Top 5 HiBob Alternatives for UK Mid-Sized Companies

HiBob has built a strong reputation in the HR software market, particularly with its global, modern design and focus on employee experience. It’s a popular choice for mid-sized organisations that want slick dashboards and engagement tools alongside HR.

But while HiBob looks polished, it can be expensive, complex, and not always aligned with UK compliance needs. Many mid-sized companies find that they’re paying for features they don’t use, while still missing essentials like rota scheduling, advanced time & attendance, or UK-specific compliance tracking.

The good news? There are plenty of alternatives. In this guide, we explore five of the best HiBob alternatives for UK mid-sized companies in 2025, highlighting HR-first platforms that combine usability, compliance, and workforce management.

Helpful Summary

Overview: This article compares the top 5 HiBob alternatives for UK mid-sized businesses. Each system is reviewed for features, pricing, scalability, and compliance.

Why Trust Us: Evalu-8 HR is a UK-built HR platform designed specifically for mid-sized companies. Unlike HiBob’s global-first design, Evalu-8 HR focuses on the practical needs of UK organisations, from GDPR and right-to-work checks to rotas, time & attendance, and fatigue management.

Why It Matters: HiBob is polished, but not always practical for UK companies. The right alternative should balance modern design with compliance, scalability, and affordability, ensuring your HR system supports long-term growth without unnecessary cost or complexity.

Evalu-8 HR: Best all-in-one platform

Why Evalu-8 HR is the best HibBob alternative

Evalu-8 HR is a HR-first platform built specifically for UK businesses. Unlike HiBob, which takes a global-first approach, Evalu-8 HR focuses on practical compliance, workforce management, and scalability for mid-sized companies.

Where HiBob often feels like a polished “employee experience” tool with a high price tag, Evalu-8 HR delivers all the essentials mid-sized organisations need from rotas and time & attendance to compliance, GDPR, and fatigue management at a fraction of the cost. Its modular design means you only pay for what you use, making it far more cost-effective than all-in-one global platforms.

Core features

Employee database: Centralised records for contracts, training, performance, absence, and compliance.
Absence & holiday management: Automated requests, approvals, and shared calendars with entitlement tracking.
Document management: Upload contracts, policies, and handbooks with e-signatures and version control.
Performance reviews: Goals, appraisals, and structured 1:1s with built-in workflows.
Self-service portal: Employees can request leave, clock in/out, and update personal details.
Mobile app: Full HR and workforce functionality on the go.
Payroll-ready exports: Clean reporting for Sage, Xero, and other UK payroll systems.
Compliance tools: Right-to-work checks, GDPR logging, and audit trails to meet UK requirements.

Advanced features

Rota management: Drag-and-drop scheduling with conflict alerts and availability tracking.
Time & attendance: GPS/IP clock-ins, overtime logging, and automated timesheets.
Fatigue management: Tools to monitor unsafe scheduling and reduce compliance risks.
Contractor & volunteer profiles: Manage non-permanent staff with reduced-access accounts.
Corrective action tracking: Assign, monitor, and escalate overdue HR or compliance tasks.
Analytics dashboards: Real-time insights into absence, overtime, performance, and compliance trends.
Modular scalability: Add HR, rotas, T&A, safety, or fatigue modules as needed, without overpaying for features you don’t use.
Audit trails & evidence logs: Automatically capture actions and approvals for compliance purposes.

Explore Evalu-8 HR

What Customers Say About Evalu-8 HR

It is really intuitive and easy to use. They seem to have thought of everything with this software as everything is in one package, with one place to log in. I can easily keep my details up to date, book holiday, see my shifts, receive and sign documents and view my training record.

Head of People

Training is very thorough, with recordings sent on request for reference Service is excellent, they get back to you promptly. Great platform, that's customisable for the business needs. Competitively priced.

HR Manager in UK

Pricing

Evalu-8 HR starts at £2.50 per licence/month for core HR. Optional modules include rota management (£1.45 per licence/month) and time & attendance (£2.50 per user/month). Setup fees apply depending on company size, with modular pricing ensuring SMEs only pay for what they need.

Pros & cons of Evalu-8 HR

Pros:

True HR-first system designed for SMEs
Affordable, modular pricing that grows with your business
Includes advanced workforce features like rotas, T&A, and fatigue management
Strong UK compliance tools (GDPR, right-to-work, H&S)
Scalable platform that prevents costly software switch later

Cons:

Workday

Workday is one of the most recognised HR and finance platforms globally. It’s designed for enterprises and large mid-sized organisations that need deep HR, payroll, and financial management all in one place. For businesses that want a single system covering everything from recruitment to payroll to finance, Workday has unmatched scope.

