Best Employee Management Apps For Small Businesses (10 Options)

Employee management apps streamline various HR processes, offering a comprehensive solution to the intricate challenges small business proprietors face.

These apps are pivotal in addressing three key concerns for small business owners. 

1. They enhance productivity by automating routine tasks, allowing employers to focus on strategic aspects of their business. 
2. These apps facilitate efficient communication, fostering a collaborative and transparent work environment.
3. They ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, minimizing legal risks and promoting a harmonious workplace.

What is an Employee Management App?

An employee management app is a specialized software designed to streamline and optimize various aspects of human resource (HR department) management within a business. These applications serve as centralized platforms, consolidating essential HR functions to enhance efficiency and organization.  Typically, they encompass features such as employee onboarding, attendance tracking, performance management, payroll processing, and communication tools. These applications often leverage automation to reduce manual tasks, ensuring accuracy and consistency in HR operations.

How To Choose The Best Employee Management Apps

Selecting the right employee management app can significantly impact productivity, efficiency, and overall business success. 

Here are key considerations to guide your decision-making process:

1. Scalability

Opt for an app that grows with your business. 

Consider your current team size and potential future expansions. 

The best apps offer scalability, adapting to the changing needs of your organization.

2. User-Friendly Interface

A user-friendly interface is crucial for seamless adoption across your team. 

Look for apps with intuitive designs, easy navigation, and minimal learning curves to ensure swift onboarding.

3. Features Tailored to Your Needs

Identify your specific requirements and seek apps that align with them. 

Whether it’s time tracking, performance evaluations, or onboarding tools, choose an app that caters to your unique business processes.

4. Integration Capabilities

The best employee management apps seamlessly integrate with other tools your business uses. 

Whether it’s accounting software, communication platforms, or project management tools, integration enhances overall workflow efficiency.

5. Data Security

Employee data is sensitive, and security is paramount. 

Ensure the app complies with industry-standard security protocols and regulations. 

Look for features like role-based access control and data encryption.

6. Affordability

Small businesses often operate on tight budgets. 

Choose an app that provides value for money, offering essential features without unnecessary expenses. 

Many apps offer tiered pricing plans to accommodate different business sizes.

7. Customer Support

Evaluate the level of customer support the app’s vendor provides. 

Responsive customer service ensures you receive timely assistance in case of issues or queries, minimizing disruptions to your operations.

Top 10 Best Employee Management Apps 

Following are the ten best employee management apps.

1. Buddy Punch | Best Employee Management Software

Buddy Punch is a versatile and comprehensive employee management app catering to businesses across diverse industries, including construction, medical, schools, office staff, and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). 

Its widespread adoption is attributed to its adaptability to the unique needs of each sector. 

For instance, Buddy Punch simplifies time tracking for on-site workers using their mobile devices in the construction industry, ensuring accurate attendance records.

Its cloud-based system allows real-time tracking, offering instant insights into employee attendance and working hours. 

Attendance Tracking

Buddy Punch excels in Attendance Tracking, making it an indispensable tool for small businesses. 

Its intuitive interface allows employees to clock in and out seamlessly, providing real-time attendance data. 

The app’s automated time tracking eliminates the need for manual entry, reducing errors and ensuring accurate payroll processing. 

Advanced features like geofencing and facial recognition enhance security, preventing time theft. 

With robust attendance tracking capabilities, Buddy Punch streamlines workforce management improves accountability, and ultimately contributes to increased operational efficiency in small businesses.

Employees Clock In and Clock Out

This functionality, designed for small businesses, allows employees to record their work hours easily. 

Whether on-site or remote, Buddy Punch accommodates clocking in through diverse devices, including mobile phones (android and iOS), tablets, and desktops (Windows and Mac). 

The system’s automation tracks time accurately, effortlessly distinguishing regular, overtime, and time off hours. 

This eliminates the need for traditional, error-prone methods and ensures precise payroll calculations. 

Automatic Time Tracking (Regular Work Hours, Overtime, and Time-Off Hours)

Buddy Punch excels in small business employee management by offering robust automatic time tracking for regular work, overtime, and time-off hours. 

The system seamlessly distinguishes between different types of hours, streamlining the payroll process and saving valuable time for businesses. 

With Buddy Punch’s automatic time tracking, small business owners can easily generate reports, gaining insights into employee productivity and ensuring compliance with labor regulations. 

Geofencing

Geofencing is a cutting-edge functionality that allows businesses to establish virtual perimeters for employee attendance tracking regardless of their size or industry. 

