9 top employee onboarding software to welcome new hires
Did you know that one in five employees leave a company within 45 days of being hired? While some turnover is expected – even if you follow recruiting best practices – many businesses still lose staff due to poor onboarding processes. And higher staff turnover rates is just one of many issues caused by poor onboarding; others include delayed return on investment (ROI) from new hires and decreased employee engagement. Having the right tools plays an essential role in optimising onboarding and enhancing employee experiences. To help you find the best software for your needs, we’ve compared 9 of the best onboarding tools on the market.
Here are our top picks for 2024:
Personio
Deel
HiBob
CharlieHR
Rippling
Paycor
Kallidus Sapling
Enboarder
BambooHR
9 tools to optimise your onboarding process
1. Personio
![personio onboarding software welcome message](https://images.ctfassets.net/p03bi75xct27/7AmVh9Gl72qrArxlbo8tEL/c4a6222dc94082576b80b0eb16c271dc/Onboarding_Welcome-Email.png)
Personio offers comprehensive onboarding software to ensure that your onboarding processes are connected to your other important HR tasks and processes.
Personio offers access to customisable onboarding workflows that helps to automate time-consuming manual processes like updating employee data. And with the platform’s employee self service (ESS) system, you can ask your new hires to upload and manage their own data, taking those tasks off your HR department’s plate.
The platform also comes with flexible onboarding checklists and a centralised view for storing important employee documents and tracking onboarding progress – with automatic reminders and due dates that help ensure every employee’s onboarding runs smoothly.
Finally, Personio has an intuitive design and is easy to use, meaning painless adoption for HR managers and a smooth experience for new employees.
Top features
Powerful automation: Workflow automation with Personio enables teams to create customisable and automated onboarding workflows.
Organisational tools: Streamlined management of important documents and files and automated reminders keep onboarding on track.
Task scheduling: Create tasks for new employees and managers, give them due dates and send reminders so nothing slips through the cracks
Checklists and templates: Save time with flexible onboarding checklists and customisable templates.
Analytics and reporting: Track onboarding metrics and gain insights into how effective your process is.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Comprehensive all-in-one HR solution in addition to onboarding features | Personio’s solution is built for European organisations and may be less optimised for other regions. |
Centralised employee data management for smooth and efficient onboarding | |
Very straightforward and easy to use, according to G2 users |
2. Deel
Deel positions itself as a solution for global companies. The tool’s customisable onboarding workflows can be tailored to each hire, no matter where they’re located, while robust security helps safeguard sensitive information.
The platform’s Slack integration streamlines communication, allowing you to distribute onboarding tasks and information directly within a platform many hires are already familiar with. Additionally, employee self-service features let employees complete onboarding tasks independently.
Just note that some G2 users state they would like the ability to access Deel on their phone via a mobile app, which may limit accessibility for some.
Top features
Powerful workflows: Roll out customisable and automated onboarding workflows and auto-assign tasks based on department or location.
Maintain visibility: Use reporting features for easy insight into your onboarding pipeline.
Local compliance support: Guide new hires in uploading necessary compliance documents and ensure you adhere to local regulations.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Automated workflows that auto-assign tasks | Some G2 users report issues with customer support. |
Reporting features for full visibility of your onboarding pipeline | |
Onboard new hires using Slack |
3. HiBob
HiBob’s preboarding workflows get tedious tasks out of the way before an employee’s first day, like document and paperwork submission. Once employees arrive, managers can streamline their onboarding experience with customisable workflows, checklists and prompts that are tailored by role and local regulations.
The platform’s Club areas provide spaces for employees to connect over hobbies and shared interests, and HiBob’s shoutouts and kudos features help newcomers feel welcome.
Just note that despite all these onboarding and preboarding functionalities, some G2 users express there are still some missing and limited features in regards to the other HR processes HiBob supports.
Top features
Streamlined processes: Customisable workflows, checklists and timely reminders help the onboarding process run smoothly.
Preboarding tools: Use preboarding workflows to prepare new hires for their first day.
