Top 8 HR Workflow & Automation Software in 2024

In 2024, the best HR workflow and automation software can revolutionize how your small business handles HR processes like onboarding, performance management, and compliance. Automation helps streamline workflows, reduce manual errors, and free up valuable time for HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top HR software options in 2024, with GoCo taking the lead.

Why Your Small Business Needs HR Automation Software

Manual HR processes can lead to inefficiencies, compliance risks, and a heavy administrative burden on your HR team. HR workflow and automation software eliminate these issues by automating key tasks, improving data accuracy, and creating a more efficient HR department.

Here’s why HR automation software is essential:

  • Automate Routine HR Tasks: From onboarding new hires to managing time-off requests, HR software automates repetitive processes.
  • Enhance Compliance: Stay ahead of evolving regulations with compliance tracking and alerts.
  • Boost Employee Engagement: Offer a seamless, digital-first experience for employees through self-service portals.
  • Scale Efficiently: As your business grows, HR software scales with you, automating more tasks without additional HR resources.

Best HR Workflow and Automation Software for Businesses in 2024

Best Software

  • GoCo
  • Kissflow
  • Frevvo
  • CFlow Apps
  • HappyFox Workflows
  • Process Street
  • Lever
  • Formstack

1. GoCo

GoCo Logo

Website: Visit GoCo

G2 Rating: 4.6 (380)

GoCo stands out as the top HR automation software for small and mid-sized businesses in 2024. With its all-in-one platform, GoCo simplifies HR, payroll, benefits administration, and compliance. GoCo allows you to build custom workflows that automate HR processes end-to-end, from onboarding to performance reviews. Its integration with third-party systems provides the flexibility to enhance your current HR operations.

GoCo’s workflows can help you do, view, track, or report on anything you need—using tools like customizable text boxes, lists and checkboxes, opinion scales measured how you want, currency and date collectors, and even calculated fields that can do math for you.

Key Features:

  • Custom HR Workflows: Automate processes like new hire onboarding, document management, and employee offboarding.
  • Assign and Invite Company Collaborators: Invite anyone in the company to collaborate in your workflows. Assign tasks and streamline communication between IT, HR, Accounting, C-Suite, and employees, with the ability to assign tasks to individuals, roles, logical org chart hierarchy positions, or a group.
  • Track Workflows: Get a single dashboard view to track and manage all HR workflows at-a-glance, or create and run custom reports to review data in bulk or analyze process efficiency.
  • Integrated with HRIS: GoCo’s workflows are integrated with the rest of the HRIS, meaning users can dynamically embed data, image, videos, and links into their workflows. Workflows can also run parallel to one another or one after the other using smart logic.
  • Automated Compliance: Stay compliant with labor laws and industry regulations through automatic updates and real-time alerts.
  • Employee Self-Service: Employees can manage their benefits, request PTO, and access payroll data through an intuitive dashboard.
  • Integration Flexibility: Easily integrates with payroll, time tracking, and benefits systems, allowing seamless data flow between platforms.
    Best For: Small and mid-sized businesses looking for a highly customizable, easy-to-use HR solution that automates workflows and simplifies day-to-day HR tasks.

PricingGoCo offers competitive pricing with flexible plans that can be customized to fit the needs of any SMB.

Visit GoCo

2. Kissflow

Kissflow Logo

Website: Visit Kissflow

G2 Rating: 4.3 (542)

Kissflow provides a workflow automation solution for HR processes, allowing businesses to automate everything from recruitment to employee exit management. It’s highly customizable, making it easy to tailor workflows to fit specific HR requirements.

Key Features:

  • Workflow Automation: Automate HR tasks like recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews.
  • Employee Management: Centralize employee data and streamline compliance tracking.
  • Custom Forms and Approvals: Build custom workflows for approvals, leave requests, and more.

However, Kissflow lacks some industry-specific HR templates, which means more time spent creating workflows from scratch, and it can feel overwhelming for small teams that don’t require robust customizations. Additionally, it lacks the all-in-one capabilities of a true HRIS.

Best For: Businesses looking for flexible HR automation with the ability to customize workflows.

Pricing: Pricing for Kissflow Basic starts at $1,500/month for up to 50 users. For Kissflow Enterprise, you must contact Kissflow for a quote.

