Emre Ok
As a small business owner or HR professional, you understand the importance of a smooth and efficient onboarding process to set your new hires up for success. However, with numerous options available in the market, choosing the right onboarding software can be a challenge.
That is why we have curated a list of the best onboarding software for small businesses specifically designed to meet your needs and budget constraints.
Whether you’re looking for user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, or seamless integration with existing HR systems, we’ve got you covered. We’ll explore the key features, benefits, and considerations for each software, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique onboarding requirements.
Join us as we delve into the vast ecosystem of onboarding software for small businesses and discover the top 10 onboarding software for small businesses that can revolutionize your employee onboarding process and create a positive environment for new hires and veterans alike.
Before we dive into the list of best onboarding software for small businesses, we will be establishing criteria to analyze the onboarding software for small businesses in this list.
Table of Contents
What To Look For In Onboarding Software For Small Businesses?
Ah, the quest for the ideal employee onboarding software. It requires a discerning eye, an unwavering focus, and a comprehensive evaluation of key factors. As small businesses embark on this journey, certain criteria emerge as the guiding beacons to navigate the vast sea of options.
Let’s take a look at some of the crucial considerations when selecting employee onboarding software for small businesses:
1. Ease of use and user interface: The ideal onboarding software for small businesses should possess an intuitive interface that effortlessly accommodates the needs of HR teams and new hires alike. After all, a user-friendly system ensures a seamless onboarding experience and minimizes the arduous learning curve.
2. Customization options: Seek onboarding software for small businesses that offers ample customization capabilities, allowing businesses to mold the onboarding process to fit their unique requirements and brand identity. A touch of personalization creates an engaging and tailored onboarding experience for each new hire.
3. Integration capabilities: In the interconnected digital realm, compatibility is key. Look for onboarding software for small businesses that seamlessly integrates with existing systems and tools used within the organization.
The ability to sync with HRIS, communication platforms, and learning management systems fosters efficient data exchange and streamlines operations.
4. Pricing and affordability: When selecting employee onboarding software for small businesses, it’s essential to carefully assess the pricing structure and weigh it against the desired features and functionalities. Consider licensing fees, implementation costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses to strike the perfect balance.
5. Customer support and training: As the journey unfolds, robust customer support becomes a crucial companion. You should be investing in onboarding software for small businesses that offer comprehensive training resources, responsive customer service, and ongoing support. A safety net of assistance ensures a smooth onboarding process and addresses any queries or hiccups that may arise along the way.
10 Best Employee Onboarding Software For Small Businesses
| Tool Name | Best for | Price |
| Teamflect | Microsoft Teams integration | $0 – $5 per user/month |
| BambooHR | HR management | $5.25 – $8.75 per user/month |
| Motivosity | Cultural onboarding | $2 per user/month |
| Workbright | Mobile use | Contact Vendor |
| Gusto | Employee engagement surveys | $6 per user/month |
| Zenefits | Easy implementation | $16 per user/ month |
| Trainual | Designing training programs | $99 /month |
| Sentrifugo | Open source usage | Free |
| Boardon | Custom training materials | $58 / month |
| Coassmeble | Engaging experience | $50 /month |
1. Teamflect
Teamflect is the best employee onboarding software for Microsoft Teams. There are many different components that go into creating the best onboarding software for small businesses. When it comes to being easy to use, customizable, and integrated, you would be hard-pressed to find a better Microsoft Teams onboarding software than Teamflect.
As an all-in-one performance management solution Teamflect has a wide array of features that make onboarding a total breeze. When using Teamflect as your employee onboarding software, you can:
- Create and automate employee onboarding tasks for all new hires
- Automate onboarding survey templates to be sent out to new hires after a certain amount of days.
- Build mentorship and buddy programs in your organization to create a culture of support around your new hires.
- Automate 30-60-90-day review templates in order to measure, evaluate, and appreciate performance during the employee onboarding period.
