Calling all HR superheroes: it's time to upgrade your toolkit with the best HR software and tools for 2023!

As your time is precious and your to-do list long, we’ve done the legwork for you by scouring the web for the best HR software, tools, and apps. Whether you're looking for a free option to get started or a robust paid platform to manage your entire HR department, we've got you covered. Don’t miss our lookout at the end, where we dive into what’s currently trending in the HR software world and what this means for your business.

When it comes to HR software, the cost can often pose a significant obstacle, particularly for small businesses or startups with constrained budgets. However, some companies offer entirely free plans, while others provide free trials that can be converted to a paid plan. These free HR software options offer a diverse set of features and advantages, making them worth exploring. Let's take a closer look at a few examples.

1. Bitrix24 offers a comprehensive suite of CRM and HR & automation tools. Some of the features include

💸 100% free plan and paid options available

2. Zenefits is a cloud-based HR platform that offers payroll, benefits administration, and compliance support. Further key features are

💸 Free trial and paid options available

3. Zoho People is a cloud-based HR software that helps businesses automate their HR processes and manage their employees' data. Their features include:

While free HR software can provide a cost-effective solution for smaller businesses, paid HR software offers more advanced features and customization options that can help larger businesses streamline HR processes and achieve their organizational goals more efficiently.

Regarding HR software, businesses that require advanced features and customization options may want to consider investing in paid HR software. According to the 2021–2022 HR Systems Survey by Sapient Insights Research Group in Atlanta, companies invested 57% more in HR software in 2021 than in 2020. Grandview Research estimated that the global HR management market size was valued at $17.6 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to $43.2 billion by 2028, showing the rising relevance. 

Here are selected paid options you can consider for 2023:

BambooHR is a popular choice for its intuitive interface making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. Further features include

ADP offers an extensive suite of tools for streamlining your HR processes to save you a lot of time. Different aspects of the product cover

Gusto offers a simple and affordable HR solution, with features such as

Investing in paid HR software options can have long-term benefits for businesses, freeing up HR managers from tedious tasks and allowing them to focus on managing and supporting employees. It's like becoming an HR superhero with advanced tools and resources to manage employee needs efficiently and tackle any HR challenges that may arise.

As you’ve probably noticed at this point, HR software is constantly evolving, and there are several trends that are expected to shape the industry in 2023 and beyond. One of the most significant trends is the increasing use of artificial intelligence and automation in HR processes, such as recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. Watch this space for us exploring this in more depth soon…

Another important trend relevant to HR software is the ongoing shift across various industries toward hybrid work. With more organizations embracing flexible work arrangements, HR software needs to be adaptable and able to support remote/hybrid collaboration and communication. This includes features such as virtual onboarding, remote performance management, and digital employee engagement tools. 

Talking of great software that supports HR departments, do you want to boost your team's collaboration in Slack? Try Doozy Introductions! With a few clicks, you can schedule introductions and revamp your team culture effortlessly. Elevate your team's collaboration now!

Additionally, HR software can play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations across different jurisdictions, which can be particularly complex in a remote or hybrid work environment. In short, HR software will continue to play a critical role in supporting organizations as they navigate the evolving world of hybrid/remote work.

Empowering HR Professionals With The Right Software

Just as a chef needs the right ingredients and tools to create a delicious meal, HR professionals need the right HR software to manage human resources efficiently. 

With a plethora of excellent HR software options available in 2023, both free and paid, you can choose the tool that best suits your unique HR needs and requirements. By leveraging the latest HR software trends and technologies, you can streamline your processes and optimize your workflows, allowing you to achieve their objectives more effectively and efficiently. Whether it's automating administrative tasks, simplifying payroll, or improving employee engagement, the right HR software can help you get your work done better and more efficiently.

Before you leave, don’t forget to have a look at Doozy Introductions and experience the modern way of team engagement!

HCA Mag - HR technology budget triples in 2021

Fortune Business Insight - HR Technology Market Size

FastCompany - What ChatGPT and other generative AI tools mean for HR

Best HR Software & Tools For 2023 (Free/Paid)

🙌 This is a guest by Adam Horne, who specialises in helping early-stage companies scale their people function.


Going through your first proper growth spurt as a business is so exciting, but can also be a little scary if you’ve not experienced it before. It’s likely most of your attention as a smaller founding team has been focused on product and customers up until this point and now all of a sudden you’re realising there’s a host of things you need to do; job descriptions, understanding salaries, benefits & perks, onboarding…the logistics of not just finding someone to join your team but actually looking after them once there is a big task, but here are 5 things that you can focus on as a bare minimum that will set you on the right course:

🤘 Define your Purpose, Vision, Mission, Values

This is ‘Culture 101’ stuff. And importantly it feeds heavily into your ability to craft genuinely exciting and engaging job descriptions too. So if you haven’t done so yet, you should sit down and define the above with your other founders (if you have them). It doesn’t have to take weeks, but so many people put it off. I facilitate workshop sessions with Founders to help design their purpose, vision, mission, and values and it can be done within a couple of hours total when focused. 

