The Best HR Software for Mid-Sized Businesses in 2024

As mid-sized businesses navigate the complexities of growth, efficient HR management becomes increasingly critical. The right HR software can streamline operations, enhance employee experience, and support strategic decision-making. This guide explores the top HR solutions tailored for mid-sized enterprises, providing insights to help you select the ideal platform for your organization.

Why Does Your Mid-Sized Business Need HR Software?

As your business grows beyond the startup phase, the complexities of HR management multiply. Manual processes that once sufficed in your company’s earlier days can instead begin hindering productivity and growth.

A robust HR platform streamlines operations, enhances efficiency, and empowers your HR team to focus on strategic initiatives. By automating routine tasks, such as payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and time-off requests, you free up valuable resources to tackle more complex challenges.

Moreover, HR software is essential for managing a growing workforce. It helps in talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, and employee development. With centralized data and analytics, you can make informed decisions about workforce planning, compensation, and employee engagement.

Best HR Software for Mid-Sized Businesses

Best Software

  • GoCo
  • Workday
  • ADP Workforce Now
  • Ceridian Dayforce
  • Paycor
  • Justworks
  • Deel
  • Sage HR

1. GoCo

GoCo Logo

Website: Visit GoCo

G2 Rating: 4.6 (380)

GoCo is a comprehensive HR platform designed to elevate the HR function in mid-sized organizations. Its modern, intuitive interface and robust feature set address the unique challenges faced by businesses experiencing rapid growth. GoCo's combination of customization, scalability, and automation empowers HR teams to streamline operations, enhance employee experiences, and drive strategic business outcomes.

Unlike generic HR solutions, GoCo caters to the specific needs of mid-sized businesses. Its customizable workflows and advanced analytics provide the tools to manage a growing workforce effectively. Whether it's optimizing recruitment, managing complex benefits packages, or ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, GoCo offers the functionality to support your organization's growth trajectory.

GoCo’s HRIS for Mid-Sized Businesses Highlights:

  • Streamlined Processes: GoCo boasts features like onboarding automation, PTO management, time tracking, and payroll integration, which can significantly reduce paperwork and free up HR staff in a mid-sized company where HR teams might be smaller.
  • Customization: One of the platform’s standout features is its custom workflows, making it adaptable to the specific needs of a growing company.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Many reviewers on G2 highlight the ease of use of GoCo. This is a big plus for mid-sized companies where employees might not have extensive experience with HR software.
  • Customer Support: Reviewers also appreciate GoCo's customer service, which can be crucial for getting set up and navigating any challenges that arise.

As a bonus, GoCo offers transparent, competitive pricing tailored to mid-sized businesses. With customizable plans and no hidden fees, you can find a solution that fits your budget and scales as your business continues to grow.

Main Takeaway: Overall, GoCo shines with its modern design and user-friendly interface that is easy for everyone to navigate. This reduces the learning curve and encourages adoption across the organization. GoCo also supports a variety of integrations with other business tools

Visit GoCo

2. Workday

Workday Logo

Website: Visit Workday

G2 Rating: 4.1 (1555)

Workday is a cloud-based HR platform designed for mid-sized and enterprise organizations. Known for its suite of HR modules, Workday offers a unified solution to manage the entire employee lifecycle. Like most providers, it offers features for talent management, HR, finance, and planning. Known for its scalability and customization options, Workday can handle complex organizational structures. However, its implementation can be lengthy and costly, and some users have noted a steeper learning curve compared to other options.

Main Takeaway: Workday is renowned for its scalability, flexibility, and ability to handle complex HR processes. However, its implementation can be time-consuming and expensive, making it a more suitable option for larger organizations with significant HR complexities.

Visit Workday

3. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now Logo

Website: Visit ADP Workforce Now

G2 Rating: 4.1 (3442)

ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HR platform offering a wide range of modules to support mid-sized and large businesses. As part of the ADP suite, it provides integrated solutions for payroll, benefits, time and attendance, and talent management.

Known for its strong compliance features, ADP Workforce Now can handle complex HR functions. However, some users report that the system can be complex to navigate and that pricing can be on the higher end compared to other options.

Main Takeaway: ADP Workforce Now is a well-established platform with a strong reputation for payroll and tax compliance. However, some users have reported complexities in navigating the platform, limitations in certain HR functionalities compared to other dedicated HR platforms, and a higher price tag than other providers.

Visit ADP Workforce Now

4. Ceridian Dayforce

Ceridian Dayforce Logo

Website: Visit Ceridian Dayforce

G2 Rating: 4.2 (807)

Ceridian Dayforce is a comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) platform designed for mid-sized and large organizations. Known for its unified platform approach, Dayforce integrates HR, payroll, benefits, and talent management.

Dayforce is often praised for its robust functionality, including its ability to handle complex payroll and tax regulations and focus on employee self-service and mobile accessibility. However, some users have mentioned a steep learning curve and the need for extensive implementation support.

Main Takeaway: Dayforce is a robust platform that can handle complex workforce management needs, including time and attendance. However, implementation can be complex and time-consuming, and some users have reported challenges with system updates and changes.

Visit Ceridian Dayforce

5. Paycor

Paycor Logo

Website: Visit Paycor

G2 Rating: 3.9 (759)

Offering a suite of tools for managing the entire employee lifecycle, Paycor aims to streamline HR processes and improve operational efficiency. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive features are good for organizations looking to streamline HR processes.

Paycor is often praised for its strong payroll capabilities and integration with other HR functions. Users appreciate the platform's focus on compliance and its ability to handle complex payroll and tax regulations. However, some users on G2 have noted challenges with system customization and reporting capabilities compared to other HR platforms.