Teamflect isn’t just an onboarding software for small businesses. Teamflect helps users with every facet of performance management.
Key Features:
- Customizable performance review templates.
- 360-degree feedback.
- Employee recognition.
- OKR Management
- Microsoft Teams meeting agendas
- And more!
Pros:
- Complete Microsoft Teams integration: Teamflect was designed to be in the flow of work. This makes Teamflect not only easy to use but also easy to adopt. There is nothing worse than software you invest in but never use. Your team will have an incredibly easy time learning the ropes in Teamflect.
- Complete performance management experience: Teamflect isn’t just an onboarding software for small businesses. It offers a complete performance management experience. It is the last tool you will ever need.
- Automation: Teamflect users can automate every step of the onboarding process, streamlining the way they onboard new hires and saving time.
- Free with full functionality: Teamflect is completely free for up to 10 users. The free plan has no time limits and has all the features the paid plan does. This makes it perfect for small businesses. It also allows you to demo Teamflect for as long as you want.
Cons:
- Microsoft Teams centered: While Teamflect doesn’t need Microsoft Teams to function as a capable onboarding software, the most optimal use case is still as a part of Teams.
2. Bamboo HR
BambooHR is a comprehensive HR software solution that encompasses various modules, including hiring and onboarding programs, people data and analytics, compensation management, performance management, and employee well-being.
With its user-friendly interface and multi-device accessibility, BambooHR simplifies the onboarding process for both you and your team members.
When considering BambooHR as an employee onboarding software for small businesses solution, take into account the package options and associated costs to determine the best fit for your organization’s needs and budget.
Pros:
- A wide array of HR-related features: BambooHR offers a wide range of features, from applicant tracking to e-signatures, employee databases, and performance management, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience.
- Welcome emails and IT checklists: The platform provides welcome emails and IT checklists, enabling you to ensure that new employees have everything they need from day one.
- User-friendly interface: BambooHR’s straightforward and interactive interface makes it easy to navigate and use, even for those who may not be tech-savvy.
- Multi-device accessibility: You can access BambooHR from any device, whether it’s a desktop, laptop, or mobile device, providing flexibility and convenience.
Cons:
- Package limitations: To access BambooHR’s robust onboarding program, you need to opt for the Advantage package, which may come at a higher cost compared to the Essentials package.
- Pricing considerations: Depending on the size of your organization and the specific features you require, the pricing of BambooHR may not be suitable for businesses with limited budgets.
- Not always in the flow of work: Bamboo HR has been criticized in the past for feeling a bit like a compliance exercise as opposed to a fully integrated solution.
3. Motiviosity
Motiviosity offers a comprehensive software solution that goes beyond traditional onboarding practices, focusing on creating genuine connections and fostering engagement within your team.
With features like personal profiles, personality maps, and interest groups, Motiviosity encourages employees to get to know each other on a personal level, fostering a sense of camaraderie and potential new friendships.
Keeping both office and remote employees engaged can be a challenge, but as a helpful onboarding software for small businesses, Motiviosity can do it. With a social feed that showcases important announcements, highlights, and updates, no one will miss out on vital information.
Employees can react, respond, and stay informed, ensuring everyone remains connected and up-to-date, regardless of their location or work arrangement.
Pros:
- Enhanced employee engagement: Motiviosity provides continuous streams of feedback and 360-degree reviews, empowering employees to understand their impact on the organization and strive for excellence in their work.
- Personalized connections: Through personal profiles, personality maps, and interest groups, employees can build meaningful relationships, fostering a supportive and connected work environment.
- Improved communication and awareness: The social feed feature allows for the seamless sharing of announcements and updates, ensuring that every team member stays informed and engaged.
Cons:
- Limited information on specific onboarding features: While Motiviosity emphasizes building connections and engagement, there may be a need for further exploration of its onboarding capabilities.
- Customizability limitations: The extent of customization options for personal profiles, personality maps, and interest groups may be limited, potentially hindering the ability to tailor the platform to specific organizational needs.