You need this stuff in place so you can get it plastered all over your job descriptions, and also to enable some storytelling ability when you are interviewing candidates. Without a little personality and identity behind your business, you will really struggle to attract the right people. More importantly, it also sets the tone for the behaviours you cascade down into the team as you grow, and ultimately how you work, win and fail as a team.



🤝 Get an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)

You’ll need something to manage your hiring through. Yes, you can start with spreadsheets if you need to, but if you’re heading into a phase where you think you’ll be hiring consistently throughout the year an ATS is important and will keep you organised. My personal favourite for me is Ashby — Very good on reporting (not that you’ll need it early stage), but I specifically mention them because they have a monthly rolling plan that you can use which is perfect for a startup. You can always reach out to me if you want to have a peek at the platform. Other options popular at this stage are Workable, Recruitee, TeamTailor and Lever.
 


Ok so let’s assume you’re ready to hire. You have your ‘PVMV’ sorted and job descriptions ready, and an ATS to handle the hordes of candidates just waiting to join the most exciting startup in the world. You’re going to need an HR tool to look after these guys when they come on onboard. Payroll, holidays, employee information… you’re about to become a parent in business terms so it’s time to get organised. 

For me, I’d look no further than Zelt. Incredible platform, perfect for startups from a pricing perspective, but they can handle everything you need; onboarding (in 90 seconds via their app!), employee administration, but also payroll and IT. You can handle laptops and everything through them which just makes it so so easy as a small start-up without having to juggle 3–4 different platforms. Other options include HiBob, CharlieHR and BambooHR.
 


💬 Define Your Interview & Onboarding Process

Ok so you have your tooling in place, and candidates coming in, but now you have to make you sure to give them the smoothest, most amazing candidate experience ever. Yes you are small and yes they will forgive you for some potential teething problems, but you should be aiming to absolutely nail this for them. Make sure you spend time wireframing your interview process- how many stages? how will you test them? Who will manage the review of applications and communication throughout interviews? These are all things that should be pre-planned before you go so you can look like the most organised startup they’ve ever met. As a general rule, you should get any interview process done in 1–2 weeks max. At this size (any size) 3 stages should be more than enough, and applicants should be responded to within 48 hours. No more. Onboarding is important to think about. If you get a tool like Zelt, it’s basically blueprinted and done for you, but if you don’t, you should make sure you map that onboarding process out to ensure you have everything covered; laptop/equipment, welcome, paperwork, settling in etc.
 


My final piece of advice is to get some support if you need it. There is a lot to do here, and you’ll find yourself getting sucked into so much (the above points are far, far from being exhaustive). So why not get some help? The money you spend will allow you to retain focus on product and customer goals, which are still no doubt so vital to your success. So it’s sometimes worth making sure you can perform and execute in other areas and have supported building some of this out. 

Recruiters can be genuinely useful when it comes to sourcing and finding talent, but to be honest you’ll still need all of the above in place if they are going to be able to do the job for you so I don’t think that it’s money well spent at this stage. You could get an embedded talent partner, essentially a short-term flexible ‘in-house’ pseudo employee who would act as your Talent Partner and would be able to work with you on lots of the above. Or, even more, flexible than that, could be a freelance people consultant. People like me work with startups to get all this in place, not just from an advisory level but implementation and execution too. (I’ve even been involved in interviews!). Whatever route you choose, it’s important to consider getting some support. It can be fun wading through this yourself but it’s not always the most effective use of your time and for any small business possibly trying to still find product market fit, being able to focus and execute on key areas is vital to success.

 Find more awesome resources for founders on Adam's People Projects Notion site! 

5 Things Every Founder Needs to Grow Their Team

Let's be honest, nothing boosts team morale quite like a fun meme that brings a smile to the whole team.

Interestingly, there’s more depth to this gesture than first meets the eye. Here’s why: As the business world becomes increasingly competitive, retaining top talent is crucial for organizations looking to achieve long-term success. While providing competitive salaries and benefits packages is essential, employee recognition and appreciation programs can also play a crucial role in maintaining employee engagement and retention. 

One approach that has gained traction is the use of personalized anniversary and birthday images as a way to show appreciation for each individual. 

By acknowledging the significance of an employee's work anniversary with customized messages and imagery, you can effectively communicate your appreciation and build a sense of emotional connection with the team. This article explores the benefits of personalized work anniversary images and how they can be utilized as an ultimate way to show employee appreciation.

