# The top 5 best tools for HR automation (and why you need them) Jonathan Davies 10 mins read --- In this article, we'll explore what HR automation involves and the top 5 tools you can use to transform your HR department today. From recruiting and onboarding to performance management and exit interviews, these tools are sure to meet your HR needs. ## What is HR automation? HR automation involves using software tools to streamline routine tasks, saving time and resources. Automating HR tasks can include: - Recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding - Payroll and time tracking - Benefits and leave management It’s no surprise that HR automation is becoming increasingly popular. By automating tedious tasks, HR staff can allocate their time to more strategic responsibilities and add greater value to the company. HR automation also enhances efficiency and security while minimizing the possibility of human error. ## Why should you automate HR processes? HR automation helps companies efficiently create, optimize, merge, and launch essential services at a reduced cost. Implementing HR automation effectively results in many benefits, including: - Reduced staff turnover as a result of enhanced engagement - Increased company growth through efficient hiring - Decreased compliance risks or violations due to fewer data entry mistakes - Improved decision-making based on insightful reports The first step to achieving these benefits is understanding the capabilities and limits of HR automation and how it can help your organization reach its objectives. According to [Gartner](https://blogs.gartner.com/chris-saunderson/automation-is-not-a-why-its-a-how-focus-on-your-why/?_its=JTdCJTIydmlkJTIyJTNBJTIyNTA2ZWU5ZGItZTM0ZS00OTk1LTg0Y2QtYzFlYTJkOTMzODY5JTIyJTJDJTIyc3RhdGUlMjIlM0ElMjJybHR%2BMTY4NzE5MjE2MH5sYW5kfjJfMTY0NjZfdnJlZl82MmJhZTE3MWJjNmQxOWI5YjAzNmRjMjg2ODIyMjc0ZiUyMiUyQyUyMnNpdGVJZCUyMiUzQTQwMTMxJTdE&_ga=2.245642946.775514441.1687191696-314343950.1684353261&_gl=1*13urihg*_ga*MzE0MzQzOTUwLjE2ODQzNTMyNjE.*_ga_R1W5CE5FEV*MTY4NzE5MTY5Ni44LjEuMTY4NzE5MjE3OS4zOS4wLjA.#:~:text=Think%20about%20the%20%E2%80%9CWhy%E2%80%9D%20you%E2%80%99re%20realizing): efficiency, optimization, and productivity. ## Examples of automation in HR HR teams use automation in many ways, from automating routine paperwork to enabling employees and leaders to communicate efficiently. Consider implementing some of these automated solutions. ### Recruiting and hiring HR automation can shorten the length of recruitment and hiring processes while also keeping candidates informed and engaged throughout the process. With effective recruitment automation, you can also: - Screen hundreds of applications quickly - Minimize back-and-forth interview scheduling - Automate reminders to avoid interview no-shows - Create, review and track offer letters through every stage of the pipeline - Trigger automated background checks ### Employee onboarding and training Onboarding automation can help: - Create a uniform, consistent experience for all new hires - Improve and personalize the employee experience in their first few weeks - Provide instant access to all training materials, processes, and tools needed - Give new employees a place to connect with others and ask questions ### Communication and knowledge management Using an [intranet for HR departments](/content/intranet-for-hr-departments/index.html) can help automate communication and [knowledge management](/content/knowledge-management-systems/index.html) across your organization. ### Performance management With performance management automation software, you can: - Keep track of every employee’s goals, feedback, check-ins, and progress - Automatically schedule reviews and performance assessments - Send out questionnaires and self-assessments before meetings ### Exit interviews and offboarding HR automation tools allow you to fast-track a number of off-boarding processes, including: - Scheduling exit interviews - Standardizing exit interview questions across all employees - Surveying employees to better understand why they’ve decided to leave ## The top 5 tools for HR automation It's clear that HR automation is important and has many benefits for your organization. Here are our top five recommendations for HR automation tools. ### 1. Happeo Best for: Company intranet and knowledge management **G2 score:** 4.5 out of 5 stars ### 2. Flimp Best for: Onboarding and benefits decision support **G2 score:** 4.8 out of 5 stars ### 3. Bob **Best for:** End-to-end people management for every aspect of the [employee lifecycle](/content/blog/employee-life-cycle/index.html) **G2 score:** 4.4 out of 5 stars ### 4. Culture Amp Best for: Employee experience **G2 score:** 4.6 out of 5 stars ### 5. BambooHR Best for: Payroll, benefits, and people management **G2 score:** 4.5 out of 5 stars ## Making a smooth transition to HR automation To be effective, HR automation requires a solid strategy, technical skills, and training. For a smooth transition to HR automation, start by identifying inefficient processes that automation might improve.