PeopleHR Evo
The Best HR Software for Small Businesses
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How HR software helps guide small businesses
Human resources isn’t always the first priority for small businesses. But without a strong HR department, small businesses may find it difficult to retain talent, manage staff and most importantly, grow successfully. This is where HR software comes in.
With HR software, small businesses and start ups can accomplish essential HR employee management tasks without the need for dedicated HR staff. From allowing employees to self-serve to monitoring absences, HR software gives you the tools to face common challenges, all whilst staying within budget and remaining compliant to UK law.
Great user experience for small business
We’re continuously improving our software and reimagining the future of HR. Our mission is simple: Save Time. Create Impact. Lead the Change. PeopleHR gives small teams a fast, intuitive way to run HR without adding admin, while Copilot, our built‑in AI assistant, answers policy questions, drafts documents and retrieves the right people data securely, so managers can self‑serve with confidence and HR can focus on higher‑value work.
Onboarding is just as seamless. Our modern New Employee List, guided New Starter Wizard and real‑time checks, like National Insurance validation, help busy teams keep records clean and consistent; while webhook support ensures starter events are captured reliably. Out‑of‑the‑box analytics and the intelligent Evo feed surface priority tasks at the right moment, all backed by role‑aware AI responses and enhanced access controls that protect sensitive data as standard.
The key features of small business HR software
With a small business HR system, you’ll benefit from many helpful features to help streamline day to day operations. Here are four of the most important features.
HR Essentials
PeopleHR streamlines everyday HR by combining fast leave and absence management; including UK holiday accrual, bank holidays, carry‑over rules, TOIL and Bradford Factor scoring, with document management, all supported by a single secure employee record that centralises personal details, emergency contacts, job history and issued equipment.
Onboarding
Move new hires from Applicant Tracking System to day one without spreadsheets or re‑keying, using reusable role‑based checklists that cover everything from collecting right‑to‑work evidence and HMRC starter details to issuing e‑signature contracts, allocating equipment and setting up system access.
Automated workflow
Replace manual chasing with simple point‑and‑click automation. Create no‑code workflows for routine processes, sickness notifications, return‑to‑work steps, leave approvals, policy acknowledgements, training reminders and certificate or visa‑expiry alerts; and route tasks to the right approver with built‑in rules, deadlines and escalations.
HR AI assistant
This intelligent tool streamlines routine tasks, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives. With capabilities like scheduling interviews, answering employee queries, and providing instant access to information, our AI assistant enhances efficiency and reduces response times. By automating repetitive processes, it minimises errors and ensures consistent communication.
Employee Self-Service
Our HR self-service portal empowers managers and employees to become more self-sufficient while streamlining HR administrative tasks as your business grows. The portal ensures enhanced connectivity and secure data handling, allowing you to maintain compliance effortlessly.
How do I choose the right HR software for my SME?
No one HRM software is the same, especially when it comes to small businesses. They need HR software that can hit all of the core HR tasks, stay within budget and support them in growth when it’s needed.
By looking inwards at your business’s biggest needs and discovering the must-have features you require, you’ll be in a good position to compare and choose the best HR software for your small business. Visit our guide on choosing the right HR software to learn more.
Our transparent pricing
Get the best HR small business software at an affordable monthly price.
Best for Startups
Starter
From
£3
- HR essentials
- Digitise employee records
- Document Management
- Absence tracking
- Mobile App
- AI powered HR assistant
- Personalised dashboard
- Inclusive learning library
Best for growing teams
Core
From
£5.50
- Everything in Starter plus,
- Employee onboarding
- Expenses management
- E-Signatures
- Employee Communication tools
- Reward and Recognition platform
- Essential analytics
Best for larger companies
Pro
From
£8
- Everything in Core plus,
- Employee performance management
- Timesheets
- Custom Survey Builder
Best for advanced HR
Elite+
From
£9.50
- Everything in Pro plus,
- Customisable and automated workflows
- Automated processes
- Advanced analytics
"PeopleHR has been invaluable in streamlining our HR processes and reducing administrative burdens."
FAQ's
Can HR systems for small businesses integrate with payroll?
Yes. PeopleHR integrates smoothly with leading payroll solutions, including Access Payroll, so you don’t have to duplicate data entry. New starters, leavers, contracted hours, approved absences, and overtime can flow from HR to payroll, while export‑ready payroll reports (and configurable CSV/SFTP options) make month‑end fast and accurate. The result is fewer manual touchpoints, fewer errors, and a clean audit trail across HR and payroll.
Why it helps:
- Single source of truth: Employee data stays consistent between HR and payroll.
- Automation: Approved time off and timesheets feed directly into pay runs.
- Compliance support: Standardised records and permissions help you maintain robust controls.
How does PeopleHR for small businesses improve efficiency?
PeopleHR streamlines your day‑to‑day by automating repetitive admin and putting self‑service at the centre. From onboarding checklists and e‑signatures to leave requests, timesheets, and policy acknowledgements, you replace inbox chasing with clear, trackable workflows. Real‑time dashboards and one‑click reports give managers the insight they need without digging through spreadsheets.
Efficiency wins you’ll notice:
- Automated workflows & reminders for onboarding, probation, and renewals.
- Employee self‑service for leave, documents, and personal data updates.
- Centralised records that cut duplication and improve data accuracy.
Quick reporting on headcount, absence, and turnover to support decisions.
Is PeopleHR suitable for very small teams?
Definitely. PeopleHR is built to be lightweight for small teams and powerful enough to scale as you grow. It’s easy to set up, intuitive for employees, and modular, so you only turn on what you need today (and add features later). Even with just a handful of people, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and create a professional HR experience from day one.
Great fit for very small teams because:
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Fast adoption: Minimal training; employees know where to go for HR tasks.
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Right‑sized features: Start with essentials (leave, records, docs) and expand.
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Scales with growth: Add recruitment, performance, and advanced reporting when you’re ready.
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Strong controls: Role‑based permissions and audit trails from the start.
Uncover hidden savings with our HR Software ROI calculator
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Resources for Small Business HR
Best HR Software List For 2024: A Small Business Guide
How HR software can reduce business costs and support employees: An honest look
7 ways HR software saves you time
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