July 21, 2023

6 Workday Competitors with Outstanding HCM Features

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Workday is a human capital management (HCM), finance, and corporate planning tool for medium to large enterprise companies. The software has long led the cloud HCM pack, but it may not work for everyone. We’ve identified the top platforms that address many of Workday’s pain points:

Writer’s note: This article mentions TriNet Zenefits. On December 19, 2023, TriNet issued a statement announcing the end of the Zenefits brand. Effective immediately, the Zenefits platform was absorbed into TriNet’s portfolio of products and services, becoming TriNet HR Platform.

July 21, 2023: We simplified our analysis to make it easier to understand what’s most important about each vendor. We also added dynamic design elements to improve the visual flow of information.

At TechnologyAdvice, we pick our recommendations with you in mind.

First, we used our expert knowledge of the performance management software market to identify solutions that address Workday’s shortcomings. These factors include user experience, global support, integrations, analytics, and feature execution. We used vendor demos, technical documentation, and user reviews from customers like you to compile our research.

As the market changes, we reevaluate our choices so you always receive the best insight for your purchasing decision.

Top 6 Workday competitors

If none of these vendors seem like the right fit, compare other options in our HR Software Guide.

1. Oracle HCM: Best for user experience

The Oracle logo.

Oracle HCM uses Oracle’s robust databases and cloud technology to build a network of data-driven tools. Choose from five modules, or bundle them for comprehensive functionality:

  • Human resources includes a company directory, help desk, benefits, and workforce predictions.
  • Talent management covers employee performance management, compensation, and learning.
  • Workforce management offers time tracking, project management, and expense management.
  • Payroll tracks employee payments, tax liabilities, and other payroll figures.
  • HCM analytics provides goal tracking, dashboards, data models, third-party data connections, and other data tools.

Key differentiator

Oracle HCM has a sleek user interface (UI) that’s easier to use and less cluttered than many enterprise HR software systems.

Also read: Workday vs. Oracle HCM: Comparing Two Human Resources Software Giants

2. SAP SuccessFactors: Best for global companies

SAP logo.

SAP SuccessFactors is a modular, cloud-native HCM suite with HR, time and attendance, recruiting, learning, performance management, and workforce analytics tools. A payroll add-on is also available.

SuccessFactors is built for global companies with multinational workforces and can support multiple languages, currencies, and tax systems. These compliance features are a must-have if your company has an international presence.

Key differentiator

Use SAP’s powerful business intelligence and enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools to extend the analytics capabilities of your HR data.

3. ADP Vantage HCM: Best for analytics

The ADP logo.

ADP’s HR software comes in several sizes and plans that offer HR tools with enterprise capabilities. ADP Vantage HCM is built for large businesses that need strategic workforce management support.

Start out with payroll and other HR features, then choose from add-ons for recruiting, talent management, benefits, and time and attendance to increase the power of the tool. ADP also comes ready to integrate with major ERP, HR, recruiting, and learning tools, which makes it easy to switch only a single software and keep your existing tech stack.

Key differentiator

ADP Vantage HCM leverages ADP DataCloud to provide robust workforce analytics and benchmarking to help your team understand nuanced trends and growth insights.

4. Zoho People Plus: Best for cross-functional integrations

The Zoho logo.

Zoho People Plus combines talent acquisition, talent management, core HR, and employee engagement capabilities. The software also offers self-service access for help desk tickets, travel requests, internal collaboration, and time-off requests.

If you don’t already have a separate payroll solution, Zoho Payroll integrates seamlessly with Zoho People Plus. Additionally, Zoho’s add-on artificial intelligence (AI) tool, Zia, can help employees find information, set reminders, and build approval processes without constant HR oversight.

Key differentiator

Tap into the power of an integrated tech stack by adding other Zoho tools for project management, analytics, CRM, accounting, financial management, and more.

5. TriNet Zenefits: Best for administrative relief

The TriNet Zenefits logo.

Zenefits is a solid solution if you’re looking to reduce the amount of administrative responsibilities placed on your HR team. Employees can use Zenefits to manage their own onboarding, timesheets, benefits, payroll deductions, and other functions that affect their workplace satisfaction.

The three plans — Essential, Growth, and Zen — all include HR, time and attendance, integrations, and mobile support. Companies looking for employee performance and compensation management will find it in the Growth tier and get all that plus wellness features in the Zen tier. Add payroll services for a small per-employee fee every month at any tier.

Key differentiator

Zenefits’ employee self-service features let your team spend more time on critical priorities and strategic initiatives and less time on onboarding, benefits management, and other tedious administrative tasks.

6. BambooHR: Best all-in-one platform

The BambooHR logo.

BambooHR is an excellent alternative to Workday for smaller companies looking to grow into a full-service HCM tool that isn’t overly complicated.

BambooHR has two pricing plans:

  • Essential takes care of the core HR features like records storage, benefits, standard workflows, and standard reporting.
  • Advantage adds hiring and onboarding features as well as customized workflows and branding.

Depending on your company’s needs, there are add-ons for payroll, timesheets, and performance management, so you can expand the platform’s capabilities as needed.

Key differentiator

With BambooHR’s extensive collection of integrated apps, you don’t have to leave your existing HR tech stack behind if you already have third-party solutions for payroll or other functions.

Choosing your next HCM suite

Sometimes finding the right HR software can be difficult, especially if you need a solution that will meet all of your business’s needs ASAP. If Workday isn’t cutting it anymore, consider:

For a comprehensive list of potential solutions, check out our HR Software Guide.


Kara Sherrer Avatar

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Featured HR software partners

1 Paycor

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Paycor’s HR software modernizes every aspect of people management, which saves leaders time and gives them the powerful analytics they need to build winning teams. Paycor provides a full suite of HCM solutions with a single source of truth for employee data, so users never have to switch platforms, log-in to multiple systems, re-key data or open multiple spreadsheets. Everyday processes become simplified, allowing organizations to focus on their most important work.

Learn more about Paycor

2 Deel

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Deel is the all-in-one platform built to hire, manage and grow global teams. By bringing together cutting edge HR tools, payroll solutions, compliance and more, Deel enables companies to scale globally with unmatched speed and flexibility.

With Deel, you can hire and onboard any type of employee, compliantly, in 150+ countries in minutes. You can run payroll in 100+ countries and all 50 states in a click of a button. You can offer competitive benefits, equity, manage equipment and more.

Learn more about Deel

3 Bob

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Meet Bob, the modern HR platform for modern business. With Bob, HR teams get everything they need to operate efficiently and engage employees in one HRIS. Use automation and workflows to save hours on HR admin time. Connect employees from anywhere with a social media-like homepage that drives culture with communications, kudos, and recognition. Centralize all people data in one place for a holistic view. Share accurate reports for stronger insights and better decision-making.

Learn more about Bob

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