The Psychological Impact of Personalized Work Anniversary Images

"The best recognition experiences blend technology with personalization" 

A recent case study by O.C. Tanner highlights the psychological impact of customized work anniversary images on employee recognition experiences. The study found that the best recognition experiences blend technology with personalization, allowing employees to feel valued and appreciated. By personalizing anniversary messages with customized messaging and images, employees reported feeling a greater sense of emotional connection to their employer. In addition, the case study states that the recognition experience must be elevated to a personal level, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful and personalized connections between employer and employee. In essence, the case study underscores the importance of commemorating work anniversaries and utilizing personalized images to create a positive and fulfilling work environment.

Tips and Tools for Designing Unique and Memorable Images

Designing unique and memorable images can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tools, you can create eye-catching visuals that will leave a lasting impression.

Firstly, it's important to have a clear understanding of the message or concept that the image is meant to convey. For example, you may want your image to make your team member laugh, be surprised, or be touched. Once the goal is established, various design tools such as    

can be utilized to create fun-looking images. Other tips include experimenting with colors and fonts, incorporating visual elements that reflect your company's brand's personality, and ensuring that the image is optimized for mobile so that the team member can send it to friends. 

Did you know Doozy has an easy-to-use feature that lets you create personalized work anniversary images with just a few clicks? Try Doozy for free today!

How To Compose A Message For A Work Anniversary Card

Celebrating a work anniversary or birthday is a special occasion that offers an opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude to colleagues and employees. When writing a work anniversary card, it's important to start by expressing congratulations and appreciation for their dedication and hard work. Including specific examples of their achievements and contributions to the team or organization can make the message more personalized and meaningful. Additionally, expressing hope for continued success and growth in the future can serve as a source of motivation and encouragement. Finally, adding a personal touch such as a favorite quote or memory can make the card even more special and memorable. 

Happy Anniversary! It's hard to believe it's already been [number] years since you joined our team. We want to express our deepest appreciation for your dedication and hard work. Your contributions have been nothing short of exceptional and have played a significant role in our success. 

[Specific project achievements/quote or memory] 

We are fortunate to have you on our team and look forward to many more years of working together!

Overall, a thoughtful and personalized work anniversary card can go a long way in fostering positive workplace relationships and improving morale.

From Memes To Customized Cards: Creative Ideas for Happy Work Anniversary Images

While sending a simple "Happy Work Anniversary" or “Happy Birthday” message is always appreciated, adding a personal touch can make it even more special. One creative way to do this is by incorporating memes into your anniversary images. Memes are a popular way to inject humor and personality into your message and can help make the occasion more memorable. Here are some resources for a kick-start.

Top 5 Websites for Finding Fun GIFs & Memes

Another idea is to create customized anniversary cards that feature personalized messages, quotes, or even photos from the person being celebrated. This is a great way to show your team members that you appreciate them as individuals and value their contributions to the team. With a little creativity and effort, you can turn a work anniversary into a truly special occasion.

An Essential Tool for Employee Appreciation

Whether you prefer humorous memes or simpler personalized cards, there are countless ways to show your colleagues some love on their work anniversary. Don't be afraid to get creative and let your personality shine through in your images - your team will love it! After all, work can be tough, but a little humor and appreciation can go a long way in making it more enjoyable. 

In conclusion, personalized happy work anniversary images represent a powerful tool for employers looking to show their appreciation for employees and build strong relationships. By recognizing the hard work and dedication of their staff with unique and memorable imagery, companies can foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees, leading to improved morale and retention rates. As such, organizations that prioritize employee recognition and appreciation will undoubtedly reap the benefits of a more engaged and motivated workforce, ultimately contributing to their overall success. Happy designing, and cheers to celebrating all the hard work that goes into making your workplaces great!

“My latest life learning on how to make my life easier in one fell swoop as the social secretary of a company… Integrate Doozy into our Slack so it gives me a week's notice for important birthdays and anniversaries. This is on top of setting up events and quizzes for the team when I am off work in the main website hub. I’ve loved using Doozy over the past 2.5 years, it's helped me with many social events and gatherings! Thank you, Milo and team!”

Whether you want to add a funny meme or a heartfelt message, with Doozy you can create a one-of-a-kind card that your team members will love. Try it out today!

O.C. Tanner -The future of recognition is a blend of advanced technology and old-school humanity

Personalized ‘Happy Work Anniversary’ Images

In the present fast-paced and unpredictable world, where businesses confront ongoing challenges and intense competition, it's essential to maintain a positive and motivated workforce to achieve success. 

One way to foster positivity and build team morale is through team celebrations and recognizing team accomplishments. Team celebrations can create a sense of unity and help employees feel appreciated, which in turn leads to higher job satisfaction and productivity. In short: they are fun and foster joy and happiness! 

However, planning a successful team celebration requires intention and organization, otherwise, things will not go as planned.

