6 Best HR Software Systems/Human Resource Software UK
6 Best HR Software Systems and Human Resource Software for the UK
Every start-up or small business reaches a size when it needs to move from its excel-based HR system to a professional Human Resource software system. Small businesses used to delay these transitions because the historically top-heavy nature of the HR software UK market meant that the Best HR Software systems represented commercial overkill for fledgling firms.
This has all changed thanks to global competition and software as a service, which has led to an exponential growth in HR software companies and there now being a wide of Human Resource software UK for small businesses in the UK.
What Features Do The Best Human Resource Software Systems Have?
- Country-specific: HR is a uniquely jurisdiction base disciplined and it will pay dividends to have system designed for the UK.
- Pay as you go basis: the market changes fast and it does not pay to be tied to one vendor for too long
- Seamless cloud and mobile-based functionality so all users can access the system from any location or internet-connected smart device. Non-negotiable
- Good core offering: typically should include personnel records, absence management, performance appraisal systems, essential reporting but you may expect to pay for add-ons like recruitment, onboarding, advanced reporting/analytics, advanced appraisal system
Best 6 HR Software Systems for Small Businesses in the UK
1. SageHR – Best for Integrated HR and Performance Management for Growing Businesses
1.SageHR. This is another user friendly and fully featured HR software system. It’s core features includes: Mobile App HR database, attendance management system, employee on-boarding and off-boarding and 360 degree performance management system. It also includes neat features such as a shared company calendar, employee profiles, and directories, along with employee self-service, It works effectively across Desktop, tablet and mobile devices, and integrates with other apps such as Slack and Google App. Prices start at £4 euros per month per employee.
Try SageHR) HR Software System now.
Pros: Has a shift scheduling feature, which is normally standalone software.
Cons: Big company so customer service not as personal
2. HiBob (Bob) – Best for Integrated HR and Recruitment for Growing Businesses
Ideal for: SMEs scaling quickly and seeking a unified HR and hiring solution
HiBob, commonly known as “Bob”, is a next-generation HRIS (Human Resources Information System) designed to modernise and streamline people management for growing companies. While not a pure applicant tracking system, HiBob includes built-in recruitment tools that connect seamlessly with onboarding and wider HR functions—making it a standout for businesses wanting to manage the entire employee lifecycle in one platform.
Key Features:
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Applicant tracking with custom pipelines
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Time-off management, compensation tracking, and performance reviews
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Employee engagement tools like surveys and shout-outs
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HR analytics and compliance support (including UK/EU GDPR)
Pricing:
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GBP: Estimated from £90–£120 per user/month (varies by modules)
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USD: Estimated from $110–$145 per user/month
Verdict:
HiBob is a top choice if your business is growing fast and needs both strong HR functionality and integrated hiring. It’s particularly effective when you’re transitioning from a basic ATS to something that can scale with wider HR demands.
3. Citrus HR offers time-saving HR software for small UK businesses. You can manage everything related to your employees and even use the payroll system all in one place. This HR software system allows you to manage holidays and absence, onboard new starters, record training and CPD activities and manage employee performance. citrus HR includes up to date Coronavirus support and has a handy staff survey tool. You can even use it to pay expenses and run your payroll.
Pros: Reportedly strong customer service/support and easy to use.
Cons: No mobile as yet.
Click to Try CitrusHR for free.
4.StaffTRAK HR Dashboard and Database. This is an innovative and affordable Excel Based Human Resource Software system designed for small companies with up to around 20 to 30 staff who don’t want the hassle and expense of subscription software.
This small smart Excel HR template comes loaded with time saving macros and formulas, to manage staff information and report on HR Key Performance Indicators at fraction of the cost of subscription software. It will give you an up-to-date view of your employee performance, attendance levels, average tenure and many other KPIs.
Pros: One-time cost. Suited to start-ups.
Cons: Doesn’t scale. Little automation.
Click here to find out more or try StaffTRAK HR Dashboard and Database.
5.SenseHR.com. This is another affordable fully fledged HR software system for small business, costing from £2 per employee per month for the entry level option and £4 per employee per month mid level and £6 a month for all the bells and whistles. It’s very intuitive, user friendly and contains modules for: personnel data warehousing, performance appraisals, attendance management and hiring.
Pros: The same people that created the wildly successful peopleHR (Bought out). What more can I say?
Cons: Fresh start-up. Unknown. Is lightning striking twice?
Click to try out SenseHR.com today.
6.Freshteam This is another user friendly and fully featured HR software system. Manage your hiring, onboarding, time-off, employee data, and HR workflows in one place. It comes with on-boarding functionality so you can send out offer letters from the system. You can digitally sign all forms and contracts through the system. It includes a time-off system, employee database and applicant tracking system.
Pros: User Friendly – easy to move around- customisable features
Cons: Overseas customer service can be slow to respond
7. Youmanage.co.uk . Youmanage is a user friendly, web-based HR software system for small business with automation at its core. Pricing starts at £1.50 a month per employee, with a flexible, modular pricing system based on what features your business requires. Key functionality includes absence management, online absence planner, timesheets, expense management, employee surveys, document storage, mobile apps and integrations with Slack, Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendar.”
Pros:User Friendly – easy to move around- customisable features
Cons: Most user seemed happy. I’d be nitpicking!

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