Companies can confine clock-ins and outs to specific, customizable locations, ensuring workforce accountability.

For instance, in industries like construction, medical, schools, office settings, and SMBs, Buddy Punch’s geofencing ensures that employees can only punch in within designated areas, promoting on-site attendance accuracy. 

This feature adds an extra layer of security and efficiency, eliminating the need for manual attendance monitoring. 

Small businesses, in particular, find geofencing invaluable, as it simplifies time tracking and boosts overall productivity by ensuring employees are where they need to be during work hours.

IP Address Locking

The IP Address Locking feature ensures that employees can only access the attendance system from verified IP addresses or locations. 

This enhances data security and streamlines the overall employee management process. 

Small businesses benefit from this feature by preventing unauthorized access, reducing the risk of time theft, and ensuring accurate work hours tracking. 

Photos on Punch

Employees must take a photo when they clock in or out, creating a visual record stored in the employee database.

The “Photos on Punch“ feature not only acts as a timestamp but also allows administrators to verify the authenticity of each punch through a centralized dashboard. 

This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses who want to minimizes the possibility of time fraud and provides a visual verification tool for attendance records. 

Facial Recognition Punching 

With Facial Recognition Punching, employees can effortlessly clock in or out by scanning their faces.

This eliminates the need for manual entries or traditional timekeeping methods, making the process efficient and error-free. 

The facial recognition technology ensures that each punch is uniquely tied to the individual, preventing time fraud and promoting accountability.

Especially beneficial for small businesses, this feature simplifies attendance tracking, reduces administrative burden, and provides a modern, secure alternative to traditional time clock systems. 

GPS Tracking

With GPS Tracking, businesses can monitor the locations of their workforce, ensuring accountability and efficient resource allocation. 

For small businesses, the GPS Tracking feature in Buddy Punch contributes to streamlined operations, improved productivity, and enhanced security. It provides:

• An invaluable tool for managing remote teams.
• Optimizing workflows.
• Maintaining a transparent and accountable work environment.

Payroll Management

Buddy Punch’s Payroll Management feature automates the calculation of regular work hours, overtime, and time-off hours, eliminating the need for manual calculations and reducing payroll errors. 

This is especially crucial for small businesses where time and accuracy are paramount.

The app’s seamless integration with various payroll providers, including QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, and Gusto, simplifies the payroll workflow. 

Small businesses can generate on-demand payroll reports and export data in Excel, CSV, PDF, Google Spreadsheet format, ensuring a hassle-free experience for HR teams.

Choosing Buddy Punch for payroll management translates to saved time, reduced administrative burdens, and enhanced accuracy in handling employee compensation. 

Its user-friendly interface and compatibility with popular payroll systems make it a standout choice for small businesses seeking a comprehensive employee management solution.

Time Off Tracking

Buddy Punch’s Time Off Tracking feature empowers businesses to monitor and manage employees’ time-off requests effortlessly. 

Administrators and employees can view time-off balances through a user-friendly interface, request paid or unpaid leave, and oversee the entire leave management process. 

The system also supports an employee self-service approach to time-off requests, enhancing the overall efficiency of the process.

Employee Scheduling

The employee scheduling feature in Buddy Punch empowers businesses to streamline and organize their workforce efficiently. 

This tool allows administrators and managers to view time-off balance reports, request paid and unpaid time off, and oversee all leave requests. 

Small businesses benefit from the ease of managing work schedules, ensuring proper staffing levels, and responding promptly to employee time-off requests. 

Time Card Approvals

The app provides administrators and managers a seamless process for reviewing and approving time cards.

Time card approvals in Buddy Punch streamline the payroll process, minimizing errors and discrepancies. 

Often grappling with time-sensitive payroll responsibilities, small businesses find this functionality indispensable. 

The ease and efficiency with which time cards can be reviewed and approved contribute significantly to Buddy Punch’s status as a top choice for small business employee management.

Notifications

Buddy Punch’s notification feature covers various aspects, including time-sensitive updates on clock-in and clock-out activities, timesheet reminders, pending time-off requests, and other essential alerts. 

This real-time communication fosters transparency and accountability within the workforce. 

Small businesses benefit significantly from this proactive approach, reducing the chances of oversights and enhancing overall operational productivity.

The notification system in Buddy Punch acts as a virtual assistant, keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged. 

Job Codes/Project Tracking

Buddy Punch’s intuitive Job Codes/Project Tracking system lets businesses gain insights into project timelines, employee contributions, and overall project costs. 