4. Workbright
WorkBright is a mobile-first onboarding software for small businesses designed to revolutionize the hiring and onboarding process by eliminating paper-based workflows.
Geared towards small and medium-sized businesses, this platform boasts a user-friendly interface and promises to expedite form collection by up to eight times. It is a great onboarding software for small businesses.
Pros:
- Automated reminders and notifications: The platform’s automatic reminder system ensures that all onboarding tasks are completed promptly, minimizing delays and improving compliance.
Cons:
- Limited scalability: While WorkBright caters well to SMBs, larger organizations with more complex onboarding needs may require additional customization and scalability options.
- Mobile-centric focus: WorkBright’s mobile-first approach may pose challenges for users who prefer working on desktop platforms, as some features may have limited functionality on non-mobile devices.
5. Gusto
Gusto, a popular American payroll, HR, and onboarding software, can be your go-to solution for automating and simplifying hiring and onboarding tasks. From posting job openings to creating comprehensive onboarding checklists, Gusto streamlines the entire process.
That is why it is a great onboarding software for small businesses. With its visually appealing and modern user interface, Gusto provides an intuitive experience. Moreover, their Premium plan offers access to HR experts, ensuring you receive top-notch support when needed.
Pros:
- Time-saving onboarding process: Gusto claims to reduce the typical onboarding process by two hours, thanks to its efficient features.
- Seamless handling of paperwork: Once you send a job offer through the app, Gusto takes care of tax documents and direct deposit forms, making it hassle-free for your new hires.
- Communication tools: Gusto provides an app messaging tool that allows employees to start connecting with their new team members, fostering positive working relationships from day one.
- Aesthetically pleasing UI: Gusto’s visually appealing and modern UI enhances the overall user experience, making it pleasant to navigate and use.
Cons:
- Limited access to HR experts: The availability of HR experts is limited to Gusto’s Premium plan, which may require an additional cost.
- Per-person pricing gets costly at scale
- No payments outside of the U.S.
6. Zenefits
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR / onboarding software for small businesses solution designed to streamline various HR tasks, including benefits management, hiring, and more. It is also one of the best onboarding software for small businesses.
With its intuitive platform, Zenefits aims to optimize your workflow, allowing teams to dedicate less time to onboarding and payroll management and focus on more critical priorities.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing: Zenefits offers cost-effective plans starting from $8 per employee, per month. This includes automated onboarding processes, such as offer letters, background checks, and employee self-onboarding for new hires. Other features such as employee management, time-off tracking, and scheduling functionalities are available in all plans.
- Mobile app accessibility: Zenefits provides a mobile app that enables users to access essential HR information, including insurance details, benefits, clocking in for shifts, and contacting colleagues. This mobile accessibility promotes flexibility and convenience for both employees and HR professionals.
- Streamlined HR processes: By utilizing Zenefits, you can streamline your HR tasks, allowing for efficient benefits management, hiring processes, onboarding procedures, and payroll management.
Cons:
- Minimum employee requirement: Zenefits requires a minimum of five employees to access HR base plans and add-ons. While self-employed professionals or small businesses with one or two employees can still use the platform, they will be charged for the equivalent of five employees for each product or service utilized.
- Additional costs for payroll and other features: Payroll services, advisory services, and recruitment features are only available as add-ons, incurring additional costs. Payroll services, in particular, are priced at $6 per month, per employee, which may be a downside for HR professionals seeking a comprehensive solution within a single platform.
- Limited learning management and task management tools: Zenefits lacks robust learning management and task management capabilities, which may be a drawback for organizations that prioritize these features.
7. Trainual
Trainual is a powerful onboarding software for small businesses that serves as a centralized hub for building comprehensive training and standard operating procedure (SOP) documentation.
Its core purpose is to provide a go-to resource for new hires to familiarize themselves with company processes and get onboarded seamlessly.