Kickstart culture: Social features like shoutouts and kudos help new hires feel welcome.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Automated workflows for a streamlined process of adding new hires | Some G2 users report issues integrating HiBob with other tools. |
Social tools like shoutouts for a welcoming experience | |
Preboarding workflows for accelerated onboarding |
4. CharlieHR
Built for startups and small businesses, CharlieHR offers multiple features to simplify the onboarding process. This includes the option to set up employee self-service onboarding, which cuts down on administrative tasks for HR and line managers.
During self-service, employees enter key information that syncs to the HR database. Other time-saving tools include customisable onboarding flows, automation and checklists.
CharlieHR has a cost-effective and simplified feature set, providing the exact tools small teams need. But fast-growing companies may find they need more advanced tools.
Top features
Time-saving tools: Self-service onboarding, onboarding checklists and automation tools reduce admin time.
Powerful integrations: Integrate the platform with other HR tools for a seamless hiring pipeline.
Bespoke onboarding: Customisable onboarding workflows ensure each new hire has an onboarding fit to their needs.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Self-service onboarding for less new hire supervision | A designated account manager, free team training and priority customer support is only available with the Charlie Plus plan. |
Transparent pricing designed with small teams in mind | |
Customisable onboarding flows |
5. Rippling
Rippling is a workforce management platform that integrates HR, IT and finance back-office functions. While the platform has tools for automating and streamlining onboarding, its offerings are heavily oriented towards managerial aspects of the hiring and onboarding process. This includes handling tasks like payroll setup and benefits enrollment.
You get access to some pre-built onboarding workflows and reporting tools, like the Employee Graph, that present a clear and centralised view of employee data. Rippling also has a tool for getting equipment and software ordered and set up to get new hires working faster.
Just note that Rippling’s complex solution is likely better suited for larger companies instead of businesses that need a more straightforward onboarding solution.
Top features
Automate onboarding: Pre-built onboarding workflows and automation tools help you streamline onboarding.
Management support: Unify HR, IT and finance back-office functions and optimise the administrative aspects of bringing on new hires.
Powerful ATS: Rippling’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) creates visibility over the hiring and onboarding process.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Automation and task delegation tool for a streamlined onboarding process | Some G2 users report poor customer service. |
Tools that simplify the admin of bringing on new hires | |
Advanced reporting that provides a clear view into employee data and their onboarding progress |
6. Paycor
While it started as payroll software, Paycor supports various HR functions including onboarding. Paycor includes numerous features for customisable onboarding, including task automation, document management and checklists.
The bulk new hire feature lets you onboard multiple employees, which benefits industries with high turnover rates or seasonal hiring peaks. Their software can also be tailored for specific sectors, like healthcare and manufacturing.
Just note that Paycor’s documentation and compliance features are potentially geared towards US organisations, making them less suitable for companies based elsewhere.
Top features
Effective preboarding: Preboard hires with early engagement tools, plus customisable onboarding checklists and workflows.
Admin support: Electronic document management enables you to collect new hire signatures and store key onboarding documents.
Analyse onboarding: Robust reporting and analytics track onboarding effectiveness.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Employee engagement tool that captures employee information before they start | Some G2 users have had issues with customer support. |
Automation and workflows for streamlined onboarding | |
Straightforward integrations with other HR and business tools |
7. Kallidus Sapling
Sapling, as part of Kallidus, has automated preboarding processes – allowing employees to complete essential administrative tasks before their start date. The platform comes with a buddy system, which assigns personal guides for new hires and creates a welcoming point of contact within the company.
Other onboarding features include e-Signature functionality, automation for common onboarding tasks and customisable workflows.
Top features
Automated preboarding: Let new hires complete admin tasks before their first day.
Support system: An onboarding buddy system matches new hires with a mentor.
Onboarding tracker: Progress tracking offers insights into the onboarding journey of each hire.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Preboarding features that help hires hit the ground running | Some G2 users report issues integrating Sapling with other tools. |
Automation for streamlined onboarding | |
A more personalised onboarding experience with buddy matching |
8. Enboarder
Enboarder lets you automate and adapt the onboarding experience for new hires or employees transitioning between roles. The platform has tools for creating engaging, well-designed and personalised onboarding content without design or coding skills.
You can build customised onboarding journeys with drag-and-drop flow builders, while checklists, real-time feedback loops and automated prompts help keep onboarding on track. Plus, automation tools deliver messages to key team members based on defined triggers like new hire start dates.