Administrators can allocate tasks, monitor progress, and analyze resource utilization with a few clicks. 

This feature is particularly advantageous for small businesses juggling multiple projects simultaneously.

Overtime Calculations

Small businesses often grapple with the complexities of tracking and managing overtime hours; this is where Buddy Punch proves invaluable. 

The app seamlessly automates overtime calculations, eliminating the need for manual computations and reducing the risk of errors. 

This feature saves administrators time and ensures that employees are compensated accurately for their extra hours.

Buddy Punch’s Online Reviews

“Great app, check in and out with accuracy, keep in contact with supervisors and can submit photos for proof of visit if not using GPS.”

Click here to read the full review.

“Ease of use. Also, if an employee does not punch out we are notified. The Geofence is great.”

Click here to read the full review.

“Besides being easy to use, the buddy Punch team is knowledgeable and can answer any question you might have about the software.”

Click here to read the full review.

Try Buddy Punch for Free

If you feel that Buddy Punch might be the right fit for your business, sign up for a free trial. You can also book a one-on-one demo, or view a pre-recorded demo video.

2. Connecteam

Connecteam is an all-in-one employee software that aims to improve communication, collaboration, and administration in deskless teams. 

It is a comprehensive solution for labor management, including everything from scheduling and time tracking to internal communications, daily operations, and employee advancement. 

Connecteam promises to reduce the challenges of managing remote or mobile teams by delivering tools that enable businesses to easily manage, engage, and develop their workforce.

Key Features:

1. Team Scheduling
2. Time Clock
3. Geofence
4. One-click Payroll
5. Mobile Checklists
6. Task Management
7. Form Templates
8. Conditional Forms
9. Internal Communications
10. Employee Growth

As of the writing date, Connecteam has 4.8 out of 5 stars and 312 reviews on Capterra.

“Connecteam has helped with managing our employee work time and scheduling tremendously. I have slowly implemented more and more features to benefit our company as a whole, and I have been extremely happy with what I have implemented so far. The customer service has always been outstanding!!! Whenever I have a question, they have been ready and willing to help me to the best of their ability. I am never disappointed in their service. They always offer solutions even if my question still needs to be answered exactly as I had hoped. Customer service with Connecteam is TOP NOTCH!”

Click here to read the full review.

3. ClickUp

ClickUp is an all-in-one project management and productivity tool. It is a comprehensive platform designed to manage various types of work. 

ClickUp aims to streamline work processes by providing a centralized collaboration and project management hub.

Key Features:

1. Supercharge productivity
2. Improve collaboration
3. Centralize project-related communications
4. Enhance visibility with a single source of truth
5. Streamline processes, including onboarding and handling reimbursements
6. Automate powerful processes
7. Task Templates
8. Custom Fields
9. Search everything
10. Free training & 24-hour support

As of the writing date, ClickUp has 4.7 stars out of 5 and 3930 reviews on Capterra.

“Overall, I’ve had a positive experience with ClickUp. It’s been a very useful tool for me, and I’ve been able to customize it to fit my needs. I also like that it’s constantly updated with new features and improvements. Clearly, the team behind ClickUp is working hard to make it the best tool it can be.”

Click here to read the full review.

4. Workday

Workday is an Enterprise Management Cloud platform offering best-in-class applications for finance, HR, and more. 

The platform emphasizes collaborative and continuous planning, facilitated by Workday Adaptive Planning. 

It incorporates embedded AI for enhanced performance and provides features such as Workday Payroll, enabling organizations to run the payroll on demand, gain actionable insights, and track real-time changes.

Key Features:

1. Best-in-class applications for finance and HR.
2. Enterprise Management Cloud for comprehensive business solutions.
3. Collaborative and continuous planning with Workday Adaptive Planning.
4. Embedded AI for maximum performance.
5. Workday Payroll for on-demand payroll processing.
6. Actionable insights for informed decision-making.
7. Real-time tracking of changes within the system.
8. Quick demo availability for an overview of Workday Payroll.
9. Integration of finance, HR, and planning functionalities.
10. Support for organizations aiming to move forward faster in their operations.

As of the writing date, Workday has 4.5 stars out of 5 and 1304 reviews on Capterra.

“Generally, the experience with Workday HCM has benefited the entire organization, both the employees and our organization’s performance. It allows us to have a well-managed and orchestrated workforce, which leads to us getting optimum results from all our work, especially matters community awareness and development.”

Click here to read the full review.

5. 15Five

The 15Five platform is positioned as a system of action complementing the Human Resource Information System (HRIS), which acts as a system of record. 