However, this scale comes with significant drawbacks for UK mid-sized companies. Workday is expensive, complex to implement, and often provides far more than most SMEs actually need. Many mid-sized businesses find themselves paying enterprise-level costs for features they’ll never use, while still missing UK-specific compliance tools like fatigue tracking or rota management.

Core features

Employee database: Comprehensive records for HR, payroll, and workforce data.
Absence & leave tracking: Configurable policies and approval workflows.
Performance management: Goal-setting, reviews, and career development planning.
Recruitment & onboarding: End-to-end applicant tracking and new starter workflows.
Compensation management: Salary benchmarking, budgeting, and pay planning.
Learning management: Training modules and e-learning integration.
Analytics & dashboards: Advanced reporting across HR and finance.

Advanced features

Global HR capabilities: Manage multi-country teams with compliance at a high level.
Finance integration: Unified HR and finance platform for budgeting and forecasting.
Talent management: Succession planning and workforce development tools.
AI-driven insights: Predictive analytics for workforce trends.
Custom workflows: Highly configurable processes for HR and finance.

Constraints and functionality gaps

Over-engineered for SMEs: Built for enterprise, often overwhelming for mid-sized UK companies.
Expensive: High licensing, implementation, and support costs.
Implementation is lengthy: Rollouts can take months and require dedicated internal resources.
No rota or fatigue tools: Lacks UK-specific workforce management features.
Not SME-friendly: Requires expertise to manage and configure effectively.
Compliance is broad, not UK-focused: Covers global standards but misses HSE-specific requirements.

Pricing

Workday operates on a quote-based pricing model, typically at the premium end of the market. Costs include licensing, implementation, and ongoing support, often putting it out of reach for many mid-sized UK companies.

Pros & cons of Workday

Pros:

Cons:

Too expensive for most mid-sized UK companies
Overly complex, difficult to manage without dedicated staff
Implementation takes months compared to SME-first tools
Lacks rota, fatigue, and workforce features
Compliance is not UK-specific

BambooHR

BambooHR is one of the most recognised global HR platforms, widely used by SMEs and mid-sized organisations. Its clean interface and strong focus on core HR, from employee records to performance management, make it a popular first choice for companies moving away from spreadsheets.

For UK businesses, however, BambooHR often falls short. It isn’t designed with UK compliance in mind, and it lacks workforce tools like rota scheduling, advanced time & attendance, or fatigue management. While it looks modern and is easy to use, mid-sized organisations often find themselves needing bolt-on tools to cover gaps, making it less cost-effective in the long run.

Core features

Employee records: Centralised database for HR documents, contracts, and performance notes.
Absence & holiday management: Manage leave requests and approvals.
Performance management: Goals, appraisals, and feedback cycles.
Onboarding workflows: Automate new starter checklists and documentation.
Document storage: Upload and share policies and contracts.
Self-service portal: Employees can access and update their information.
Mobile app: HR access on the go for managers and employees.

Advanced features

Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Manage vacancies, candidates, and recruitment workflows.
Employee satisfaction surveys: Collect feedback to monitor engagement.
Reporting & analytics: Pre-set reports on absence, performance, and headcount.
Integrations: Connect to payroll, benefits, and other third-party systems.
Custom workflows: Automate approvals and HR tasks.

Constraints and functionality gaps

Not UK-focused: Compliance tools don’t cover UK-specific needs like HSE or right-to-work tracking.
No rota or scheduling: Missing workforce planning features critical for many UK mid-sized firms.
Limited time & attendance: No GPS/IP clock-ins or fatigue monitoring.
Reporting is basic: Lacks the depth of configurable analytics.
Integration reliance: Payroll and benefits require external systems.
Pricing doesn’t scale well: Costs increase as headcount grows, without adding UK compliance features.

Pricing

BambooHR uses a quote-based pricing model, generally more expensive than SME-first UK systems like Evalu-8 HR. Costs scale with headcount and additional modules such as recruitment or performance.

Pros & cons of Bamboo

Pros:

Cons:

Not tailored to the UK, limited compliance support
Missing rota, T&A, and fatigue management
Basic reporting compared to advanced SME tools
Costs escalate as companies scale
Often needs add-ons to cover gaps for mid-sized firms

Employment Hero

Employment Hero is an Australia-based platform that combines HR with payroll and employee benefits. It’s gained traction in the UK thanks to its payroll integrations and emphasis on perks like employee reward schemes. For businesses that want a payroll-first system with added HR tools, it can look like a convenient option.

But for UK mid-sized companies, Employment Hero often feels misaligned. Its HR functionality is limited compared to HR-first platforms, and compliance tools for UK-specific requirements are thin. Businesses looking for deeper workforce management, like rota scheduling, advanced time & attendance, or fatigue monitoring, will likely need additional systems alongside it.

Core features

Employee database: Manage contracts, HR records, and basic performance history.
Absence & holiday management: Leave request and approval workflows.
Performance reviews: Goals and appraisal tracking.
Onboarding: Digital contracts and new starter documentation.
Payroll integration: Direct connections with payroll software.
Employee benefits: Access to discounts, wellbeing perks, and reward schemes.

Advanced features

Recruitment tools: Manage candidates and vacancies with a simple ATS.
Employee engagement: Recognition tools and benefits marketplace.
Expenses management: Submit and approve employee expenses.
Learning integrations: Optional e-learning access.
Analytics: Basic HR reports on leave, headcount, and performance.

Constraints and functionality gaps

Payroll-first design: HR tools feel secondary and lack depth.
Compliance is limited: Weak on UK-specific needs like right-to-work checks, GDPR logs, or HSE tracking.
No rota or advanced T&A: Missing key workforce management features.
Not SME-focused in the UK: Built for payroll markets elsewhere, adapted for UK rather than designed for it.
Feature gaps: Benefits and perks are strong, but core HR is less developed.
Scalability concerns: Works well for small teams, but mid-sized organisations need more advanced functionality.

Pricing

Employment Hero uses tiered pricing, starting with affordable entry packages but scaling sharply as headcount and features increase. Payroll, HR, and engagement tools are bundled separately, leading to higher long-term costs for SMEs.

Pros & cons of Employment Hero

Pros:

Cons:

Payroll-first platform, HR features lack depth
Limited UK compliance support
No rota, fatigue, or advanced T&A tools
Scaling costs rise quickly as features are added
Better for payroll-heavy firms than HR-first businesses

Factorial HR

Factorial HR is a European HR platform that has become popular with startups and small businesses due to its affordability and clean design. It covers the essentials of HR from employee records to performance management, and provides a simple, modern interface that non-specialists can pick up quickly.

For mid-sized UK companies, however, Factorial often falls short. While it’s affordable and accessible, it lacks the depth of compliance tools, workforce management, and scalability that growing organisations need. It’s best suited to smaller teams rather than established mid-sized businesses.

Core Features

Employee records: Store contracts, HR files, and absence history.
Absence & holiday management: Request and approve leave with shared calendars.
Document management: Upload and share policies and contracts.
Performance management: Goals, appraisal tracking, and feedback tools.
Recruitment tools: Lightweight ATS for job postings and candidate pipelines.
Self-service portal: Employees can access documents, request leave, and update details.
Mobile app: HR access on the go.

Advanced Features

Expenses tracking: Employees can submit expenses for approval.
Shift planning: Basic rota scheduling tools, though less advanced than dedicated platforms.
E-signatures: Digital contract signing and document acknowledgment.
Integrations: Links to payroll and third-party tools.
Reporting: Simple dashboards for HR data like absence and headcount.

Constraints and Functionality Gaps

Limited compliance support: Missing advanced UK-specific tools like right-to-work checks, GDPR logs, or HSE tracking.
Basic rota tools: Scheduling exists but lacks conflict alerts, fatigue checks, or integration with T&A.
Weak time & attendance: No GPS/IP clock-ins or detailed overtime management.
Not built for mid-sized firms: Feature set fits startups, but doesn’t scale well for larger organisations.
Reporting is limited: Lacks advanced analytics and configurability.
Better for cost-conscious startups than compliance-heavy mid-sized companies.

Pricing

Factorial HR positions itself as an affordable HR system, with entry-level pricing significantly below global players like HiBob or Workday. However, as teams grow, the lack of advanced features means businesses may end up paying for extra tools elsewhere.

Pros & Cons of Factorial HR

Pros

Cons

Limited compliance features for UK businesses
Basic rota and weak T&A tools
Not scalable for mid-sized companies with complex needs
Reporting is surface-level
Often a short-term solution before upgrading to a more robust system

Overview of the Top 5 HiBob Alternatives for UK Mid-Sized Companies

Comprehensive HR Platforms (Best for Mid-to-Large Organisations)

These platforms are designed with enterprise-level scope. They’re powerful, but can be too complex or costly for UK mid-sized businesses.

Evalu-8 HR Software: Scales from SMEs to mid-sized organisations with HR, rotas, time & attendance, compliance, and fatigue management. Modular pricing keeps it affordable while offering enterprise-level features when needed.
Workday: A global leader in HR and finance software. Comprehensive, but expensive, complex to implement, and lacking UK-specific workforce features.

Integrated & Flexible Solutions (Small-to-Midsize Businesses)

These systems balance usability with functionality, offering more than the basics without going into enterprise-level complexity.

