HCM, or human capital management, software is a type of software that your organization can use to manage your workforce. The software covers recruitment to payroll, and everything in between.
Managing these aspects on your own is difficult without the right tool.
Workday is a leading vendor — offering a comprehensive HCM system for medium to large-sized companies.
But is it the right option for your business? Does it have the features you need to effectively manage your teams?
What about Workday alternatives?
Here, we’ve written a detailed analysis of the leading Workday alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction to Workday
What the Vendor Says: “A single HCM system that evolves as you do.”
About Workday
Workday is an HCM solution that brings its core functionalities into a single package. The software operates on a cloud-based system, allowing organizations to better manage a global workforce.
What’s Offered by Workday?
Key features offered by Workday include traditional HR functions via a single interface as well as the following:
- Global compliance
- Audit and internal controls
- Workforce planning
- Recruiting
- Learning
- Payroll management
- Benefits
- Time and absence
- Expenses
Mobile access to the software is offered at no extra charge.
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Workday Cost?
Workday doesn’t publish pricing information on its product page. Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out to their sales team for pricing details.
Workday doesn’t offer a free version or trial.
Pros and Cons of Workday
Pros: Workday offers an impressive set of features and runs on a single platform. It offers mobile support and automatic upgrades.
Cons: Workday is built mainly for medium to large-sized enterprises. While there are many configuration options, some users have noted that the ability to customize is restricted.
To learn more, check out our comprehensive review of Workday.
Workday Alternative #1: ADP Workforce Now
What the Vendor Says: “All-in-one platform for payroll, HR, time, talent and benefits.”
Introduction to ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now offers an all-in-one platform for organizations to manage their main HR processes and gain insights from them.
What’s Offered by ADP Workforce Now?
ADP Workforce Now is entirely cloud-based and built on a single database. The core capabilities include HR management, workforce management, payroll, talent, and benefits. ADP Workforce Now can integrate to other third-party applications through APIs.
Organizations can purchase different modules to suit their needs:.
- Payroll
- HR Management
- Workforce Management
- Talent Management
- Benefits
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does ADP Workforce Now Cost?
ADP Workforce Now prices its HCM software differently from others. Pricing is based on the modules that businesses add.
Interested businesses can request a demo or reach out directly to the sales team for a quote.
Pros and Cons of ADP Workforce Now
Pros: Businesses can choose only the modules they need. Intuitive interface makes it easy to create reports. Pleasant and eye-catching interface.
Cons: The mobile app can be difficult to navigate and lacks similar options that the desktop site has. Pricing is not as competitive as other vendors.
Check out our comprehensive review of ADP Workforce Now to learn more.
Workday Alternative #2: BambooHR
What the Vendor Says: “BambooHR® lets you focus on people, not processes.”
Introduction to BambooHR
BambooHR provides a cloud-based system for small and medium-sized businesses to track and organize key information across all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
What’s Offered by BambooHR?
Key features of BambooHR include a centralized employee database, automated time off, employee self-service, HR reporting and applicant management. A full suite of automated onboarding tools make it easy for HR managers to keep new hires engaged. BambooHR offers a mobile app, so users can easily access and edit their own personal information.
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does BambooHR Cost?
Pricing for BambooHR is based on the number of users an organization has and follows a monthly subscription model.
There are two packages available: Essentials and Advantage.
Interested businesses can get started with a free trial.
Pros and Cons of BambooHR
Pros: Intuitive interface that keeps key information in one location. Simplifies the onboarding process. Offers a calendar view that employees can use to request time off.
Cons: Some users note that the mobile app is missing some functions. Integrating with other data sources can be difficult.
To learn more, check out our comprehensive review of BambooHR.
Workday Alternative #3: Oracle HCM Cloud
What the Vendor Says: “Oracle HCM Cloud—Work Made Human is focused on creating human experiences and strengthening business agility.”
Introduction to Oracle HCM Cloud
Oracle HCM Cloud is a complete human resources application suite. Gartner has named Oracle HCM Cloud as a Leader for four years in a row in its Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites for 1,000+ Employee Enterprises report.
What’s Offered by Oracle HCM Cloud?
Oracle HCM Cloud offers a full suite of HR solutions that support the whole employee lifecycle. Some of its many features include:
- Global and local HR
- Workforce directory
- Strategic workforce planning
- Advanced HCM controls
- Talent management
- Payroll integrations
- Benefits management
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Oracle HCM Cloud Cost?
Oracle HCM Cloud is priced at $15 an employee per month for the Global HR module and requires a minimum of 1,000 employees. Additional features incur extra charges.
Here’s a snapshot of its pricing:
Pros and Cons of Oracle HCM Cloud
Pros: Complete suite of applications for all core HR functions. Has a user friendly UI and training is available.
Cons: Global HR plan requires a minimum of 1,000 employees. Available training and documentation can be difficult to use.
To learn more, read our comprehensive review of Oracle HCM Cloud.
Workday Alternative #4: Zenefits
What the Vendor Says: “Streamline onboarding, benefits, payroll, PTO, and more with our simple, intuitive platform.”
Introduction to Zenefits
Zenefits is a cloud-based platform that enables small to midsize companies to manage their HR needs from an online dashboard.
What’s Offered by Zenefits?
Zenefits offers a complete platform that automatically connects HR, onboarding, benefits, payroll, and scheduling into one platform. The platform makes it easy for organizations to manage their workforce and automate key processes.
Key features include an online dashboard that allows for easy access of all employee data, a self-service portal for employees to update their information, business intelligence reports for deeper insight and more.
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Zenefits Cost?
Zenefits offers three levels of pricing: Essentials ($10 per employee, per month), Growth ($20 per employee, per month) and Zen ($33 per employee, per month. Customers can be billed monthly or yearly.
