Five free (or almost free) HR tools

Human resources is an essential function for any business, and the right tools can make a big difference in managing employee data, tracking performance, and streamlining workflows. However, investing in expensive HR software may not always be feasible, especially for small businesses and startups.

Fortunately, there are several free HR tools available that can help you manage your workforce effectively without breaking the bank. In this article, we will look at the five free HR tools that can help you streamline your HR processes.

Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is a comprehensive HR tool that offers a wide range of features such as employee management, time tracking, task management, and more. It also provides tools for communication and collaboration, making it easy for teams to work together remotely. Bitrix24's HR module allows you to manage employee profiles, track employee absences, and store employee documents, making it easy to access critical HR data when you need it.

Cost: offers a completely free package for unlimited users. Paid plans start at £36 per month.

Zoho People

Zoho People is an online HR management software that offers a wide range of HR functions, including applicant tracking, onboarding, time tracking, and employee self-service. It also has a robust reporting feature that allows you to generate reports on employee performance, attendance, and leave balances. Zoho People also integrates with other Zoho apps, making it easy to streamline your HR processes across different business functions.

Cost: 30 day free trial then less than £1 a month for their “essential” HR package”

HR.my

HR.my is a cloud-based HR software that offers a wide range of HR functions, including employee profiles, leave management, time tracking, and expense tracking. It also has a built-in employee portal that allows employees to access their personal information, apply for leave, and submit expense claims. HR.my also provides a range of customizable templates for HR documents such as offer letters, employment contracts, and appraisal forms.

Cost: Completely free, forever. They claim that all costs are “crowdfunded by the community”.

Homebase

Homebase (not to be confused with the UK DIY store) is an HR platform that provides a range of HR functions designed specifically for small businesses. It offers features such as time and attendance tracking, scheduling, hiring and onboarding, and team communication. Joinhomebase.com is an all-in-one platform, making it easy for businesses to manage all aspects of their HR processes in one place.

One of the standout features of Joinhomebase.com is its intuitive user interface. The platform is easy to use, even for businesses with limited HR experience, and provides a range of tools and resources to help you get started. The scheduling feature, for example, allows you to create and manage employee schedules quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and effort required to manage your workforce.

Cost: Homebase offer a “Basic” package that is completely free for one location and unlimited employees

Deel

Deel is an all-in-one HR platform that provides a wide range of HR functions for businesses of all sizes. It offers features such as payroll, benefits, onboarding, contract management, and more. One of the key benefits of Deel.com is its focus on international payroll and compliance, making it an ideal choice for businesses with a global workforce.

Deel.com's HR module allows you to manage employee profiles, track time off, and automate compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations. Its contract management feature makes it easy to create, send, and sign contracts online, eliminating the need for paper-based contracts and streamlining the hiring process. Deel.com also offers integrations with popular HR and accounting software, such as Slack and Xero, making it easy to manage all your HR processes in one place.

Cost: Offers a “HR Core” package, which is free for companies under 200 users.

Summary

There are several free HR tools available that can help you manage your workforce effectively. From managing employee profiles and tracking time off to streamlining recruitment and onboarding, these tools offer a range of features to suit your business needs.

While these tools may not offer the same level of customization and support as paid HR software, they can certainly help small businesses and startups streamline their HR processes and save time and money.