It is designed to go beyond mere performance measurement, aiming to transform data into actionable insights and results. 

Key Features:

1. Acts as a system of action alongside HRIS.
2. Comprehensive tools for managing employee performance.
3. AI assistant for employees, managers, and HR leaders.
4. Tracks and improves essential HR metrics.
5. Ready-to-use solutions for efficient onboarding and management.
6. Tools to control turnover and enhance retention.
7. Transforms performance and engagement data into actionable insights.
8. Empower managers with resources and training for effectiveness.
9. Increases employee engagement through strategic initiatives.
10. Aims to enhance HR strategy and overall organizational impact.

As of the writing date, 15five has 4.8 stars out of 5 stars and 884 reviews on Capterra.

“My first experience was as a user, and I remember getting the invitation to join, and I was like, “Great, another HR tool.” Once I got in there and learned about the 15Five mantra, I immediately loved it and started to take over ownership and expand it throughout every organization I have worked at since. As in my Pros section, I have seen every team that adopts 15Five grow from the individual and up.”

Click here to read the full review.

6. Gusto

Gusto Payroll Solutions is a comprehensive platform designed to simplify and streamline workforce management. 

This tool allows businesses to seamlessly handle hiring, payroll processing, insurance administration, and team support, all within a single integrated platform. 

Gusto aims to bring joy back to running businesses by offering automated payroll and HR functionalities.

Key Features:

1. Automated Payroll Processing
2. HR Management
3. Employee Benefits Administration
4. Hiring and Onboarding Support
5. Time Tracking
6. Performance Management
7. Insights and Reporting
8. Support for Remote Teams
9. Affordable Employee Benefits
10. State Tax Registration for All 50 States

As of the writing date, Gusto has 4.7 stars out of 5 and  3815 reviews on Capterra. 

“I have used Gusto for my small business for over five years. The customer service is excellent. They look out for their customers by offering add-on products to help and support businesses.”

Click here to read the full review.

7. Rippling

Rippling is an all-in-one HR software designed for UK businesses, offering a comprehensive platform to streamline and simplify various business operations. 

This tool efficiently manages crucial aspects such as payroll, benefits, expenses, devices, apps, and more, all within a single platform. 

Rippling stands out as the top-rated workforce platform, recognized for its excellence in HR, IT, and finance cloud solutions. 

The platform boasts various features, including talent management, recruiting, device management, expense management, and payroll services.

Key features:

1. HR Cloud
2. Talent Management
3. Benefits Administration
4. Time & Attendance (T&A)
5. Recruiting
6. IT Cloud
7. App Management
8. Finance Cloud
9. Unified Workforce Platform
10. Global Workforce Management

Rippling has 4.9 stars out of 5 and 2982 reviews on Capterra. 

“I enjoy using Rippling because it makes my job easier, not more difficult. The solution’s ease of use and intuitiveness make it very easy to navigate and get value out of each time I log into it.”

Click here to read the full review.

8. Oracle Cloud HCM

A comprehensive cloud-based platform designed to streamline and enhance various aspects of human resource processes within an enterprise. 

Oracle Cloud HCM connects every HR process and person across an organization, fostering a sense of community and belonging. 

The platform integrates a single user experience and data model, incorporating seamless processes and AI-embedded infrastructure. While the document outlines the features, it doesn’t delve into specifics. 

Key Features: 

1. Core Human Resources 
2. Talent Management
3.  Payroll
4. HCM Communicate
5. Journeys
6. Grow
7. Celebrate
8. Touchpoints
9. Connections
10. HR Help Desk

As of the writing date, Oracle Cloud HCM has 4.0 stars out of 5 and  64 reviews on Capterra.

“It solves the purpose of having one system of record for all data points. We can manage our workforce more efficiently. Overall, it’s a great software offered by Oracle to meet the hcm business needs.”

Click here to read the full review.

9. Justworks

Justworks is a comprehensive PEO (Professional Employer Organization) and payroll solution designed for small businesses to simplify HR processes and empower entrepreneurs. 

This tool combines modern, user-friendly software with 24/7 human support, offering a streamlined approach to managing, growing, and running businesses effectively. 

Justworks promises peace of mind through its trusted reviews and dedicated support teams.

Key features:

1. 24/7 Human Support
2. Human-Centric Support
3. Global Hiring and Expansion
4. Onboarding Efficiency
5. Benefits Enrollment
6. Payroll Automation
7. Employee Support
8. Time Management
9. Mobile Accessibility
10. Flexible PEO Plans

As of the writing date, Justworks has 4.6 stars out of 5 and  718 reviews on Capterra. 