Just note that Enboarder is a specialised onboarding tool, so you’ll need to invest in other additional software to round out your HR tech stack.
Top features
Optimisation tools: Customised onboarding journeys and automation tools streamline onboarding.
Onboarding insights: Feedback collection and tracking tools measure onboarding success.
Reboarding tools: Help employees seamlessly transition between roles.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Customisable onboarding journeys | Onboarding journey personalisation may be a bit complex for businesses looking for an out-of-the-box solution. |
Automation and prompts for a streamlined onboarding process | |
Intuitive interface and mobile-first approach |
9. BambooHR
BambooHR offers a simplified onboarding toolkit that includes customisable checklists, automatic reminders and e-Signature capabilities to streamline new hire paperwork.
You can tweak customisable onboarding templates and new hire packets per position, department and location. These packets, combined with employee self-service features, let new team members onboard at their convenience.
Top features
Bespoke onboarding: Customisable templates and checklists mean you can design different onboarding flows for different employees and departments.
Onboard remote teams: Virtual onboarding support, including welcome videos, equipment delivery and e-Signature capabilities, means the tool is suitable for remote and hybrid teams.
Delegate onboarding: Assign onboarding tasks to team members.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Tools enable a high degree of customisation | Some G2 users would like a more extensive and advanced set of features. |
Onboarding tasks can be sent to new hires automatically | |
Intuitive and simple interface |
Top features of employee onboarding tools
With multiple onboarding tools to choose between, you need to identify features that best meet your organisation's needs in order to make the right choice. Here are some features the ideal onboarding tool should include:
Automated processes: Your tool should simplify onboarding by automating repetitive tasks; automation saves time and reduces errors.
Onboarding workflows: Flexible workflows streamline onboarding by defining a repeatable process you can customise to the needs of different departments.
Employee onboarding templates and checklists: Templates and checklists help ensure consistent and comprehensive onboarding experiences.
Centralised overview of progress: A unified dashboard lets you monitor onboarding progress and to set up reminders for pending tasks.
Digital employee file management: This helps eliminate information silos by keeping employee data at hand for both new hires and onboarding managers.
Ease of use: The easier the tool is to use, the higher the engagement and the more use you get from the platform.
Overview of best onboarding software
Employee onboarding tool | Top features | Best for |
---|---|---|
Personio | Onboarding workflow automation tools Customisable checklists and templates | Organisations with 10–2,000 employees looking to centralise and streamline their onboarding |
Deel | Streamlined onboarding through Slack Local compliance support | Onboarding international teams |
HiBob | Ability to create personalised onboarding experiences Preboarding tools | Engaging new hires |
CharlieHR | Self-service onboarding Customisable workflows | Small teams looking for the best value |
Rippling | Automated onboarding and document management Admin support features | Large companies looking for integrated onboarding that aligns HR, IT and finance departments |
Paycor | Early engagement tools for preboarding Actionable analytics | Managing new hire documentation |
Kallidus Sapling | Automated preboarding Buddy system to offer additional support to new hires | Preboarding hires |
Enboarder | Drag-and-drop onboarding workflow builder Feedback collection and tracking tools | Creating engaging virtual onboarding experiences |
BambooHR | Simple onboarding toolkit Assign onboarding tasks to team members | Startups needing an out-of-the-box solution |
Improve your onboarding experience with Personio
![personio onboarding software](https://images.ctfassets.net/p03bi75xct27/5pV1hyakALPIgTrdCH5vLv/33f50392070a4e99f2e260d84b8a1fe8/Templates_Onboarding-Tasks.png)
The right onboarding software can be a game-changer for organisations looking to improve employee satisfaction, drive retention and accelerate the time it takes for new hires to fully settle into their role.
Personio’s onboarding features include automation tools, customisable workflows and flexible onboarding checklists. Our aim is to optimise onboarding while also being incredibly easy to use.
Book a free demo to see how Personio can improve your onboarding process. Or, if you’ve got any questions, feel free to get in touch. We’re happy to discuss how our solution can help solve your unique challenges.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this webpage is for general information purposes only. While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained on this webpage at the date of publication has been obtained from reliable sources, all information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness.