Best HR software to Manage Your Remote Workforce

Paras
Read Time: 7 Minutes
Best HR software to Manage Your Remote Workforce

Human resources (HR) have become increasingly important as remote work continues to grow at a rapid pace. These days, HR software serves as a strategic instrument for success in remote work environments in addition to being used for staff management. It's critical to select the best HR software for Indian small business owners dealing with the difficulties of a distributed staff.

There are many alternatives on the market, and it might be difficult to choose. With an emphasis on features that take into account the subtleties of Indian labour regulations and work culture, this article aims to demystify the process by identifying the top HR software available for small enterprises operating in India.

Understanding the Indian Context: HR and Remote Work

The HR environment in India is intricately knitted together by regionally specific labour regulations and cultural quirks. These complications have only gotten worse as remote work has become more common. Ensuring that remote workers are subject to the relevant legislation is of utmost importance in terms of compliance.

HR software needs to take into account these unique Indian standards for everything from Payroll software in India and performance evaluations to attendance and leave management. Furthermore, functionalities like local tax connections and language support are necessary for efficient operations.

Key Features to Look for in HR Software for Remote Workforces in India

When it comes to HR software, there isn't a single solution that works for everyone. When choosing a solution for their remote staff, small business owners should prioritise the following important features:

1. Compliance with Indian Labour Laws

Make sure that all of the Indian labour rules, particularly those pertaining to remote employment, are updated in the programme. Look for characteristics like:

  • Integrated compliance monitoring
  • Updates automatically when laws change
  • components that are integrated for PF and ESI requirements
  • support documentation for legal needs such as Form 16 preparation and employment contracts.

2. Payroll Management Tailored to India

India's payroll system is particularly complicated, with mandatory deductions and Tax preparation software. Seek for programmes with attributes like:

  • Processing salaries on a monthly, bimonthly, or as needed basis should be simple.
  • Automatic tax computations and assistance with TDS filing
  • Integration for smooth compliance with PF and ESI systems
  • Creation of pay stubs in many forms in accordance with Indian requirements

3. Attendance and Leave Management

For a remote workforce, it is imperative to handle leave and attendance in a precise and transparent manner. Think of programmes that provide:

  • Real-time monitoring and reporting of staff presence
  • Adjustable leave policies to meet the needs of the company
  • Workflows for leave approval and calendar integrations
  • Taking into consideration half-day, quarter-day, and other leaves in accordance with local customs.

4. Performance Management and Reviews

Robust Performance management software solutions are necessary for the efficient management and growth of remote teams. These tools include:

  • 360-degree systems of feedback
  • Goal-oriented and crucial outcome monitoring
  • Cycles of regular performance reviews
  • Planning for training and development

5. Employee Self-Service and User-Friendly Interface

Employee Self-service capabilities are crucial in a remote work environment to provide workers the tools they need to handle HR tasks independently.

  • Simple and easy-to-use dashboards
  • Simple-to-use mobile apps
  • Self-updating tax returns, personal information, and other important documents
  • AI-powered FAQs and customer service for frequently asked questions

6. Communication and Employee Engagement

It can be difficult to maintain engagement and communication with a remote staff. Look for websites that provide:

  • Tools for integrated communication, such as email, video conferencing, and chat
  • Surveys of employee engagement
  • Programmes for incentives and recognition
  • Broadcasting company news and events

7. Onboarding and Offboarding Procedures

Even in a remote setting, smooth onboarding and offboarding are essential. The programme ought to offer:

  • Checklists for digital onboarding that include digital signatures
  • Integration of background check verification services
  • Tools for managing and analysing exit interviews
  • Workflows for offboarding that involve deprovisioning access and returning assets

Best HR Software Solutions for Small Businesses in India

Navigating the options available for HR software can be daunting. Here are some of the top HR software solutions tailored for the Indian market:

1. greytHR

One of the top providers of payroll and HR management software in India for small businesses is greytHR. GreytHR is a full suite of cloud-based HR solutions that assists small and medium-sized businesses in handling all of their essential HR tasks. It provides resources for more effective personnel management, streamlined HR procedures, and expert HR service delivery. From payroll to onboarding, GreytHR streamlines and eases every HR process. 

Key Features:

  1. Core HR
  2. Onboarding Software
  3. Employee Lifecycle Management
  4. Time and Attendance Management
  5. Payroll Management(India & Middle East)
  6. HR Compliance

Pricing:

Only a restricted set of features are available with the greytHR starting or free plan. The starting monthly minimum payment for this plan is Rs. 1495 + Rs. 25 for each extra employee. 

