Published on September 1, 2025 4 min read

Best Employee Management Software for Small Businesses in 2025

Effective employee management is key to business success.
The right software can streamline HR tasks, track performance, and improve communication within teams.
Small businesses need affordable, user-friendly tools that integrate with payroll, scheduling, and compliance management.

This guide explores the best employee management software in 2025, highlighting key features, pricing, and benefits for small businesses.



Top Employee Management Software for 2025

  1. Gusto

    Best for payroll and benefits integration.
    Gusto simplifies payroll processing, tax filing, and employee benefits management while offering HR support tools.

    • Automated payroll and tax compliance
    • Employee benefits and insurance options
    • Onboarding and document storage
    • Pricing: Starts at $40/month + $6 per employee
  2. BambooHR

    Best for HR management and performance tracking.
    BambooHR provides tools for hiring, onboarding, employee records, and performance evaluation.

    • Applicant tracking and hiring tools
    • Time-off tracking and approval
    • Performance management and feedback
    • Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size
  3. Zoho People

    Best for small businesses needing an affordable HR solution.
    Zoho People offers a cloud-based platform with leave tracking, timesheets, and HR workflows.

    • Customizable employee database
    • Attendance and leave management
    • Performance appraisal tools
    • Pricing: Free for up to 5 employees, paid plans start at $1/user/month
  4. Deputy

    Best for employee scheduling and shift management.
    Deputy helps businesses with staff scheduling, time tracking, and workforce communication.

    • Drag-and-drop scheduling
    • Payroll integration with major providers
    • Shift swapping and mobile access
    • Pricing: Starts at $3.
      50/user/month
  5. Rippling

    Best for automation and integration.
    Rippling offers a seamless way to manage payroll, HR, and IT in a single platform.

    • End-to-end employee management
    • Automated onboarding and offboarding
    • Integrated payroll, benefits, and compliance
    • Pricing: Starts at $8 per user/month