With Trainual, business owners can easily create, categorize, and centralize their best practices and operating procedures. Whether you have extensive training materials or just a few checklists, Trainual offers a versatile platform to translate and organize your existing documents for effective employee training.
Pros:
- An onboarding platform: Trainual allows you to remove yourself from the onboarding process by providing a centralized platform where new hires can access all necessary training materials, reducing the need for constant hand-holding.
- Accelerated employee ramp-time: By providing a comprehensive knowledge base, Trainual helps new employees quickly understand and navigate their roles and responsibilities, enabling them to become productive members of the team faster.
- Simple and easy content creation: Trainual offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to create and organize training content. Assigning roles, creating quizzes, and tracking knowledge retention becomes a seamless process.
Cons:
- Pricing structure: While Trainual offers base pricing, additional charges may apply for additional users, making it necessary to consider the cost implications for larger teams.
- Limited access to dedicated reps: Access to dedicated representatives is reserved for customers with 50+ seats, which may restrict the level of personalized support for smaller businesses.
- Search function limitations: Some users have reported that the search function occasionally surfaces irrelevant content, which can impact the efficiency of finding specific information.
8. Sentrifugo
Sentrifugo is an open-source HRMS platform that comes equipped with comprehensive onboarding functionality. Unlike web-based solutions, Sentrifugo’s main selling point is a lifetime access to the platform on-premise.
Once you install and set up this particular onboarding software for small businesses, you have the freedom to utilize its features without any time constraints.
What sets Sentrifugo apart is its versatility. In addition to onboarding, it offers robust support for various essential HR tasks, including appraisals, leaves management, and even background checks.
The platform includes an analytics module, allowing you to stay informed about key performance indicators without requiring substantial investments in separate analytics tools.
If you are seeking a long-term solution within the realm of free or open-source employee onboarding software, Sentrifugo is the perfect platform for you.
It is likely to fulfill all your immediate needs and remain a reliable choice in the foreseeable future. It’s important to note that Sentrifugo operates exclusively as a desktop platform and does not provide mobile support.
Pros:
- Open-source platform: Sentrifugo’s open-source nature offers flexibility and allows for customization based on your specific needs.
- Lifetime access: Once you install and set up Sentrifugo, you enjoy lifetime access to the platform on-premise, ensuring long-term usability.
- Multiple functions: Sentrifugo goes beyond onboarding and offers support for a wide range of HR tasks, from appraisals to leaves management and background checks.
- Built-in analytics module: The platform’s analytics module enables you to monitor and analyze key performance indicators without the need for additional expensive analytics tools.
Cons:
- Desktop platform: Sentrifugo operates solely as a desktop platform, lacking mobile support.
- On-premise installation: The requirement for on-premise installation may involve additional setup and maintenance efforts.
9. Boardon
Boardon is a web-based employee onboarding software for small businesses that offers the flexibility to design and customize your own onboarding content.
With Boardon, you have the freedom to create interactive quizzes, and informative articles, and even incorporate YouTube videos to engage and educate your new hires.
Once you have crafted your onboarding content, simply input the candidate’s details and send them an invitation. Boardon provides a comprehensive timeline that outlines scheduled activities and events, ensuring a structured and organized introduction plan for each recruit.
Pros:
- Customizable content: Boardon empowers you to create tailored onboarding content that aligns with your company’s unique values and culture.
- Interactive features: The inclusion of interactive quizzes and videos helps keep new hires engaged and promotes a dynamic learning experience.
- Detailed timeline: The timeline feature allows both HR teams and recruits to have a clear overview of the onboarding process, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
- Consolidated introduction plan: Boardon streamlines the onboarding process by providing a consolidated plan that helps new hires understand what to expect during their initial days.
- Free option available: Boardon offers a free plan for one admin member working with one recruit at a time, making it an accessible choice for small businesses.
Cons:
- Limited invites and storage: The free plan has limitations, such as a cap of five invites per month and a storage limit of 10 MB.
