Sometimes, the right tools for the job can make all the difference. That’s certainly the case when onboarding new hires. The best employee onboarding software automates, optimizes, and streamlines the full process, so you can focus on what matters: your new team member.
But in order to choose the right solution for your business, you must first determine what your needs are, what program features solve those needs, and which software solutions have those capabilities.
In this guide, we’ll be answering all of these questions and more.
Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of March 5, 2024.
What is employee onboarding software?
Employee onboarding software is the type of technology that helps companies streamline and automate many new hire onboarding processes.
It’s a software solution that provides specialized features and functionalities tailored to improving the employee onboarding experience for new hires, hiring managers, human resources teams, and other stakeholders.
Employee onboarding software should be intuitive, customizable, interactive, user-friendly, and SCORM-compliant, as well as being able to integrate with other relevant digital tools to improve onboarding flows and other HR processes.
Let’s take a closer look at the features that professional employee onboarding software should have.
What are the key features of employee onboarding software?
If you’re looking to improve your onboarding process, you need to choose an employee onboarding platform that can handle your specific needs and requirements.
Here are four main features that most professional employee onboarding software needs to include.
1. E-learning capabilities
Employee e-learning provides staff with training via online courses, microlearning, social learning, and other methodologies.
Oftentimes, these are on-demand, meaning that learners can access these e-learning course materials in their own time, increasing flexibility and engagement.
2. Automated workflows
These tools should also be able to automate certain employee onboarding tasks and workflows.
Among these, we can include things like enrollments for different groups of learners, document management, e-signatures, applicant tracking, templates, and reminders.
3. Scalability
Your professional onboarding solution should scale with your business.
You need a tool that’s capable of growing with your organization, able to take on more learners, and provides customizable user plans for all e-learning needs.
4. Reporting
Professional employee onboarding solutions should have an applicant tracking system with reporting capabilities.
You want an onboarding system that highlights employee engagement with the e-learning courses, completion rates, potential bottlenecks, and more.
The platform should also provide on-demand reports for better decision-making down the line.
These features can bring companies a wide range of benefits.
Benefits of using employee onboarding software
Companies investing in a comprehensive employee onboarding software tool can expect to experience a number of benefits. Among these, the most notable include the following:
1. Improving employee retention
Among the biggest challenges for HR team members is employee turnover. Today’s millennial workforce is more interested in professional development and career advancement than just a high wage.
A comprehensive and efficient onboarding process sets clear expectations from the get-go, creating a better employee experience. In the process, this improves employee retention.
An effective onboarding tool can help companies provide a consistent user experience in terms of onboarding workflows from day one.
2. Streamlining the employee onboarding process
Secondly, an effective software solution can optimize the new employee onboarding process from preboarding throughout the entire employee lifecycle.
It can help companies move toward a more paperless onboarding program, automating many repetitive and tedious tasks.
For instance, some solutions can perform background checks, offer electronic signature capabilities, automated notifications, and more. All of these help to cut down on human error.
This will allow HR teams and other stakeholders to focus on key areas of onboarding, such as connecting with new hires, making a good first impression, and providing them with a better overall onboarding experience.
3. Personalized experience for the new employees
Leading professional employee onboarding software solutions also have personalized e-learning capabilities designed to provide new employees with tailored training modules, self-service digital resources, and other relevant onboarding material, such as employee handbooks, checklists, and more.
Companies can personalize and customize the onboarding program based on specific roles, responsibilities, teams, departments, groups, experience, etc.
This high degree of personalization can boost knowledge retention, and new employee engagement, as well as lower the turnover rate.
Let’s now review the 10 best employee onboarding platforms currently on the market.
Ten of the best employee onboarding software
There are numerous tools for employee onboarding, each with its own pros and cons, features, and functionalities.
Companies need to decide which of these platforms will provide them with the most benefits and aid in onboarding new team members as quickly and as effectively as possible.
To help you, we’ve rounded up ten of the best employee onboarding software for companies of all sizes.
Software #1: Docebo
Docebo is a cloud-based, mobile-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) that provides an all-in-one approach to virtual employee training.
It facilitates partner, customer, member, and compliance training as well as sales enablement capabilities.
For the purposes of employee onboarding, Docebo offers a whole suite of features, functionalities, and e-learning methodologies geared toward knowledge retention, new employee engagement, and improving the onboarding experience.
These include social learning, microlearning, gamification elements, multimodal learning, blended learning, and more.
Docebo also provides a high degree of e-learning course customization and personalization, as well as numerous automation and AI capabilities.
These help streamline processes and improve the overall onboarding experience for both new hires and onboarding teams.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Multiple employee e-learning methodologies
- On-demand employee training and learning capabilities
- Dozens of integrations with third-party software such as Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and other HR solutions, e-learning content management and authoring, video conferencing, marketing, sales, etc.
- Comprehensive data tracking and reporting capabilities
- Docebo Community for the platform’s clients to share ideas, ask questions, and learn among themselves.
Pros
- It provides a high degree of learning experience customization.
- Administrators can create easy-to-navigate e-learning courses without any prior knowledge or experience in design.
- Intuitive features and functionalities for learners, instructors, and administrators.
Cons
- The large number of features can make it somewhat difficult for first-time users to navigate.
- Certification templates lack sufficient customization.
- Some features may be a bit too complex for new users.
Software #2: BambooHR
BambooHR is, as its name suggests, an HR platform first and foremost. It aims to provide end-to-end human resources functionalities and streamline procedures during the hiring process, onboarding, and employee offboarding.
The platform offers e-signature capabilities, employee data and time tracking, performance management, and preboarding package customization.
It also offers onboarding checklists, company culture management, onboarding templates, and more.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Custom employee onboarding workflows
- Applicant tracking capabilities
- Electronic signature functionality
Pros
- Easy to use and navigate, especially for small companies with no dedicated HR team.
- Provides a comprehensive feedback, reporting, and analytics package.
- It has seamless employee document management and personalization capabilities.
Cons
- Few integrations with accounting tools such as Quickbooks.
- It’s not generally suited for scaling companies. Works better for small businesses.
- Customer support is not always able to solve customer problems quickly and efficiently.
Software #3: ClearCompany
ClearCompany is a talent management software solution that streamlines and automates many employee onboarding processes from hiring to offboarding.
It also offers employee engagement, applicant tracking, performance management, data tracking, and analytics capabilities.
ClearCompany is a mobile-friendly, cloud-based solution that’s also equipped with automated background checks, I-9 and W-4 tax form verification, e-signature, and benefits administration, among other similar features.
The platform aims to make the employee onboarding process as paperless as possible through fully automated document collection, tracking, delivery, and storage.
Companies can use the platform’s smart forms to minimize the incidence of human error by having previously validated information already inputted in any new documents.
ClearCompany has third-party integrations with various applications such as payroll, calendars, single sign-on, job posting, etc.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Can track internal employee referrals
- Thorough compliance management, automated background checks, and employee eligibility for US-based personnel
- Internal task assignment automation
Pros
- It’s user-friendly and provides numerous functionalities.
- It also has an easy-to-navigate database.
- Provides responsive customer service.
Cons
- Its candidate search feature is not sufficiently customizable.
- The user interface is somewhat outdated.
- Some occasional loading and calendar synchronization issues.
Software #4: Deel
Deel is an all-inclusive HR tool with a focus on global contract management and employee onboarding.
Businesses can leverage it to make international payrolls, oversee spending, manage employee data, automate workflows, and more.
It’s also a good HR platform for customizing new hire contracts and offer letters, overseeing international team structures, generating local contract agreements, and collecting all required compliance paperwork.
Deel includes a self-service interface for users to add new employees, track their onboarding progress, and manage all compliance documents in over 150 countries.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- National and international regulatory compliance data tracking and reporting
- Employment and government contract drafting
- Automated payroll gateway
Pros
- It has a user-friendly interface and streamlines onboarding processes.
- Great HR tool for offshore team management.
- Quick and effective customer service.
Cons
- The data reporting feature lacks sufficient customization and is somewhat cumbersome to use.
- Not enough role permission customization.
- No mobile app.
Software #5: iSpring Learn
iSpring Learn is an LMS, part of a larger suite known as iSpring Solutions. It’s mainly used for online employee training.
Businesses can use this platform to create, manage, and assign various e-learning courses and quizzes to new hires on a variety of topics, as well as automatically assign them welcome courses on day one. iSpring Learn sends out notifications and reminders as well as providing time reports and tracking learner progress. With its localization feature, admins can assign different languages for the learning portal for different groups or international branches.
The LMS also includes a branding and white-labeling feature, allowing companies to customize the platform for a cohesive onboarding experience.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- E-learning content creation, curation, and distribution
- Activity dashboard with task management
- Branding and white-labeling capabilities
Pros
- The ability to create multiple learning paths.
- Easy and flexible user and certificate management.
- Seamless online training course deployment.
Cons
- There’s a learning curve for using their admin portal.
- Not enough information from its reporting functions.
- Limited gamification elements.
Software #6: Eddy
Eddy is an HR platform with onboarding capabilities. It’s better suited for small businesses, allowing them to create, send, sign, and store relevant onboarding documentation completely online.
In addition, Eddy makes it possible for new hires to onboard themselves by creating their own profiles and e-signing documents within the platform.
HR teams can also use the platform to create and customize welcome packages for new employees. These can include welcome messages, onboarding handbooks, hardware assignments, as well as all other relevant documentation.
The platform has integrations with popular job-hunting platforms like Indeed.com and Glassdoor.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Employee license, certification, and training tracking
- Customizable onboarding packages creation
- Paperless onboarding processes
Pros
- User-friendly and clean user interface.
- Good customer service.
- Easy to add new users to the system.
Cons
- Limited reporting capabilities.
- No 24/7 customer support.
- Onboarding new employees isn’t rolled out over time.
Software #7: Sloneek
Sloneek is a cloud-based human resources tool designed for international teams. This includes in-office, hybrid, and remote workers from across the world.
