8 best HR software for Aussie businesses

Human resources software is a key ingredient in a smooth running workplace. It can make HR tasks, like recruiting, onboarding, payroll, and compliance, a lot less chaotic. The right HR software can streamline these HR processes and make them a lot more manageable.

In Australia, HR software is super important. Why? Because running a business here comes with unique and extensive challenges. You’ve got to stay on top of Fair Work regulations and understand lots of Modern Awards. And you need to do it all while keeping your team engaged. It's a lot to juggle, especially if you’re trying to grow your business, too.

There's an ocean of HR software solutions to choose from. And each has a specific feature set that can work best for different businesses. Because of this, choosing the right one can become a little overwhelming.

This guide is here to help you. We cover the importance of HR software for Aussie businesses, and share some of the top HR software options to consider.

Information in this article is accurate as of 18/01/2025. Software details and pricing may change, so always check with the provider for the latest updates.

8 best HR software in Australia in 2025

Here's a rundown of eight of the best HR software solutions available in Australia and what they bring to the table:

1. Rippling

Rippling is one of the best HR software solutions out there. It combines HR, Payroll, IT, and Spend into a single platform. Built on a single source of truth, it offers a total workforce management solution and provides a complete view of your organisation.

Key features

• All-in-one platform: Rippling provides everything you need to manage your business operations. And you can access it all in one unified system.
• Australian and global payroll: It automatically processes payroll for employees and contractors in Australia and around the world. Rippling also handles local taxes and compliance in 150+ countries.
• Quick onboarding: The platform makes the onboarding process a breeze. It sets up payroll, benefits, and devices for new employees effortlessly.
• Time tracking: Rippling tracks hours worked and feeds this information directly into payroll.
• Performance reviews: It includes tools for setting goals. The platform also helps you stay on top of your employees' performance.
• Customisable workflows: Rippling lets you build workflows that perfectly match your business' specific needs.
• Integration with over 600 apps: Rippling plays nice with many popular tools so you can easily sync your existing systems. These include tools like Slack, Zoom, and Xero.
• Benefits administration. The platform takes care of employee benefits management. It makes enrolments simple and even tracks eligibility.

Strengths

• One-stop solution: Rippling is a complete platform that eliminates the need for multiple separate tools.
• Global-friendly. As it offers payroll and compliance across multiple countries, it's a game changer if you have global operations.
• Scalable for growth. Rippling works just as well for small businesses as it does for larger organisations. It grows with you as your team and operations expand.
• Intuitive design: The platform is user-friendly and easy to pick up, even for first-time users.

Weaknesses

• Feature-based pricing: Rippling's pricing model is modular. This means that, as you add extra features, you may find yourself paying more for the software.
• Internet required: For most of the good bits to function, you need a working internet connection.

Use cases

• Startups and small businesses: Rippling is a great option for startups or small businesses. This is especially true for those whothat want to get rid of the headache disparate HR systems can cause.
• Businesses with global teams: The platform can work amazingly well for companies with employees or contractors spread across the world. Its international payroll and compliance features can enable businesses to manage their global workforce without breaking a sweat.
• Scaling businesses: Rippling is perfect for businesses with potential growth spurts on the horizon. Its features can easily mesh with a growing team and increasingly complex HR needs.

2. BambooHR

BambooHR is a cloud-based HR systems software. It aims to make employee management easier for businesses.

Key features

• Employee database: BambooHR provides a central location to store and manage employee data.
• Time-off tracking: Within the platform is a system for managing leave requests and approvals. Employees can submit requests, and managers can review them online.
• Applicant tracking system (ATS): BambooHR can help you post job ads and track applicants. It also enables you to manage the hiring process from one interface.
• Performance management: The platform provides tools for evaluating employees' performance and setting goals.
• Reporting tools: You can generate reports based on employee data.
• Mobile app: BambooHR offers a mobile app. This means that employees and managers can access key features on the go.

Strengths

• Quick setup: BambooHR has an off-the-shelf nature. Because of this, you can generally deploy the platform quickly.
• User-friendly interface: This HR software has a simple design. It can make it easy for HR teams and employees to find their way around it.
• Focus on core HR tasks: BambooHR covers most of the basic HR functions.

Weaknesses

• Customisation roadblocks: The platform doesn't offer endless customisation options. Businesses with intricate workflows or specific user permission needs may find this challenging.
• Newer benefits system: BambooHR’s benefits administration features are relatively new. This means they can lack the depth of more established solutions.
• Payroll and timekeeping gaps: Some users report issues with getting specialised payroll tasks done. These may include shift differentials and certified payroll.

Use cases

• Small businesses needing core HR tools: BambooHR could work for businesses that need an easy-to-use system for managing employee data and time-off requests.
• Companies with straightforward HR needs: It may tick the boxes for businesses with a focus on basic HR management.

3. BrightHR

BrightHR offers a simple HR software system that aims to make various HR tasks easier. It can handle the essentials like leave tracking, document storage, and employee scheduling.

Key features

• Leave management: BrightHR enables employees to request leave within the platform. Managers can also approve or reject these requests directly in the same place.
• Document storage: You can upload and store important HR documents in a secure digital filing cabinet. These may include contracts and policies, for example.
• Scheduling tool: While basic, the platform provides scheduling capabilities to help managers organise shifts.
• Expense tracking: Employees can upload receipts and file expense claims through the app.
• Mobile app: BrightHR’s app enables employees to make leave requests and expense submissions on the go.
• Compliance support: The system offers tools to assist you with HR compliance. These generally include templates and guides.

Strengths

• Easy to use: BrightHR can be simple to set up and walk through. This can make it accessible if your business lacks HR expertise.
• Advice helpline: You can take advantage of a dedicated helpline. Through this helpline, you can have your HR and employment law questions answered by specialists.
• Mobile-first approach. The platform’s app provides on-the-go access to core features. This is available to both managers and employees.

Weaknesses

• Functionality limitations: BrightHR's features don't quite stack up to those of more advanced HR software platforms.
• Basic scheduling: The scheduling tool can only do so much. Businesses with complicated shift patterns may find it insufficient.
• Holiday management gaps: The platform doesn't automatically include public holidays. It also doesn't carry over unused leave to the next year.

Use cases

• Businesses that prioritise simplicity: BrightHR could suit companies that need basic HR management tools. It may work well for those that don’t require fancy features or customisation.
• Small teams with straightforward schedules: This HR software could be an option for businesses with a small workforce. It can help with simple scheduling and leave tracking needs.

4. Elmo

Elmo is an Australian HR software platform. Its core focus is on helping businesses with various HR processes and improving employee engagement.

Key features

• Recruitment management: Elmo can help you post job listings and track applications.
• Onboarding tools: The platform helps with the onboarding process. It offers digital forms, e-learning modules, and automated workflows.
• Learning management: Included within Elmo is a system that can deliver and monitor employee training programs.
• Performance management: Elmo offers tools that can help you set employee goals and carry out performance reviews. It also enables you to track progress over time.
• HR analytics: You can generate reports and gain access to insights.
• Compliance tools: The platform provides some features that can help you comply with Australian employment laws.

Strengths

• Australian-focused: Elmo's focus is on Australian businesses. Its features are designed with local business needs in mind.
• Learning and development: The platform can make it easy for you to train and upskill employees.
• Customisation options. You can adjust some workflows to suit their specific needs.

Weaknesses

• Difficult to set up: Some users mention that the initial setup of Elmo can be a little bit headache inducing. It can consume precious time and be rather confusing.
• Feels underdeveloped: Businesses may feel that Elmo falls short on certain features. Some users also mention that it lacks the polish seen in other HR platforms.
• No mobile app: Elmo doesn't have a mobile app. This can create on-the-go access limitations for users.

Use cases

• Australian businesses: Elmo could suit businesses looking for HR tools that closely align with Aussie regulations.
• Companies big on training and development: This software could be a fit for businesses that value the upskilling of their employees.

5. Gusto

Gusto is a payroll-first platform with a few HR tools thrown in. It can help small businesses handle the basics, like paying staff and managing benefits.

Key features

• Simple payroll: Gusto can take care of pay runs for employees and contractors. It can also manage tax calculations and deductions.
• Benefits management: You can manage things like health insurance and retirement plans all in one place.
• Basic time tracking: Employees can clock in and out, with their hours feeding straight into payroll.
• Streamlined onboarding: Gusto helps with paperwork, employee profiles, and getting new hires up and running.
• Built-in compliance: The platform flags things like tax deadlines to help you stay on the right side of the law.
• Automated payments: Employees can access their pay and pay stubs online, making payday straightforward.

Strengths

• Easy for beginners: Gusto’s layout is simple, so even if you’re new to HR software, it’s not too intimidating.
• Great for payroll: It has a focus on payroll. So, it can help with tax filings, direct deposits, and other essentials.
• Affordable for small teams: Gusto’s pricing can make sense if you're a little business with a small headcount.

Weaknesses

• Not great for bigger teams: Once a business grows past 50–75 employees, Gusto may start to feel like it’s missing the mark.
• Time tracking is very basic: The tool only handles clocking in and out. It’s not built for things like complex scheduling or job costing.
• Lacks depth in HR features: Gusto is payroll-first, so there aren’t any comprehensive tools for recruiting, engagement, or training.

Use cases

• Small businesses focusing on payroll: Gusto might be a fit for small companies looking for a simple payroll solution.
• Teams with straightforward needs: It could suit businesses that don’t need much outside of payroll, benefits, and basic employee management.

6. UKG Pro

UKG Pro is a full-featured HR platform that can help businesses that manage large teams. It offers tools for payroll, workforce management, and talent development

Key features

• Payroll management: UKG Pro can put various payroll tasks on autopilot. It can also support compliance with tax regulations.
• Workforce analytics: It provides tools for keeping tabs on workforce trends. It also can help you produce insights to aid decision-making.
• Recruitment and onboarding: The platform supports hiring and getting new employees set up with digital workflows.
• Performance management: Managers can set goals and keep an eye on employee performance. They can also run evaluations within the system.
• Time and attendance tracking: The platform can facilitate the tracking of employee hours. It connects this data with payroll.
• Mobile app: The app lets employees check schedules and request leave. They can also check out their payslips on the go.

Strengths

• Comprehensive HR toolkit: UKG Pro merges payroll, workforce management, and talent development in one platform.
• Customisation options: You can tailor the system to fit specific workflows.
• Built for large teams: UKG Pro can generally keep up with the demands of medium to large organisations.

Weaknesses

• Security concerns: A cyber attack on a UKG product in 2021 raised questions about data security. There are likely extra security measures in place now. But it's still worth thinking about.
• Support delays for smaller businesses: Some smaller clients have mentioned that they waited longer than they'd have liked to for help.
• Complex reporting: Users can find the reporting tools cumbersome to use. This can make accessing certain insights quite annoying.

Use cases

• Bigger teams with complex needs: UKG Pro could suit medium to large businesses managing a lot of employees and data.
• Businesses with specific workflows: It may work for companies that need a platform pliable enough to fit their processes.

7. Remote

Remote's focus is on helping businesses hire and manage people internationally. It can deal with payroll, benefits, and compliance.

Key features

• Global payroll: Remote can take care of payroll for employees and contractors worldwide. This generally includes handling taxes and compliance.
• Local compliance: Remote can help you manoeuvre local labour laws. It can also help you make sure contracts meet legal requirements.
• Benefits packages: You can offer employees benefits like healthcare and retirement plans wherever they live.
• Onboarding tools: The platform supports contract creation and paperwork for new hires.
• Time-off management: Employees can request leave, and managers can approve or track it in the system.
• Secure employee records: You can store everything from contracts to personal details in one place.

Strengths

• Built for global teams: Remote is made for businesses growing their workforce across borders. It can take care of payroll, benefits, and compliance in many countries.
• Great for contractors: Its handling of compliance and payments can make working with international contractors easier.
• No-frills pricing: Remote keeps its pricing transparent. You can know exactly what you're paying for upfront.

Weaknesses

• Onboarding delays: Some users say that getting new employees or contractors set up takes longer than would have liked.
• Disjointed information: The platform can feel a bit scattered at times. This can make finding what you need more sluggish than it should be.
• Slow access to country-specific labour law details: Users say that it sometimes takes a while to get accurate information about a country’s labour laws. This can cause delays when managing international teams.

Use cases

• Global teams: Remote could work for companies with most of their employees or contractors in different countries.
• Startups expanding internationally: It might be an option for startups that want to hire globally. It can avoid them needing to set up entities in lots of countries.

8. SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors offers HR software with in-depth tools for managing people, performance, and payroll. Its main aim is to help companies make smarter decisions based on data.

Key features

• Core HR management: The platform handles the essentials, like employee records, time tracking, and payroll processing.
• Talent management: It offers tools for recruitment and onboarding. It also has succession planning capabilities.
• Performance tracking: SAP can help managers set goals and keep an eye on progress. It can also run reviews to help keep teams on track.
• Learning tools: SAP's learning management system supports training programs to help employees grow.
• Workforce analytics: The platform uses data to give you access to insights. These can include performance and turnover insights, for instance.
• Mobile accessibility: Employees and managers can log in to the platform’s mobile app to access key features on the go.

Strengths

• Feature-rich: SAP SuccessFactors covers many aspects of HR in one platform.
• Focus on data: Its workforce analytics can help you dig into HR data. This can help you uncover patterns and improve decision-making.
• Built for larger businesses: The platform can keep up with big organisations that have complicated HR needs.