2. Zoho People

The cloud-based HR programme Zoho People offers a centralised platform for managing all HR tasks. The cloud-based HRMS platform Zoho People provides HR managers with comprehensive HR solutions, including workforce management, employee database maintenance, and benefits programme administration. It is an easy-to-use yet feature-rich HR software that helps the HR staff handle difficult HR duties with ease. 

Key Features:

  1. HR Database
  2. Core HR
  3. Onboarding
  4. Performance management
  5. Case Management
  6. Customizations
  7. Employee Self-Service

Pricing:

The base plan is charged annually at a rate of Rs. 42 per user each month. Additionally, they provide a free plan that allows you to conduct basic HR services for five people indefinitely without charge. 

3. Keka HR

Keka HR is a feature-rich programme that covers payroll, performance, and attendance. Keka is a business that specialises in offering payroll and HR software solutions. Payroll automation, performance evaluations, time and attendance management, hiring and onboarding, and project profitability management are just a few of the services that the organisation provides. Keka mostly provides services to industries including manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, banking and financial services, retail, and technology and services.  

Key Features:

  • E-sign for documents and contracts
  • Employee self-service portal with case management
  • Training and performance appraisals
  • Real-time updates on compliance changes

Pricing:

For as little as Rs. 6999 per month, Keka HR provides reasonable pricing for up to 100 employees. It just costs Rs. 60 a month to add more staff. 

4.  BambooHR

Bamboo HR streamlines hiring and onboarding, payroll, and time off administration procedures, much like HRLocker. Small and medium-sized companies (SMBs) will find it suitable. The three different performance review styles that may be conducted on this platform are goal appraisals, peer evaluations, and management and self assessments.

While some customers praise the platform's user-friendliness, others claim that the lack of certain features in the BambooHR app, such as staff scheduling and messaging capabilities, makes it less useful for teams who operate on a shift-based schedule.

Key Features:

  1. Applicant tracking system (ATS) 
  2. Reporting with automated workflows and pre-built analytics 
  3. Employee experience 
  4. Time tracking and benefits recording

Pricing:

Complete an online form to contact the sales team for a quote.

5. Monday.com

Monday.com has received several reviews ranking among the top HR Management Software for businesses in terms of total HR procedures.

It may be used to manage both straightforward and intricate projects or workflows, and it is appropriate for teams of all sizes and industries. Because it offers a central location for everyone to interact and communicate, it's also an excellent tool for remote teams.

Furthermore, a wide range of other well-known programmes and tools, like Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Excel, Gmail, Google Drive, and Dropbox, are easily integrated with Monday.com. This lets you stay on the Monday.com platform and keep using the applications that you currently know and love. All things considered, Monday.com is a strong and adaptable productivity tool that can assist teams of all sizes in completing more work.

Key Features:

  1. Core HR
  2. Onboarding Software
  3. Employee Lifecycle Management
  4. Time and Attendance Management
  5. Payroll Management(India & Middle East)
  6. HR Compliance

Pricing:

The greytHR’s starter or free plan offers access to only limited features. Its minimum paid package begins at Rs.1495 per month + Rs. 25 per additional employee.

Choosing the Right HR Software for Your Small Business

Choosing the right HR software for your small business is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your day-to-day operations and long-term growth. It's essential to consider factors such as scalability, user-friendliness, and integration capabilities with existing systems. Opt for software that offers comprehensive features like payroll management, time tracking, employee self-service, and benefits administration.

Also, ensure it complies with regulatory standards and provides robust data security. Taking the time to evaluate your business needs and software options will lead to an informed decision that aligns with your company's goals and enhances your HR processes. Take into account these actions to help you make the best decision:

  1. Examine your company's requirements in detail and list the elements that are aligns perfectly essential and desirable.
  2. Examine the programme in-depth, taking into account customer feedback and testimonials in addition to the features that are offered.
  3. Ask pertinent questions and request software demonstrations from the chosen vendors to observe the programme in operation.
  4. Make sure the pricing structure fits inside your budget by having a thorough grasp of it.
  5. Lastly, pick a programme that meets your demands, complies with regulations, and is easy to use for both your HR staff and the workforce that works remotely. 

Conclusion

Finding the best HR software to manage a remote workforce is crucial for the success of any organisation, especially within the context of an increasingly digital workplace. Techimply, as a premier software listing platform in India, simplifies this endeavour by providing a carefully curated selection of HR solutions.

These tools are designed to streamline various HR functions from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and payroll processing tailored to the unique needs of remote teams. By leveraging the insights and options available through Techimply, companies can ensure that their human resources operations remain robust, efficient, and adaptable, no matter where their team members are located.

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