Visit Kissflow

3. Frevvo

Frevvo Logo

Website: Visit Frevvo

G2 Rating: 4.2 (200)

Frevvo specializes in HR form automation, allowing businesses to digitize and automate complex forms such as employee onboarding, time-off requests, and compliance reporting. It offers pre-built templates to streamline implementation.

Key Features:

  • Form Automation: Create and automate complex HR forms and approval workflows.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Employees can fill out and approve forms from any device.
  • Compliance Management: Ensure that HR processes adhere to industry regulations with automated compliance checks.

Unfortunately, Frevvo doesn’t offer as many integrations with third-party HR or payroll platforms as other solutions, and its more advanced features have a learning curve for non-technical users.

Best For: Businesses, particularly internationally, needing form automation for HR workflows.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on features. You must contact sales for a quote.

Visit Frevvo

4. CFlow Apps

CFlow Apps Logo

Website: Visit CFlow Apps

G2 Rating: 5 (5)

Cflow offers cloud-based BPM and workflow automation solutions that can be customized for HR departments. It automates business processes within companies and helps SMBs transition from running processes on emails and spreadsheets to using automated applications.

Key Features:

  • No-Code Workflow Automation: Automate HR tasks such as onboarding and employee evaluations without technical expertise.
  • Customizable Workflows: Build workflows for hiring, offboarding, and compliance checks.
  • Integration Capabilities: Sync with popular HR systems and tools to ensure smooth data flow.

Users note that Cflow may not offer the same level of depth or customization as more advanced platforms like GoCo or Kissflow. Additionally, customer support is limited, especially for businesses using the lower-priced plans.

Best For: Businesses wanting a no-code HR automation point solution.

Pricing: Pricing for Cflow starts at $12 per user/month with a minimum of 10 users, when charged monthly. However, businesses will likely need more than the basic plan, and monthly prices can quickly increase to $16 per user/month and $22 per user/month.

Visit CFlow Apps

5. HappyFox Workflows

HappyFox Workflows Logo

Website: Visit HappyFox Workflows

G2 Rating: 4.7 (7)

HappyFox Workflows is an automation platform that focuses on automating repetitive HR tasks. It allows businesses to streamline HR processes like recruitment, onboarding, and time-off management.

Key Features:

  • Automated Workflows: Create HR workflows for tasks such as hiring, performance reviews, and employee feedback.
  • Drag-and-Drop Interface: Build workflows with an easy-to-use, no-code interface.
  • Compliance and Audit Trails: Track all HR-related activities for compliance purposes.

HappyFox may not be suitable for businesses with complex HR automation needs, such as compliance tracking. Focused on general workflow automation, it lacks specialized HR modules found in dedicated HR platforms.

Best For: Businesses looking to automate repetitive HR processes but don’t need robust HR-specific features.

Pricing: HappyFox Workflows pricing starts at $199 /mo for Basic, $499 /mo for Teams, $999 /mo for Pro, and $1999 /mo for Enterprise.

Visit HappyFox Workflows

6. Process Street

Process Street Logo

Website: Visit Process Street

G2 Rating: 4.6 (401)

Process Street offers a platform that can be used to automate HR workflows such as employee onboarding. It’s designed to help businesses document and automate their processes to boost productivity.

Key Features:

  • Checklists and Workflows: Automate HR checklists for processes like onboarding and offboarding.
  • Collaboration Tools: Enable team collaboration on HR processes with real-time updates and task assignments.
  • Template Library: Access pre-built templates for HR workflows like hiring and performance management.

Process Street, while powerful for some things, lacks deeper HR functionalities like benefits management or payroll integration. Also, reporting capabilities are limited compared to more advanced platforms. The number one complaint on G2 is that Process Street is difficult to learn.

Best For: Businesses that need structured workflows with a focus on HR process documentation.

Pricing: Process Street starts at $100/mo for startups. The Pro plan starts at $1,500/mo. Enterprise plans have custom pricing.

Visit Process Street

7. Lever

Lever Logo

Website: Visit Lever

G2 Rating: 4.3 (1980)

Lever is a talent acquisition platform that automates recruiting workflows, making it easier for businesses to streamline candidate management, interviewing, and onboarding.

Key Features:

  • Recruitment Automation: Automate the hiring process from job posting to offer letters.
  • Candidate Tracking: Manage candidates throughout the hiring pipeline with automated workflows.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Get insights into your recruitment process with custom reports.