Weaknesses

• Complex setup: SuccessFactors has a reputation for being tricky to set up and use. Many businesses end up needing IT resources or external consultants to come to the rescue. This can push costs up.
• Limited customisation: The platform has lots of functionality, but some feel it scrimps on customisation.
• Extra tools for analytics: Businesses may need to splash out on extra tools. This is especially true for data visualisation or business intelligence.

Use cases

• Large businesses with complex needs: SuccessFactors could work for big organisations with complicated HR demands.
• Data-driven organisations: This platform might be a fit for companies that rely on HR data to make decisions.

Why Australian businesses need HR software 

In Australia, there's a lot more to running a business than just delivering great products or services. There's a maze of employment laws and regulations that you need to navigate as well. 

Complying with these laws and regulations is a non-negotiable. They're there to protect your workers. And failing to adhere to them, even if by mistake, can lead to penalties, fines, back pay claims, unhappy employees, and reputational damage. 

Some of the main regulations to be aware of are:

• Fair Work Act 2009: Covers wages, hours, leave, and unfair dismissal.
• National Employment Standards (NES): Mandates 11 minimum entitlements. These can include annual and personal leave.
• Modern Awards: Cover pay rates, conditions, and allowances specific to certain industries.
• Superannuation Guarantee (SG): Mandates obligatory super contributions for employees.
• WHS regulations: Ensures safe and healthy workplaces.
• Privacy Act 1988: Protects employee data.
• Migration Act 1958: Governs visa requirements for foreign workers.

And that's just if your business employs a local workforce. If you have teams across borders or are planning future global expansion, there's a lot more to get your head around.

With innovative HR software on your side, managing all of this can become a much easier process. 

Top benefits of HR software

For small to medium-sized and enterprise Australian businesses, the right HR software can be hugely impactful. Below, you can find some of the major benefits:

• Stay compliant without the stress. Modern HR software can calculate award rates automatically, helping you comply with Fair Work Act requirements. It can help you avoid fines, back pay claims, and other compliance issues.
• Save time on admin tasks. It can take care of repetitive HR processes like payroll management, onboarding, and leave tracking. This frees up your team to focus on growing the business.
• Reduce costly errors. Automation enables more accurate handling of payroll, leave balances, and tax reporting. You can minimise mistakes that would otherwise take time and money to fix.
• Engage your employees. Self-service portals give employees control over tasks like checking payslips or updating personal details. It can be fast, easy, and improve employee satisfaction.
• Keep everything in one place. HR software stores contracts, performance records, and employee data in a safe and central place. You’ll never have to dig through files again.
• Simplify hiring and onboarding. The system can make job posting, application tracking, and new hire onboarding so much easier. This can mean a faster and more organised recruitment process.
• Grow without the hassle. Great HR software can grow alongside your business. It can help you manage a growing team without complicating things.
• Make smarter decisions. Analytics and reporting tools can give you an overview of workforce trends and performance. You can use this data to plan and make good decisions for the future.

Essential features to consider in HR management software

Before committing to HR software, you need to make sure it can work for your team, your business' goals, and the way you operate. Here are a few of the important features to look out for:

Compliance specific to Australian labour laws

Keeping up with Australian employment laws is a full-time job plus some. Your HR software should help make this a lot simpler for your business. Keep an eye out for HR software that can automate award rate calculations and flag compliance risks. Having the ability to update you on changes to the Fair Work Act or NES would also be a real plus. 

The less time you spend worrying about legal details, the more time you can spend focusing on your business.

Payroll integration

Payroll is one of those things that has to be spot on every time. A good HR platform will merge payroll with everything else, like time tracking and tax deductions. As a result, you can benefit from fewer errors, less manual work, and happy employees come payday. 

Bonus points if the system can handle superannuation contributions and tax compliance automatically!

Performance management

Helping your team grow is just as important as hiring them. Look for software with performance tools that let you set goals, track progress, and give your employees feedback. These features can keep your team's motivation levels high. They can also provide you with insights into how everyone is doing. And not just once a year, but all the time.

Recruitment and onboarding

Hiring someone new should be exciting, not stressful. The HR software you choose should make posting job ads, keeping tabs on candidates, and onboarding a piece of pie. Look for software that can help you with signing contracts and getting employees set up on their first day. 

This can help you create an excellent experience for new hires and help them feel like part of the team right away.

