10 Best employee onboarding software for small business

When you’re already operating on limited resources, a messy onboarding process can overwhelm new hires and cause inefficiencies. To address this challenge, these 10 onboarding software for small business can help you develop an effective onboarding program, so your new employees can start strong.

Benefits of onboarding software

The tricky thing about onboarding is that not everyone will be taking on the same tasks. This means each new recruit must be onboarded with different information depending on their role. This inconsistency can cause some core information to get lost during training, confusing your new hires and leaving them unprepared.

An onboarding software for small business allows you to create customized onboarding tracks. This way, your new hires can get access to a standardized onboarding process without missing out on role-specific information. 

Another challenge small businesses often face is having to work with limited resources. For this, other onboarding software include automation tools that can complete repetitive tasks, helping teams power through time constraints and reduced manpower. 

You need to make sure that your onboarding program stays engaging and comprehensive. The main purpose of onboarding is to make sure your new hires are well-equipped to perform in their role. With an onboarding software, you can break down the process into manageable steps to avoid overwhelming newcomers. 

Onboarding software #1 - SC Training (formerly EdApp)

Starting this list strong is SC Training, a leading onboarding LMS with a large suite of features to address your onboarding needs. Its course management tools include customizable learning paths so you can decide which training to give to whom.

If your small business is running short-staffed, SC Training’s automation features can keep things efficient by optimizing repetitive tasks. With it, you can schedule courses to be completed by different user groups, saving you the trouble of manually sharing a course to each new hire. 

Create with AI also makes it quick and easy to create onboarding courses, teaching them all they need to know from day one. Just upload your onboarding material or start with a prompt, and SC Training will do the rest for you. 

SC Training is the perfect onboarding software for small businesses working on the front line. Topics are delivered in 5-10 minute lessons, so your team can complete their onboarding training at their own pace. Plus, finishing these courses in short bursts can help them retain information better.

Cost: Free (up to 10 users)

Key features:

• Customizable learning paths
• User group management
• Task automation
• Create with AI
• Microlearning

Onboarding software #2 - BambooHR

The challenge with automation is that it starts to lose its personal touch, making the onboarding experience feel cold and detached from your new hires. BambooHR’s New Hire Packet Templates strike the balance by helping you tailor automated onboarding messages to each employee. 

BambooHR also offers onboarding software solutions that can make things more convenient for your new hires. Key features like its built-in e-signatures make it easier for everyone involved to get things signed and approved. Plus, it saves you time, which is a valuable resource small businesses can’t afford to waste.

Cost: Contact for pricing

Key features:

• New Hire Packet Templates
• Automated onboarding messages
• Built-in e-signatures

Onboarding software #3 - Gusto

Gusto is an onboarding software for new employees that’s best known for its payroll integration. By combining these tools, Gusto helps small businesses save time and minimize the risk of human error. 

This integration allows you to create a payroll profile once a candidate is officially hired. It comes with tax forms, benefits enrollment, and other paperwork that can also be added to their onboarding checklist. 

On top of the easy payroll setup, Gusto also gives you access to software provisioning tools. From communication channels to reporting software, you can rest easy knowing your new hires instantly have access to the tools they’ll be using to excel in their role. 

Cost: Starts at 49 USD/month, plus 6 USD/user

Key features:

• Payroll and onboarding integration
• Easy software provisioning
• Custom onboarding checklists

Onboarding software #4 - WorkBright

This new employee onboarding software is all about making the onboarding process quicker and more efficient for smaller teams. With its collection of onboarding tools, WorkBright claims to make the onboarding process eight times faster by conducting everything via the employee’s phone. 

One of its notable features is the Smart I-9, which allows new hires to fill out their Employee Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) from a text message and the WorkBright app. This saves teams a lot of time, cutting back admin work to less than 10 minutes for each I-9 form.

Separate pricing is indicated for each feature under WorkBright. This means you might have to pay multiple fees if you’re thinking of using Smart I-9 with their onboarding tools. 

Cost: Contact for pricing

Key features:

• Remote and mobile-friendly onboarding experience
• Smart I-9 e-verification

Onboarding software #5 - Zoho People

Say goodbye to unstructured onboarding processes with Zoho People’s customizable workflows. The platform lets you manage the onboarding experience, standardizing it to fit different roles and departments. This means you get to assign specific tasks and request certain documents per role.

Zoho People is a convenient choice for small businesses currently using the Zoho ecosystem. Since it supports full integration, existing subscribers will find it easier to access all their data in one place.

Cost: 1.5 USD/month/user

Key features:

• Customizable workflows
• Full integration to the Zoho ecosystem

CTA BLOCK: Check out the top onboarding software many small businesses rely on.

