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What is HR software?

Glossary definition

What is HR software?

HR software is any kind of IT system or application used by the human resources (HR) function to help manage and look after employees.

Human resources software may also be called HCM (human capital management) software, an HRIS (human resources information system), or an HRMS (human resources management system).

Today’s efficient and powerful HCM solutions support a range of HR functions, bringing together payroll, benefits administration, recruitment, performance management and management information, using a single source of employee data.

Historically, organisations used lots of different software and spreadsheets to handle HR admin, covering the likes of payroll or holiday allocations.

With people now recognised as an organisation’s most valuable asset, using human resources software frees people specialists from admin tasks and lets them concentrate on attracting and nurturing talent and delivering great employee experiences.

The people function is also increasingly focused on data insights that support their workforce and business performance. These activities are critical to the success of many of today’s fastest-growing firms.