- Web-based tool: Boardon operates solely through a web interface, which may require a stable internet connection for seamless access.
10. Coassemble
Coassemble is an exciting employee training and onboarding software for small businesses that brings a fresh and engaging approach to online learning. With its interactive features and user-friendly interface, it empowers businesses to create and share captivating onboarding programs with their team members.
Coassemble stands out as an onboarding software for small businesses by offering a wide range of interactive elements, such as quizzes, flowcharts, flashcards, and timelines, to make the onboarding process more dynamic and enjoyable.
Its intuitive visual editing makes it easy to customize every aspect of the courses, allowing you to add videos, embed Google Maps, and utilize royalty-free images from Unsplash.
This onboarding software for small businesses provides templates for employee handbooks, onboarding programs, and employee perks programs, making it convenient for businesses to create comprehensive onboarding experiences.
Coassemble offers valuable support features, including personalized certificates for new hires and animated “feedback popups” that enhance engagement throughout the process.
Pros:
- Engaging and interactive approach to onboarding
- User-friendly interface and intuitive visual editing
- Wide range of interactive elements to customize courses
- Templates for employee handbooks and onboarding programs
- Support features like personalized certificates and “feedback popups”
Cons:
- No printable certificates for users, and no internal video hosting.
- Poor handling of image uploading. Quality, cropping, and sizing can be a problem and
Benefits Of Using Onboarding Software For Small Businesses
1. Employee onboarding in one place
You can streamline the integration of your new team members by providing them with a central hub for all onboarding activities. Employee onboarding platforms will help you craft checklists and onboarding guides so that your new employees can handle their tasks and familiarize themselves with company policies.
With HR onboarding software you can also store information about job-related duties and overarching policies. Onboarding software solutions not only help you with onboarding but also become a comprehensive database by housing employee data, such as benefits and performance reviews.
This way, you can easily access pertinent information and spare your new employees the hassle of searching through scattered details.
2. Improves communication
To deliver an optimal onboarding experience for your new hires, you should effectively communicate with them. Effective communication is important for ensuring a smooth transition of new team members and it also helps you create a transparent and collaborative work environment.
With the integration of employee onboarding tools, you will enhance your communication channels between your HR department and new hires. Furthermore, you will provide a platform for addressing questions or concerns.
Moreover, HR software for small businesses facilitates communication among new hires, their managers and their peers. Your new hires will be able to easily ask questions and share information related to tasks, projects, and important details.
By using small business onboarding software, you’ll have a more efficient and interconnected communication network that creates a positive onboarding experience.
3. Boosts employee engagement and productivity
Integrating onboarding software for small businesses is a valuable strategy for companies aiming to boost their employee engagement and productivity.
Employee engagement reflects the extent to which employees are motivated, effective, and content in their roles. The adoption of onboarding software for small businesses helps you cultivate a positive and engaging work atmosphere. It will help you with integrating your new employees into the company culture, while improving their overall engagement and productivity levels.
Conclusion
While there are many different onboarding software for small businesses, picking the right tool requires a discerning eye and a careful analysis of your needs. The discussion of onboarding software for small businesses isn’t one that allows for much leeway.
When organizations invest in onboarding software for small businesses, they expect a one time purchase that takes care of all of their onboarding needs.
If your company uses Microsoft Teams on a daily basis, then the best onboarding software for small businesses for your organization is Teamflect!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to look for in onboarding software for small businesses?
- Ease of use and user interface
- Customization options
- Integration capabilities
- Pricing and affordability
- Customer support and training
What are the best employee onboarding software for small businesses?
- Teamflect
- BambooHR
- Motivosity
- Workbright
- Gusto
- Zenefits
- Trainual
- Sentrifugo
- Boardon
- Coassmeble
What are the benefits of using onboarding software for small businesses?
- Employee onboarding in one place
- Improves communication
- Boosts employee engagement and productivity