The platform uses an AI assistant to streamline many tedious and time-consuming HR and administrative tasks.
Sloneek includes various features like e-signing, time tracking, and attendance and absence management.
It also provides a variety of onboarding templates for welcome messages, onboarding checklists, playbooks, and more.
The tool integrates with other platforms like JIRA and Slack to further streamline onboarding processes.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Self-service portal
- Onboarding templates
- Paperless onboarding
Pros
- User-friendly, easy-to-use, and intuitive user interface.
- Integration with Google Workspace.
- Good technical support.
Cons
- Basic wiki and org chart.
- No current data analytics.
- The initial setup is somewhat tedious.
Software #8: HR Cloud
HR Cloud is a Human Resources Management System (HRMS) for handling key HR procedures, team collaboration, onboarding, and company culture management.
It provides custom workflows, onboarding checklists, and automated notifications for streamlined human resources processes.
HR Cloud also provides a self-service employee portal with personalized landing pages, customizable employee records, and onboarding oversight.
In addition, the tool includes e-signatures, electronic employee file management, payroll integrations, checklist automation, and e-form conversion capabilities.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Employee self-service portal
- Custom onboarding checklists and workflows
- Electronic employee file management
Pros
- Ideal for building hierarchical workflow tasks.
- Good customer service and support.
- Flexible platform configuration.
Cons
- Limited data analytics and visualization.
- Occasional tool speed issues.
Software #9: Sage HR
Sage HR is an HRIS platform able to manage the employee lifecycle from recruitment to offboarding.
Businesses can use dynamic online forms, customizable onboarding workflows, automated task assignments, and status reporting capabilities.
The platform specializes in small to medium businesses (SMBs) by offering other features like performance appraisal, time tracking, 360 feedback, and a team directory.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Workflow builder
- Task assignment automation
- New employee progress tracking and reporting
Pros
- Quick and easy access to the team database.
- Personalized pricing packages based on company needs.
- User-friendly and easy-to-navigate platform.
Cons
- It lacks advanced reporting capabilities.
- Somewhat limited tool customization.
- Outdated UX.
Software #10: Zenefits
Zenefits is a human resources tool for small-to-medium businesses used to hire, onboard, and maintain employee records.
Companies can use Zenefits to create customized onboarding workflows, send personalized offer letters, and undergo candidate background checks.
New hires can also use it to complete their own onboarding even during the preboarding stage. They can do this thanks to the possibility of synchronizing all employee data with payroll and benefits.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Customized onboarding flows
- Auto-sending offer letters
- Employee information synchronized with payroll and benefits
Pros
- Intuitive and easy-to-use user interface.
- Streamlines and reduces paperwork processes.
- Centralized and easy-to-access information database.
Cons
- Customer support is not great.
- Limited customization capabilities.
- The mobile app and scheduling feature are ineffective.
Hopefully, one of these 10 employee onboarding software will cover your needs. Here are a few best practices to choose the right tool for you.
How to choose the right employee onboarding software for your needs
One of the best employee onboarding tips we can offer you is to choose the right software.
The big question is, how do you know which software best suits your onboarding needs and requirements?
To help you make that decision, here are three key things to look for in a great employee onboarding software solution.
Consider its features
First and foremost, you need to make sure that the onboarding tool matches your needs and user requirements. It’s no use investing in a platform that addresses different onboarding issues and pain points.
Companies should start by analyzing the complexity of their onboarding process and identifying areas that need improvement, optimization, or automation.
This way, they can find the right tool and features that are most compatible with their employee onboarding needs.
Looking for a platform that integrates with your existing tech stack is also important. For example, let’s say you already have an HR tool to handle the paperwork, but you want to implement a learning platform to run your onboarding program.
Opting for an LMS that integrates with your current HR platform will ensure a seamless experience.
Look for great support
Another important aspect to look out for is excellent customer service.
Employee onboarding software vendors should provide the necessary assistance to their clients to help them make the most of what the platform has to offer.
They need to listen to their customers’ needs and requirements and provide personalized training whenever the client needs it.
Similarly, they need to provide highly responsive customer support whenever companies encounter any technical issues with the onboarding platform.
Consider its scalability
As we mentioned in the beginning, one of the key aspects of any onboarding tool is its ability to scale alongside the company.
As the business grows and onboards new hires more frequently, the platform needs to take on the extra workload.
Otherwise, it may end up stifling growth, creating more problems than it solves. You’ll need a software solution that’s able to easily pivot and adapt based on your changing needs and requirements.
Choosing the right employee onboarding software solution is, in fact, one of the most important decisions you can make for your company’s onboarding needs.
Make onboarding as smooth as possible with Docebo
The right employee onboarding software optimizes your current processes and addresses pain points.
It creates a seamless, cohesive, and personalized onboarding for employees, setting them up for long-term success. As a result, your organization can enjoy better employee retention rates and quicker time to productivity.
For instance, Docebo allows you to automate the onboarding process, provide tailored training materials, and engage new hires from day one.
Schedule a demo with Docebo today and see how its employee onboarding features can benefit you.