Onboarding software #6 - Code of Talent

Code of Talent is an LMS that delivers gamified enterprise training to make learning fun and engaging for your new hires. Award badges and points, track energy levels, and create an interactive experience. This helps them retain information better and equips them with the skills they need to complete their tasks confidently. 

To avoid creating an overcomplicated onboarding process, this software uses AI to analyze the performance of each learner. The data is then used to design custom learning paths for each new talent.

Cost: Starts at 7.99 EUD/month/user (up to 3 trainers)

Key features:

• Gamified onboarding training
• AI-powered onboarding solutions

Onboarding software #7 - Factorial

Tick off onboarding tasks even if you’re away from your desk. Factorial’s mobile-friendly software lets you push the onboarding process forward no matter where you are. Check essential documents through your phone and get things approved with a quick and convenient e-signature.

But easy access means vulnerabilities. Factorial protects your confidential documents from prying eyes by letting you set user permissions. This hides sensitive information from unauthorized team members, making sure your new hires’ personal information is kept safe. 

Cost: Starts at 8 USD/month/user

Key features:

• Mobile-friendly onboarding
• User permissions to protect confidential documentation

Onboarding software #8 - Quixy

Quixy markets itself as a no-code human resources platform that helps streamline the hiring process. For small businesses with limited expertise, this means you can automate your workflows with little-to-no coding knowledge. 

To further optimize the onboarding experience, they’ve got self-service portals that allow your new hires to self-onboard. With a push of a button, they’ll have access to company policies, employee directories, and more. This gives them an idea of how your company works and fully prepares them for what’s to come.

Cost: Contact for pricing

Key features:

• Self-onboarding portals
• Automated workflows

Onboarding software #9 - Boardon

Onboarding tools can help small businesses set up an effective onboarding program despite having fewer resources to work with. Boardon is a web-based platform that lets you keep all your important onboarding material in one central system. This makes it easier to pass essential documents between you and your new hire.

Upload onboarding forms, quizzes, videos, and more. With Boardon, you can get new employees to easily review all these files, sign them, and send them back for a faster onboarding process. 

The platform also supports custom onboarding paths. Choose whether to deliver general introduction plans or venture into role-specific programs. This way, you can give your new hires a smoother transition.

Cost: Free (for one active onboarding)

Key features:

• Centralized onboarding
• Customizable onboarding paths

Onboarding software #10 - Homebase

Homebase makes onboarding easier for your new hires by allowing them to fill out and e-sign important onboarding forms. This helps your team stay compliant and well-prepared for their first day. Plus, going paperless reduces the risk of losing essential documents you might need later on.

For 80 USD every month, Homebase’s All-in-One plan lets you enjoy onboarding features for as many employees as you want. This lets you maximize their full suite of tools to deliver a memorable onboarding experience to your new crew.

Cost: 80 USD/month/location (unlimited employees)

Key features:

• Digital completion of onboarding forms
• Paperless documentation

Which onboarding software is best for small business?

Employee onboarding statistics show that new hires are more than twice as likely to feel satisfied with their job if they had a positive onboarding experience. First impressions count, and choosing the right onboarding software for your small business can make or break it.

The onboarding software on this list are all worth trying out. However, here are some non-negotiables to watch out for when you’re picking the right one for your small business:

• Digital documentation: Going digital makes things easier for new recruits and your hiring team. It speeds up pre-boarding and allows more time to help new team members settle in.
• Customizable workflows: These make sure your new hires are getting onboarded on things that are relevant to their role. Equip them with knowledge and skills they’ll need on the job so they can perform at their best.  
• User-friendly interface: Look for an intuitive platform that’s not too complicated to use. This eases the learning curve and lets your team focus on mastering implementation for the benefit of your business.
• Cost-effective pricing: When you’re running on limited resources, you need to make the most out of your money. Make sure you’re getting the features that matter most to your workflows without going over the budget.

Help your team settle into their new roles faster with SC Training

Designed with the unique challenges of small teams in mind, SC Training transforms chaotic, time-consuming onboarding into a streamlined, engaging experience. From inconsistent onboarding to information overload, SC Training’s game-changing features can help your new hires thrive in their role.

• Gamification: Turn monotonous training into interactive challenges. This keeps new hires engaged, making sure the critical information sticks.
• Mobile-first Learning: Give your new hires the convenience of completing their onboarding anytime, anywhere. 
• Template library: Access 80+ pre-built, customizable templates and save hours on creating onboarding content.
• Reporting and analytics: Track completion rates, quiz scores, and engagement in real time. Make sure every hire knows everything they need to get started from day one.