Evalu-8 HR: UK-built and modular, letting businesses add features like rotas, T&A, and compliance tools as they grow. Designed to meet UK legal and regulatory requirements without unnecessary extras.
Employment Hero: Payroll and benefits-first, with some HR features included. Attractive for perks, but weaker on compliance and workforce management.
Factorial HR: Clean, affordable, and simple to use, but more suited to startups than established mid-sized businesses.

Specialist & Simpler HR Tools

These tools are affordable and easy to use, but often lack depth. They’re a fit for smaller businesses, but scaling organisations may find gaps.

Evalu-8 HR Software: Combines simplicity with scalability. Easy enough for smaller teams, but unlike lightweight tools, it includes rota, T&A, and compliance features, so mid-sized companies don’t outgrow it.
BambooHR: Well-known global brand with solid HR fundamentals, but lacks UK compliance, advanced T&A, and rota management.

How to Choose the Best HiBob Alternatives

Assess Your Priorities: Do you need payroll-driven HR, or HR-first systems with compliance and workforce tools at the core?
Consider Scalability: Startups may get by with lightweight tools, but growing teams need systems that won’t run out of steam.
Look Beyond Basics: Rotas, time & attendance, compliance, and fatigue management are essential for managing people effectively.
Balance Cost & Features: Avoid paying for enterprise features you won’t use, but don’t under-invest in a system you’ll quickly outgrow.

Evalu-8 HR is the standout because it works across all categories. It’s affordable and simple enough for small teams, but powerful and scalable enough for growing businesses.

How I Chose the Top 5 HiBob Alternatives for UK Mid-Sized Companies

First, I narrowed down the must-haves:

Central HR database for contracts, documents, and performance history
Holiday and absence tracking with clear approval workflows
Document management with e-signatures and version control
Self-service portals for employees to request leave and access information
GDPR compliance and basic audit trails

Then, I considered the practical things that make these tools usable every day

Simple, intuitive design that doesn’t require heavy training
Transparent pricing that mid-sized businesses can budget for
Quick setup with minimal IT overhead
Mobile apps for employees and managers on the go
Dashboards and reminders that cut down on admin

Finally, I looked for advanced features that separate the good from the great

Rota scheduling with conflict alerts and shift management
Time & attendance with GPS/IP clock-ins and automated timesheets
UK-specific compliance (right-to-work checks, HSE logging, GDPR tracking)
Fatigue management for workforce-heavy industries
Scalability with modular features so companies only pay for what they need

Why Evalu‑8 HR came out on top

Evalu-8 HR stood out as the best HiBob alternative because it combines HR-first functionality with the compliance and workforce management features that UK mid-sized companies need most. Unlike Workday, it’s affordable and simple to implement. Unlike BambooHR or Factorial, it scales without leaving compliance gaps. And unlike Employment Hero, it’s HR-first, not payroll-first. For UK businesses that want a system built around their legal and workforce needs, Evalu-8 HR is the clear winner.

Final thoughts

HiBob is a polished global platform, but not always the best fit for UK mid-sized companies. Alternatives like Workday, BambooHR, Employment Hero, and Factorial each offer strengths, but also come with limitations, whether that’s cost, compliance gaps, or scalability issues. Evalu-8 HR is the only option that balances affordability, UK compliance, and advanced workforce management in one modular system, making it the best all-round HiBob alternative in 2025.

FAQs

Why would a UK business look for a HiBob alternative?

HiBob is polished and global, but UK mid-sized companies often find it expensive and less aligned with UK compliance. It also lacks rota scheduling, advanced time & attendance, and fatigue management, features many SMEs need.

What should mid-sized UK companies prioritise in HR software?

Beyond core HR, mid-sized businesses should look for rota scheduling, time & attendance, compliance tools (GDPR, right-to-work, HSE), and scalability. These ensure the system grows with the business rather than needing a replacement.

Is Evalu-8 HR a better fit for UK companies than HiBob?

Yes. Evalu-8 HR is built specifically for UK organisations, with compliance and workforce management at its core. Unlike HiBob, it includes features like rotas, T&A, and fatigue tracking in a modular, affordable platform.

How much do HiBob alternatives cost?

Global systems like Workday and BambooHR typically require quote-based pricing and sit at the higher end. SME-first tools like Factorial start cheaper but lack depth. Evalu-8 HR begins at £2.50 per user/month, with modular pricing so mid-sized firms only pay for what they need.

Which HiBob alternative offers the best balance of cost and compliance?

Evalu-8 HR delivers the best balance for UK mid-sized businesses. It combines affordability with compliance-first design and advanced workforce features, making it more practical than expensive global tools or lightweight startup systems.