integrates with Zoho Suite
SAP SuccessFactors	No	Integrates with SAP ecosystem