Main Takeaway: Paycor offers a strong focus on payroll and core HR functions, with additional modules for talent management and benefits administration. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing. However, it may not suit organizations that need advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.

Visit Paycor

6. Justworks

Justworks Logo

Website: Visit Justworks

G2 Rating: 4.6 (680)

As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Justworks offers a blend of HR services and technology to streamline operations and manage compliance for companies that want to outsource their HR operations. Although it offers a robust suite of HR tools and is praised for its strong customer service, Justworks’s scalability for mid-sized businesses is limited, since mid-sized companies often require more advanced features like complex reporting, analytics, and talent management capabilities.

Main Takeaway: While Justworks can be a good starting point for smaller businesses, it's essential for mid-sized businesses to evaluate their specific needs and consider if the PEO model can meet their evolving HR requirements. Additionally, the hefty price tag and lack of control that comes with a PEO might become detrimental as employee count grows.

Visit Justworks

7. Deel

Deel Logo

Website: Visit Deel

G2 Rating: 4.8 (3944)

Deel is a global HR and payroll platform primarily designed for companies with a global workforce. Its core strength lies in managing payroll, compliance, and benefits for employees in multiple countries. This can be a significant advantage for mid-sized companies expanding their global footprint. However, for mid-sized businesses with primarily domestic operations, the platform might offer features that exceed their needs, potentially leading to higher costs and limitations in advanced HR functionalities.

Main Takeaway: While it offers some HR features, Deel’s primary focus is on streamlining global operations. For mid-sized businesses with a predominantly domestic workforce, Deel might not be the optimal choice as its main features could be overkill and potentially more expensive than platforms designed for domestic HR.

Visit Deel

8. Sage HR

Sage HR Logo

Website: Visit Sage HR

G2 Rating: 4.3 (79)

Sage HR is a flexible customizable HR platform for small businesses. The platform’s modular system can be tailored to your needs, but the customization comes at the cost of a cumbersome setup process and a lack of advanced features—particularly in payroll. For businesses seeking a straightforward, all-in-one HR solution, Sage HR might not deliver the comprehensive functionality you’re looking for.

Sage HR’s HR Software for Small Business Features include:

  • Custom HR Modules: Sage HR provides a modular system that allows you to tailor HR processes to your specific needs.
  • Employee Management: The platform offers basic tools for managing employee data, documents, and performance.
  • Performance Reviews: Facilitates performance reviews and goal setting.
  • Leave Management: Automates leave management.

Pricing: Sage does not publish pricing, and you must contact them to request.

Visit Sage HR

How to Choose the Best HR Software for Your Mid-Sized Business

Your employees are the backbone of your mid-sized business. Investing in the right HR software is crucial to optimize their potential and streamline your HR operations.

While core HR functions like payroll and benefits management are essential, today's HR departments require more. Consider additional features such as applicant tracking, performance management, and employee engagement tools to enhance overall efficiency and employee satisfaction.

When selecting HR software, clearly define your specific needs and goals. Evaluate HR platforms based on their ability to meet your core requirements while offering valuable extra features. Some mid-sized businesses may benefit from a comprehensive HR solution, while others might prefer a modular approach with best-in-class software.

Ultimately, the ideal HR software empowers your HR team to focus on strategic initiatives while efficiently managing day-to-day operations.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing an HRIS for Your Mid-Sized Business

Selecting the optimal HR software for your mid-sized business can be overwhelming. To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:

  • icon of a dollar sign Company Size and Structure: Understand your employee count and organizational complexity.
  • icon of a heart HR Process Automation: Identify which tasks consume the most time and resources and that can be streamlined to improve efficiency.
  • icon of an integration symbol Budget: Determine your financial allocation for software, implementation, and ongoing support.
  • icon of software UI cells Technology Integration: Evaluate the need to connect your HR software with other systems.
  • icon of a clock face Desired Features: Consider additional tools like applicant tracking, performance management, or time and attendance.
  • icon of a dollar sign User Experience: Choose a software that aligns with your team's preferences and workflow.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select HR software that effectively supports your business growth and HR team.

GoCo offers an all-in-one HR platform designed to simplify the complex world of HR for mid-sized businesses. By consolidating HR functions, payroll, onboarding, benefits, and more into a single solution, GoCo eliminates the need to juggle multiple software systems with the adaptability to scale along with your business. 

With features like electronic forms, provider management, employee databases, and self-service portals, GoCo streamlines HR processes and provides a comprehensive toolkit and support to set businesses up for success. 

Want to see GoCo’s HR software features for yourself? Take a free interactive tour of the GoCo platform today!

See how GoCo can simplify your HR

Book a Demo →

FAQs

What are the essential features of HR software for mid-sized businesses?

Essential features include core HR functions like payroll, benefits, time and attendance, employee records, talent management (recruitment, onboarding, performance management), compliance management, and reporting and analytics.

How do I know if my mid-sized business needs HR software?

If your business is experiencing challenges with manual HR processes, such as time-consuming paperwork, difficulty tracking employee data, or struggling with compliance, HR software can significantly improve efficiency and accuracy.

What is the average cost of HR software for a mid-sized business?

The cost varies depending on the size of your company, the features you need, and the chosen provider. It's best to get quotes from different vendors to compare pricing. Not all providers publish their pricing, but some, such as GoCo, provide transparent pricing.

How do I choose the right HR software for my mid-sized business?

Assess your business needs, research available options, compare features and pricing, demo the software, and consider implementation and training.