Zenefits also offers optional features, such as:
- Payroll ($6 per employee, per month) for users on the Essentials and Growth plans (included in the Zen plan)
- Recruiting (starting at $35 per employee, per month)
- Benefits ($5 per employee, per month if company wants to use their existing broker; free for companies that use a broker from Zenefits’ partner network)
- Advisory services ($8 per employee, per month): This feature includes access to certified HR and payroll experts for questions or issues
Pros and Cons of Zenefits
Pros: Robust HR platform with an intuitive online dashboard. Highest encryption standards are used to protect sensitive information.
Cons: Some users noted it was difficult reaching out to their assigned representatives for support.
Check out our comprehensive review of Zenefits for more information.
Workday Alternative #5: ClearCompany
What the Vendor Says: “At ClearCompany, our mission is to help our 2,000 clients achieve their own missions by hiring, retaining and engaging more top talent.”
Introduction to ClearCompany
ClearCompany is an HCM platform that brings recruiting, onboarding, performance management and goal tracking together into a single platform.
What’s Offered by ClearCompany?
ClearCompany offers these stand-alone solutions, but they can be purchased together:
- Applicant tracking
- New hire onboarding
- Performance management
ClearCompany allows employers to set, update and define goals for their employees. They can also use the platform to give direct feedback. ClearCompany provides a dedicated relationship manager and unlimited consulting services to each client.
How Much Does ClearCompany Cost?
ClearCompany doesn’t display pricing information on its product page. Interested businesses can reach out directly to their sales team to request a quote.
Pros and Cons of ClearCompany
Pros: User friendly interface that’s easy for employers and employees to navigate. Top-notch customer service and ongoing support.
Cons: Some users note that there isn’t an easy way to sort applicants and the implementation process was lengthy.
Check out our comprehensive review of ClearCompany for more information.
Workday Alternative #6: UKG Ready
What the Vendor Says: “One unified platform for your entire workforce.”
Introduction to UKG Ready
UKG Ready combines workforce management and human capital management capabilities on a single cloud-based platform.
What’s Offered by UKG Ready?
UKG Ready offers a suite of tools for organizations to manage the full employee lifecycle. Solutions for HR, recruiting, payroll, talent acquisition and more are integrated into one single platform. All data is stored on a single database. Employees can manage and update their personal information with the self-service functionality.
Optional modules are available for applicant tracking, performance management, compensation management and more. Automated tools allow organizations to streamline key functions and pull comprehensive reports about their workforce.
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does UKG Ready Cost?
UKG Ready doesn’t list pricing information on its product page, but interested businesses can request a free demo or reach out to their sales team for a quote.
Pros and Cons of UKG Ready
Pros: Intuitive interface and ease of generating reports. Organizations can add additional modules based on their needs.
Cons: Some users have noted insufficient training materials and difficulty with the onboarding process.
To learn more about, check out our comprehensive review of UKG Ready.
Workday Alternative #7: Rippling
What the Vendor Says: “Rippling makes it unbelievably easy to manage your team’s payroll, benefits, computers and apps — all in one, modern platform.”
Introduction to Rippling
Rippling is a cloud-based platform that offers HR and IT integrations from a single online location.
What’s Offered by Rippling?
Rippling is a robust platform with a quick implementation process. Companies can onboard new employees and set up their payroll and benefits in just 90 seconds. Rippling offers integration with over 700 cloud-based applications, such as Gmail, Microsoft Office and Slack. Companies can purchase individual modules to further expand their HR and IT capabilities.
With self-service features, employees can edit their personal information, view their paychecks, manage their leave balance, request time off and change their benefits plans. A mobile app is also available.
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Rippling Cost?
Pricing for Rippling starts at $8 per employee a month. Additional HR outsourcing packages are also available. Interested businesses can reach out to their sales team for more information.
Pros and Cons of Rippling
Pros: Fast implementation process and integration with many third-party apps. Cloud-based solution that simplifies HR, IT and Finance.
Cons: Inability to record employee hours, but integrates with most time and attendance solutions.
Check out our comprehensive review of Rippling for more information.
Workday Alternative #8: Paycor
What the Vendor Says: “From recruiting and onboarding to benefits and payroll, you want to make an impact in your organization. We can help.”
Introduction to Paycor
Paycor is a cloud-based platform that lets small to midsize businesses manage their HR tasks from recruiting to onboarding and more from a central location.
What’s Offered by Paycor?
Paycor offers a suite of tools that encompass the entire employee lifecycle. Key features include an applicant tracking system for companies to manage their recruitment processes, a time and attendance tracking feature that can automate hours, and a learning management system to organize employee training.
With self-service functionality, employees can manage their personal information, request time off and complete their performance reviews. These features are available within a browser or the mobile app.
Dashboard at a glance:
How Much Does Paycor Cost?
Paycor doesn’t publicly display pricing information for its platform. Instead, interested businesses can sign up for a demo or contact the sales team directly for a quote.
Pros and Cons of Paycor
Pros: United HCM system that’s capable of handling all HR tasks. Offers an intuitive interface with a clean and simple look.
Cons: Paycor targets primarily small to midsize businesses, so the platform may not be ideal for larger enterprises.
For more information, read our in-depth review of Paycor.
Conclusion
Businesses can benefit immensely by using HCM software to organize their HR tasks.
Workday is one of the top vendors in the HCM space. It offers a platform that combines numerous functions into one system.
But, depending on your business needs, it may not be the best option. Better Buys has several resources to help your business find the right Workday alternative.
Choosing a HR vendor is all about finding the right fit. Our exclusive report will walk you through the process and help you select the perfect solution.