“Overall, Justworks has been one of the BEST decisions I have made as COO of this company. I love it, my employees love it, it saves me tons of time, and most gratifying of all, we’ve finally been able to offer affordable, quality health benefits to our team. Justworks is more expensive than some competitors, but we all know the old saying: “You get what you pay for.”

Click here to read the full review.

10. Zoho

Zoho’s Cloud Software Suite for Businesses is a comprehensive platform designed for businesses of all sizes, offering a range of integrated applications to enhance organizational efficiency. 

This suite, known as Zoho One, serves as the operating system for businesses, breaking down silos between departments. 

It provides customer relationship management (CRM) tools, secure business email, financial management, helpdesk support, and custom app development. 

With a focus on user privacy, Zoho does not own or sell user data, operating solely on software license fees. 

The suite is backed by Zoho’s core values, including a long-term commitment to running a profitable and sustainable business, a customer-first philosophy, and significant investments in research and development.

Key Features:

1.  CRM
2. Mail
3.  Books
4.  Desk
5. Creator
6. Zoho One (All-in-one suite)
7. Professional services
8. Infrastructure support
9. Security
10. Privacy-focused approach

As of the writing date, Zoho has 4.3 stars out of 5 and 6563 reviews on Capterra. 

“Over the years, Zoho CRM has gained popularity in our organization. It offers a range of benefits at an affordable price. It has elevated our sales, marketing, and customer service aspects to greater heights. We have been able to maintain our long-time clients and attract new ones. We can now comfortably say our clinic has grown courtesy of Zoho CRM.”

Click here to read the full review.

Try Buddy Punch for Free

If you feel that Buddy Punch might be the right fit for your business, sign up for a free trial. You can also book a one-on-one demo, or view a pre-recorded demo video.

How To Use an Employee Management App?

Implementing employee management tools effectively involves several key steps. 

First, input accurate employee data, including personal details, work schedules, and job roles. 

Utilize the app for streamlined onboarding, ensuring new hires can access necessary documentation and training materials easily. 

Employee management tools often include time tracking features, allowing businesses to monitor attendance and manage work hours efficiently.

Moreover, use performance management tools within these apps to set goals, track progress, and conduct regular evaluations. 

Communication is paramount, so encourage team members to use any collaboration features provided by the app to foster seamless interaction. 

Additionally, leverage payroll management functions to automate salary calculations, tax deductions, and payment processing.

Benefits of Using Employee Management Systems

Following are some of the benefits of using employee management apps:

1. Streamlined HR Processes

Employee management apps automate and simplify various HR tasks, including onboarding, time tracking, and payroll management.

 For instance, when dealing with new employees, an applicant tracking system can streamline the hiring process, ensuring a smooth transition. 

Additionally, tools like a learning management system enhance employee skills and knowledge, contributing to better performance reviews. 

These apps also cater to the well-being of your workforce, addressing employee satisfaction and the overall employee experience. 

HR professionals benefit from features such as efficient messaging and access to employee information. 

With a free plan available, this software helps manage time-consuming tasks like PTO tracking, making it an invaluable resource for handling the needs of both in-house and remote employees. 

The holistic approach of these tools promotes human capital development, contributing to a positive work environment.

2. Improved Communication

These apps often include communication features, facilitating seamless interaction among team members. 

Centralized platforms ensure that information is easily accessible, fostering better collaboration.

3. Enhanced Employee Engagement

Through features like goal-setting and performance evaluations, these apps create an environment where employees are more engaged, motivated, and aligned with organizational objectives.

4. Time and Attendance Tracking

Accurate monitoring of employee work hours, attendance, and leave requests is simplified, reducing the administrative burden on businesses.

5. Data Accuracy

With a centralized database, businesses can maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, reducing the risk of errors in payroll processing and other HR functions.

6. Cost-Efficiency

Automation of payroll calculations and other repetitive tasks contributes to cost savings by minimizing the need for manual intervention and reducing the likelihood of errors.

7. Legal Compliance

Many employee management software have features to help businesses stay compliant with labor laws and regulations, mitigating the risk of legal issues.

8. Performance Analytics

Access to performance metrics allows businesses to identify areas of improvement, recognize high-performing employees, and make informed decisions about talent management.

Try Buddy Punch for Free

If you feel that Buddy Punch might be the right fit for your business, sign up for a free trial. You can also book a one-on-one demo, or view a pre-recorded demo video.

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