Tips for choosing the best HR software

Picking the right HR software can feel like a big decision. And it should, because it is. But breaking it down into a few important steps to tackle one by one can make the process a lot less scary. Here’s what to focus on when choosing the best HR software for your business:

Assess business size and needs

To begin with, ask yourself 'What do we actually need?' A small business with 10 employees will need very different features from a company with 200 staff across multiple locations. Make a list of the must-haves (like payroll or compliance tools) and the nice-to-haves (like advanced analytics). 

Matching the software to your current size and pain points can save you from paying for features that'll never see the light of day!

Evaluate scalability  

Your business might be small now, but where will you be in two or three years? The right software should grow with you, whatever that means for your business. For example, taking on more employees, managing remote teams, or supporting expansion into new markets. Look for platforms that can scale without losing functionality or costing a fortune in upgrades.

Review customer feedback

You wouldn’t book a hotel without checking reviews, so why commit to HR software without hearing what other users have to say? Read testimonials, browse forums, or even ask the provider for case studies. Pay close attention to what people love and where they struggle. 

Real-world experiences can help you spot red flags or give you confidence that you’re on the right track.

Consider support options

Even the best software has hiccups. Make sure the platform offers solid support options. For example, live chat, phone support, or a detailed knowledge base. Knowing help is just a call or click away can save you a lot of stress down the line.

Accelerate every part of your business with Rippling’s HR software

Managing a workforce isn’t easy. But Rippling can do a lot of the heavy lifting by bringing all your HR, payroll, IT, and finance systems together. Built on a single source of truth, Rippling can revolutionise the way you run your business. Whether you’re onboarding new hires, processing payroll, or managing your global team, Rippling has your back like no other.

Rippling is so much more than just HR software. With everything you need in one place, your days of jumping from one system to another to get things done are over.

Global workforce management

Expanding your business internationally? Rippling lets you hire, pay, and manage employees and contractors around the world—without setting up a legal entity in each country. Maintaining compliance with local tax laws and regulations becomes a whole lot easier. So, you can focus on growing your team instead of constantly fretting over the fine print.

Onboarding

Rippling takes the hard work out of onboarding. It automates the entire process, from sending offer letters to setting up payroll, benefits, and even the employee’s work laptop. New hires feel supported from day one. And you get to save hours on admin tasks.

Custom workflows tailored to your business

No two businesses are the same, and Rippling gets that. The platform enables you to create custom workflows to fit your business’s unique needs. Whether it's automating repetitive tasks or creating approval processes, you can design a system that works exactly how you need it to.

Real-time analytics and insights

Rippling helps you manage your team and understand them. You can use analytics and reporting tools to uncover trends and make smarter decisions about your workforce. From turnover rates to payroll costs, everything you need is at your fingertips.

Rippling is made to grow with you, no matter where you’re starting from or where you're going. It works just as well for small startups as it does for businesses managing global teams. With everything in one platform, it helps you keep things simple and oh-so-efficient, as you scale.

HR software FAQs

What are the three top HRIS systems?

There are plenty of HRIS systems to choose from, but a few stand out from the rest. Rippling is a top pick because it combines HR, payroll, IT, and finance into one unified platform. It’s especially great for businesses that want global payroll and compliance tools alongside everything else. 

Other options can include BambooHR for its focus on simplicity and SAP SuccessFactors for businesses needing comprehensive enterprise-level tools.

What are the five types of HRIS systems?

HRIS systems are typically split into five main categories:

1. Operational HR systems: These focus on day-to-day tasks like payroll, time tracking, and leave management.
2. Strategic HR systems: These help with long-term planning, like performance management and workforce analytics.
3. Integrated HR systems: These are platforms that bring multiple HR functions (like payroll and recruitment) into one place.
4. Global HR systems: These help companies managing employees and contractors in different countries.
5. Cloud-based HR systems: These systems are accessed online, so your team can log in from anywhere.

How much does HR software cost?

There's no black and white answer to this question. How much HR software costs can vary a lot. It depends on the provider and what your business needs. Some platforms charge per employee, while others use feature-based pricing. 

For example, Rippling has modular pricing. This means you only pay for the features you actually use.

Is HR software secure for managing employee data?

Good HR software usually takes security seriously. Most platforms use encryption and other security features to keep the important stuff safe. For example, Rippling uses industry-standard security protocols to protect personal and payroll data. Still, it’s always smart to ask providers about their security measures before signing on the dotted line.

Can HR software help with Fair Work compliance?

Yes, it can. Some HR software has what it takes to help you with Australia’s web of employment laws. Rippling, for instance, automates many award rate calculations and aces tax compliance. It also keeps you updated on changes to the Fair Work Act, so you’re always in the know. 

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.