What is the best HR software for small business in Australia?

For businesses already using rostering software, RosterElf HR Hub provides affordable integrated HR at $3-4/user/month. Deputy HR offers a solid add-on for existing Deputy users. The best choice depends on whether you need standalone HR or integrated workforce management.

How much does HR software cost for small business?

HR software typically costs $3-10 per user per month. RosterElf HR Hub is $3-4/user, Deputy HR is $3.50/user, and Connecteam offers flat-rate pricing at $35/month for up to 30 users. Consider total cost including any base platform fees.

Do I need separate HR software or can I use my rostering platform?

Many rostering platforms (RosterElf, Deputy) now offer HR modules covering onboarding, document management, and compliance. This integrated approach often provides better value than separate systems and reduces double-handling of employee data.

What HR features do small businesses actually need?

Essential HR features for small businesses include: digital onboarding, employee document storage, leave management, certificate/licence tracking, and basic compliance records. Performance reviews and learning management are valuable but optional for smaller teams.

How does digital onboarding work?

Digital onboarding sends new employees a link to complete paperwork before their first day. They submit tax file declarations, super details, emergency contacts, and sign contracts electronically. Documents are stored automatically, reducing admin burden and ensuring compliance.

Does HR software help with Fair Work compliance?

Yes, HR software helps maintain compliance by storing required records (contracts, policies, training records), tracking certificate expiries, managing leave balances, and providing Australian employment contract templates. This creates an audit trail for Fair Work inspections.

What records must Australian employers keep?

Australian employers must keep records of employee details, pay rates, hours worked, leave balances, superannuation contributions, and employment agreements for 7 years. HR software automates this record-keeping and makes retrieval easy during audits.

BUYING GUIDE

Best HR software for small business Australia 2026

We tested the top HR platforms on features, ease of use, Australian compliance, and value for SMEs. Here's how they compare.

Last updated: December 2024 · Based on hands-on testing and verified user reviews

Top 3 HR software for australian small businesses

Our top picks based on your HR needs

BEST INTEGRATED

RosterElf HR hub

HR features integrated with rostering and time tracking. Affordable at $3-4/user/month.

View details

BEST FOR ENTERPRISE

Deputy HR

HR add-on for existing Deputy users. Onboarding, compliance, and document management.

View details

BEST BUDGET

Connecteam

Basic HR and onboarding at affordable flat-rate pricing. Good for simple needs.

View details

METHODOLOGY

How we tested HR software

We tested each platform's HR features including onboarding workflows, document management, compliance tools, and integrations. We focused on suitability for Australian small businesses with 5-100 employees.

25%

Features

Onboarding, documents, compliance

25%

Ease of use

Setup time, daily usability

20%

Compliance

Fair Work, record keeping

15%

Value

Pricing for SMEs

15%

Integrations

Payroll, rostering, accounting

Best HR software compared

Top pick for Australian businesses

RosterElf HR Hub

Best for rostering + HR combo

HR module that integrates with RosterElf's rostering and time tracking. Covers onboarding, document management, certificate tracking, and employee records. Ideal for businesses already using RosterElf or wanting workforce management with HR.

8.5 /10

Starting at

$3/user

Xero rating

4.89/5

Best for

5-200 staff

Free trial

15 days

Strengths

Seamless rostering + HR integration
Digital onboarding workflows
Certificate & expiry tracking
Employee document storage
Affordable add-on pricing

Limitations

Requires RosterElf subscription
Less comprehensive than standalone HR platforms
No built-in payroll (integrates with Xero/MYOB)

Start free trial See customer reviews

7.8/10

Best for enterprise HR needs

HR add-on for Deputy's workforce platform. Provides onboarding, document management, and compliance features. Best for existing Deputy users wanting to add HR capabilities.

$3.50/user/month add-on

Xero: 4.0/5 (143 reviews)

Pros

Integrates with Deputy workforce tools
Digital onboarding
Compliance tracking

Cons

Add-on to already premium pricing
Total cost can exceed standalone HR
Support response times vary

Read review Compare

7.2/10

Best budget HR basics

All-in-one employee app with basic HR features. Good for simple onboarding, training, and document storage. Limited Australian compliance but affordable for small teams.

From $35/month (up to 30 users)

Xero: N/A

Pros

Affordable flat-rate pricing
Simple onboarding workflows
Training course builder

Cons

Limited Australian compliance features
No Xero/MYOB integration
Basic document management

Read review Compare

6.2/10

Best for HR-first businesses

Full-suite HR and payroll platform with rostering add-on. Strong for larger businesses prioritising HR compliance and payroll, though support responsiveness and module complexity are concerns.

From $9/user/month (HR Standard)

Xero: 3.4/5 (15 reviews)

Pros

Comprehensive HR and payroll features
Strong Australian compliance
All-in-one platform potential

Cons

Support response times inconsistent
Complex module pricing
Rostering UX needs work

Read review

More platforms (reviews coming soon)

KeyPay

Best for payroll-first HR

Zenshifts

Workforce management HR

RotaWiz

Scheduling with HR

Sentrient

Compliance-focused HR

BrightHR

People management

#10

BambooHR

HR software

#11

Microkeeper

Time tracking with HR

Which HR software is right for you?

Our recommendations based on your business type

Recommended

RosterElf HR hub

Best integrated HR

Excellent value with integrated HR features at $3-4/user/month. Seamless connection between rostering, time tracking, and HR.

5-200 staff View details

Deputy HR

Best for enterprises

HR add-on for existing Deputy users. Adds onboarding, document management, and compliance tracking without switching platforms.

200+ staff View details

Connecteam

Best budget option

Simple onboarding and document management at affordable flat-rate pricing. Best for small teams with basic HR needs.

Budget-first View details

View detailed comparisons

Our review methodology

Learn how we evaluate workforce management platforms through hands-on testing and verified user feedback.

FAQ

HR software FAQs

Common questions about HR software for Australian small businesses

For businesses already using rostering software, RosterElf HR Hub provides affordable integrated HR at $3-4/user/month. Deputy HR offers a solid add-on for existing Deputy users. The best choice depends on whether you need standalone HR or integrated workforce management.
HR software typically costs $3-10 per user per month. RosterElf HR Hub is $3-4/user, Deputy HR is $3.50/user, and Connecteam offers flat-rate pricing at $35/month for up to 30 users. Consider total cost including any base platform fees.
Many rostering platforms (RosterElf, Deputy) now offer HR modules covering onboarding, document management, and compliance. This integrated approach often provides better value than separate systems and reduces double-handling of employee data.

Ready to simplify your HR?

Join 30,000+ Australian businesses using RosterElf to simplify staff scheduling, time tracking, and HR management.

Start free trial Book a demo

4.8 stars by 1,570 users

• 100+ countries • 30,000+ users