In this article, we will discuss 5 tips and strategies for planning team celebrations that can help you create a positive and uplifting atmosphere in your workplace.

1. Make Celebrating Team Achievements A Priority

The importance of celebrating team achievements is not limited to the team leaders or individual team members of an organization. It is a crucial management topic that needs to be supported on all levels, from top-level executives to front-line managers. Managers play a critical role in setting the tone for their teams and creating a positive work culture that fosters motivation and productivity. By prioritizing the topic of team celebrations and recognizing the hard work of their team members, managers can demonstrate their commitment to employee recognition and establish a culture of trust and appreciation. It’s vital that all departments work together and have e.g. HR/People Managers coordinating the initiatives. This will allow for the creation and execution of recognition and reward initiatives that are aligned with the organization's goals and values. 

By using a tool like 15five.com, managers can see at a glance how their teams' initiatives and projects are going and align all relevant people across the organization.

When it comes to choosing the right type of celebration, it's essential to consider the preferences and interests of your team members and also take your company's culture into consideration. While team achievements are worth celebrating, recognizing the personal milestones of team members can also go a long way in building a positive work culture. 

Team members’ birthdays are also an excellent opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude for them being part of the team. Similarly, work anniversaries provide a chance to recognize the loyalty and commitment of team members. Another type of celebration to consider is the completion of a challenging project or the attainment of a significant milestone, which can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate the team to strive for even greater success.

Check out these 11 Team Celebration Ideas we've put together that will help you elevate your workplace culture.

Setting clear goals and objectives can greatly enhance the planning process of a team celebration. The goals should align with the organization's values and support its overall mission. Objectives should ideally be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Clear goals and objectives can help ensure that the celebration is purposeful and meaningful and that it aligns with the team's goals and interests. By setting goals and objectives, the celebration can be more than just a fun event - it can become an opportunity to motivate and inspire the team to strive for even greater success.

You can choose a tool and data-driven approach by using employee engagement tools like Culture Amp or Peakon by Workday.

Creating a plan of action is crucial for the successful execution of team celebrations, as it allows for elements that bring fun and joy to the event! A comprehensive plan should include a timeline, budget, and resources needed to bring smiles and a joyful atmosphere. With a well-crafted plan in place, the team can have a joyful and effective celebration that fosters a sense of camaraderie and happiness.

Reflecting on the success of the celebration is an essential step in the planning process. It provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the celebration initiatives and identifies areas for improvement. Feedback from team members can be invaluable in evaluating the celebration's impact on team morale and motivation. 

In a good feedback setting team members can openly express how they liked or disliked a celebration and they ideally add improvements they would like to see.

Good feedback: Team member: “I really liked that you took the time to plan the personalized birthday card for me. I really feel appreciated as you thought about my hobbies and interests while putting together the virtual card. Maybe we could print out the cards for future birthday people?”

Bad feedback is generic, unspecific, and does not look for improving future celebrations

Bad feedback: Team member: “The 100k sales celebration was boring and didn't add any value to the team. It was a waste of time and money”.

By reflecting on the success of the celebration, future celebrations can be even more successful and meaningful for the team and the knowledge can be shared for other teams within the organization.

Successful Team Celebrations Are Planned With Intention

Celebrating team achievements is an important aspect of fostering a positive work culture and motivating employees. By prioritizing team celebrations, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to establishing a culture of positivity and appreciation. 

By choosing the right type of celebration, setting clear goals and objectives, creating a plan of action, and reflecting on success, organizations can make team celebrations memorable and impactful events for their teams.

Looking for practical ways to plan successful team celebrations? Doozy’s Team Celebrations can help you with seamless introductions scheduled for new and existing members. Experience the magic of enhanced team collaboration and try it now for free! 

HBR - 4 Ways Every Employee Can Contribute to Company Culture

Perry E. Geue et. al. - Positive Practices in the Workplace: Impact on Team Climate, Work Engagement, and Task Performance

5 Tips On How to Plan Successful Team Celebrations

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Latest on the blog

Best HR Software & Tools For 2023 (Free/Paid)

5 Things Every Founder Needs to Grow Their Team

Personalized ‘Happy Work Anniversary’ Images

5 Tips On How to Plan Successful Team Celebrations

Ready to connect your team? Let's Doozy!

Your people are AWESOME

Celebrate them. Connect them. One Slack app to do it all.

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Introductions

Daily trivia

Team socials

Create quizzes

Analytics

HRIS

Slack

Calendar

Best HR Software & Tools For 2023 (Free/Paid)

5 Things Every Founder Needs to Grow Their Team

Personalized ‘Happy Work Anniversary’ Images

5 Tips On How to Plan Successful Team Celebrations

Ready to connect your team? Let's Doozy!

Your people are
AWESOME

Celebrate them. Connect them.
One Slack app to do it all.

Celebrations