Lever is focused primarily on recruitment, so it lacks comprehensive HR automation for other areas like compliance or performance management.

Best For: Businesses looking to automate and optimize their hiring processes.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs.

Visit Lever

8. Formstack

Formstack Logo

Website: Visit Formstack

G2 Rating: 4.6 (940)

Formstack helps businesses automate forms and workflows for HR processes like onboarding and document approvals. With its easy-to-use form builder, businesses can automate data collection and approvals without needing technical expertise.

Key Features:

  • Form Automation: Build and automate HR forms for onboarding, feedback, and compliance.
  • Workflow Automation: Automate HR approvals and document routing with drag-and-drop workflow creation.
  • Compliance Tracking: Ensure that your HR forms meet regulatory standards.

That said, pricing is on the higher side for businesses with fewer users, and primarily focused on form automation, it may lack broader HR management tools like time tracking, compliance management, payroll, and more that businesses need. Additionally, G2 reviews note a lack of customer support.

Best For: Businesses needing a form-based workflow automation tool and that are ok with a simple point solution.

Pricing: Formstack pricing starts at $83/month, billed annually, for forms alone. For a more robust package, costs increase to $250/month billed annually, or custom pricing for enterprise customers.

Visit Formstack

How to Choose the Best HR Workflow and Automation Software

Selecting the right HR workflow and automation software is a critical decision that impacts the efficiency and productivity of your HR department. A well-chosen platform can streamline HR tasks, reduce administrative burdens, and help ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

Here are some essential factors to consider when evaluating HR automation solutions:

1. Automation Features

One of the most critical aspects of HR workflow software is its ability to automate repetitive tasks. Look for software that can handle core HR tasks such as:

  • Onboarding: Automate the entire onboarding process, from sending offer letters and gathering employee information to setting up accounts and devices.
  • Performance Management: Ensure the software can manage performance reviews, goal-setting, and progress tracking automatically.
  • Compliance Tracking: Automated compliance tracking ensures that your business stays up-to-date with labor laws, tax regulations, and industry standards.
    Why It Matters: Automating these tasks reduces manual errors, saves time, and allows HR teams to focus on more strategic activities that add value to the business.

2. Ease of Use

Ease of use is crucial when selecting HR software, as your HR team, managers, and employees will need to interact with it regularly. A user-friendly interface ensures:

  • Minimal Training Required: The software should have an intuitive design that allows users to get started without extensive training.
  • Self-Service Features: Employee self-service options allow workers to update personal information, request PTO, and access pay stubs without HR intervention.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Ensure the software is accessible from any device, allowing employees and managers to complete HR tasks on the go.
    Why It Matters: Software that’s easy to use will encourage adoption across your organization and reduce the learning curve, leading to faster implementation and ROI.

3. Integration Capabilities

HR software rarely works in isolation. It needs to integrate with your existing tools, such as payroll, accounting, and time-tracking systems, for seamless workflows. Look for software that:

  • Integrates with Payroll Systems: Ensure it syncs payroll data with time-tracking and attendance systems to automate wage calculations and tax filings.
  • Works with Existing HR Tools: The software should be able to communicate with other HR platforms, such as benefits management, recruiting, and performance management tools.
  • Offers API Support: Custom API integrations allow you to connect the software with other custom tools your business may be using.
    Why It Matters: Strong integration capabilities prevent data silos, reduce manual data entry, and ensure that all systems are up-to-date with the latest information.

4. Customization Options

Every business has unique HR processes and needs. A flexible HR automation platform should allow you to:

  • Customize Workflows: Create workflows tailored to your specific business needs, whether it’s for onboarding, offboarding, performance evaluations, or compliance tracking.
  • Set Custom Approval Processes: Define approval hierarchies for tasks like expense claims, leave requests, and promotions.
  • Adapt to Industry Requirements: If your business is in a highly regulated industry, ensure the software allows you to adjust workflows to meet industry-specific compliance requirements.
    Why It Matters: Customization ensures that the HR software fits your business rather than forcing you to adapt to its limitations, allowing for greater efficiency and scalability as your business grows.

5. Scalability

As your business expands, your HR needs will evolve. Select software that can scale with your business, offering features that accommodate:

  • Growing Employee Numbers: The software should be able to handle increasing headcounts, new locations, and more complex HR requirements.
  • Advanced Features: As your HR team grows, you may need more sophisticated features like advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and deeper integrations with other enterprise tools.
    Why It Matters: Scalability ensures that you won’t need to switch platforms as your business grows, saving time and resources in the long run.

6. Reporting and Analytics

Data-driven decisions are key to a successful HR strategy. Choose software that offers:

  • Customizable Reports: Generate reports on key HR metrics such as employee turnover, engagement, and time-to-hire.
  • Analytics Dashboards: Get insights into your workforce with real-time dashboards that track performance, productivity, and compliance.
    Why It Matters: Robust reporting helps HR teams make informed decisions, measure the effectiveness of their strategies, and identify areas for improvement.

By keeping these factors in mind and asking the right questions, you can ensure that the HR workflow and automation software you choose will meet your business's unique needs, optimize operations, and enable long-term growth. GoCo remains a top choice for small businesses looking to streamline HR processes efficiently.

Ready to streamline your HR workflows?

GoCo's HR workflow automation system is designed to streamline and simplify complex HR processes for businesses of all sizes, allowing HR teams to automate repetitive tasks and focus on strategic initiatives. GoCo’s customizable workflows offer flexibility to tailor processes for key HR functions such as onboarding, offboarding, and performance management. 

With GoCo, businesses can automate the collection of employee information, set up new hires with required documents, and ensure compliance with HR policies—all while providing a seamless experience for both HR teams and employees.

One of GoCo's standout features is its ability to automate multi-step HR processes through customizable workflows. Whether it's gathering approvals, scheduling employee reviews, or managing benefits enrollment, GoCo’s workflow engine allows users to define tasks, set triggers, and route actions based on predefined rules. This reduces administrative burdens, minimizes manual errors, and ensures that every step of an HR process is completed accurately and on time. 

GoCo also enhances employee engagement by providing self-service tools that allow employees to manage their own HR-related tasks. Employees can access onboarding forms, request time off, and view performance evaluations, all within the same platform. By automating routine HR tasks and creating a user-friendly interface, GoCo empowers HR teams to work more efficiently while improving the overall employee experience.

Book a demo today and discover how GoCo can revolutionize your HR processes with ease.

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FAQs

What is HR workflow automation software?

HR workflow automation software helps businesses automate and streamline HR processes such as onboarding, performance management, compliance tracking, and employee data management. By automating these tasks, HR teams can save time, reduce manual errors, and focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth.

Why is HR automation important for small businesses?

HR automation is crucial for small businesses because it reduces administrative burdens, minimizes errors, and ensures compliance with ever-changing labor laws. Automation software also enhances employee experience by providing self-service options and allows businesses to scale their HR processes as they grow.

What features should I look for in HR automation software?

When choosing HR automation software, look for key features such as:

  • Automated onboarding and offboarding processes
  • Performance management tools
  • Compliance tracking
  • Employee self-service portals
  • Integration capabilities with payroll and other HR tools
  • Customizable workflows to suit your business needs

How does HR workflow automation help with compliance?

HR workflow automation helps businesses stay compliant with labor laws and regulations by automatically updating policies, tracking regulatory changes, and generating reports. It can also manage compliance documents, track employee certifications, and alert HR teams about upcoming deadlines to ensure your business remains in compliance.

Can HR automation software integrate with my existing systems?

Yes, most HR automation software is designed to integrate with existing systems such as payroll, time-tracking, and accounting platforms. This ensures that all employee data is consistent across different platforms, reducing manual data entry and improving overall efficiency.

Is HR workflow software scalable for growing businesses?

Yes, HR workflow automation software is scalable and can grow with your business. As you expand your workforce or add new locations, the software can handle additional employees, offer more advanced features, and integrate with new systems to accommodate evolving HR needs.

How can HR workflow software improve employee engagement?

HR workflow software improves employee engagement by automating repetitive tasks and giving employees more control through self-service portals. Employees can easily manage their benefits, request time off, access pay stubs, and participate in performance reviews, which increases satisfaction and reduces administrative frustrations.

What are the cost considerations when choosing HR automation software?

When selecting HR automation software, consider both the upfront costs (such as monthly or annual subscription fees) and any additional fees for advanced features, integrations, or user limits. While some platforms charge a flat fee per user, others offer scalable pricing based on the number of employees or the level of features required.