We’ve all been there: that nerve-wracking, exciting first day at a new job. For employers, how that experience is handled can define a new hire’s perception of the company and even impact their long-term retention. It’s not just about getting the paperwork done; it’s about making new team members feel supported, engaged, and set up for success from the get-go.
But manual onboarding is a mess: confusing forms, scattered systems, and easily missed details. The solution? Employee onboarding software. These smart platforms simplify and automate the process, making it seamless, compliant, and even enjoyable. And for businesses in Australia, navigating compliance with local awards and workplace laws makes choosing the right tool even more important.
To help you choose the best fit for your needs, here are 10 of the top employee onboarding software platforms in Australia—each with a breakdown of their features, pros, cons, pricing, and who they suit best.
1. Sentrient
Sentrient is a reliable all-in-one HR platform with a strong focus on compliance—a perfect match for Australian businesses.
Key Features:
- Digital onboarding & offboarding
- Secure employee file storage
- Compliance-focused employee portal
- ATS and payroll integration
Pros:
- Very user-friendly
- Strong on Australian workplace law compliance
- Affordable for SMBs
- Excellent customer support
- Covers HR, payroll, and recruitment in one platform
Cons:
- Some advanced features may only be available in higher-tier plans
Best For: SMBs to large businesses in Australia looking for a compliance-first, comprehensive HR solution
Pricing: No public pricing; contact Sentrient for a tailored quote. (Tip: Ask about their “2 months free” offer.)
2. Employment Hero
An all-in-one powerhouse offering HR, payroll, and benefits management, with robust onboarding tools baked in.
Key Features:
- ATS, onboarding workflows, time-off and rostering
- Payroll and compliance automation
- Performance reviews, expenses, and LMS
Pros:
- Great automation
- Mobile app included
- Strong local compliance features
- Scalable for growing businesses
Cons:
- Pricing can add up with extra modules
Best For: Fast-growing Australian businesses that want a complete HR and onboarding platform
Pricing (AUD):
- Lite: From $18/user/month
- Plus: From $32/user/month
- Unlimited: From $49/user/month (Minimums apply)
3. ELMO Software
ELMO offers a modular, cloud-based HR system, including a polished onboarding experience.
Key Features:
- Digital forms, e-signatures, workflow automation
- Learning management, recruitment, performance reviews
- Secure, ISO 27001:2022-certified data storage
Pros:
- Customisable for complex workflows
- Great for scaling with your business
- High security standards
- Responsive support
Cons:
- No public pricing
- Mobile version may lack some features
Best For: Midsize to enterprise-level businesses in ANZ needing a powerful, customisable HR and onboarding platform
Pricing: Custom quotes available upon request.
4. Onboarded
Onboarded is a specialist onboarding platform focused on customisation and mobile-first design.
Key Features:
- Customisable journeys
- Digital signatures and mobile document capture
- Integration with HR/ATS/CRM tools
- Mobile-friendly for new hires
Pros:
- Exceptionally flexible
- No login needed for new hires
- Great mobile experience
- Excellent data security
Cons:
- Doesn’t include broader HR/payroll functionality
Best For: Australian businesses (any size) wanting a standalone, custom onboarding solution—especially with seasonal or high-volume hiring
Pricing: Quote-based, depending on the number of onboarded candidates.
5. Deputy
Though best known for rostering and time tracking, Deputy includes simple onboarding features ideal for shift-based teams.
Key Features:
- Digital onboarding and compliance
- Time tracking, scheduling, and payroll integration
- AI-powered automation and team communication
Pros:
- Built for casual and shift-based workforces
- Great mobile app and UI
- Reliable compliance tools
- Affordable entry pricing
Cons:
- May be too much if you only want onboarding
- Offline mobile app functionality is limited
Best For: Retail, hospitality, and casual workforce-heavy businesses in Australia
Pricing (AUD):
- Scheduling: From $2.50/user/month
- Time & Attendance: From $4.50/user/month
- Premium: From $6.50/user/month (Free 31-day trial available)
6. EnableHR
EnableHR focuses on compliance-driven onboarding and WHS for Australian employers.
Key Features:
- Automated onboarding and e-signatures
- Employee self-service portal
- Compliance-ready forms and audit trails
- WHS and HR integration
Pros:
- Strong compliance tools
- Great for reducing HR admin
- Mobile access and secure file management
- Customisable templates
Cons:
- Reporting features can be a bit basic
Best For: Non-profits, associations, and growing Australian businesses with a focus on compliance and WHS
Pricing: Starts at $8 per employee/month. Custom quotes available.
7. foundU
foundU is an all-in-one workforce platform, bringing onboarding, rostering, payroll, and compliance into one streamlined system.
Key Features:
- End-to-end onboarding
- Smart award interpretation
- Time tracking and payroll
- Mobile-friendly for both employees and managers
Pros:
- Perfect for managing casual and flexible workforces
- Strong compliance tools
- Great UX and automation
- Flexible pricing options
Cons:
- Minimum weekly/monthly charges for smaller teams
- Best For: Australian businesses with complex or high-turnover workforces needing full-cycle workforce management
Pricing (AUD):
- Essential: From $3.25/user/week
- Everyday: From $3.75/user/week
- Minimum: $100/week or $400/month for <25 staff
8. Flare HR
Flare HR shines in onboarding and employee engagement, with a strong focus on perks and benefits.
Key Features:
- Custom onboarding workflows
- Employee perks platform
- Compliance support
- Insightful data reporting
Pros:
- Great for enhancing employee experience
- User-friendly self-service portal
- Integrated benefits platform
- Supports compliance with local laws
Cons:
- Leans more toward benefits than deep HRIS functions
- No public pricing
Best For: Companies wanting to make onboarding exciting and boost retention through employee perks
Pricing: Contact Flare HR for a quote or free trial.
9. The Access Group
This UK-Australian company provides an extensive HR suite, including a powerful onboarding module with legal compliance features.
Key Features:
- Automated document and verification checks
- Background and employment verification
- HR/payroll integration
- Single sign-on and analytics
Pros:
- Legal and compliance tools built-in
- Reduces HR admin
- Helps boost early engagement and retention
- Works well with broader Access HR systems
Cons:
- Works best when using their full HR suite
Best For: Businesses with legal and background check requirements, or those using other Access Group modules
Pricing: Custom pricing based on modules and team size.
10. Martian Logic
Although designed for client onboarding, Martian Logic is fantastic for project-based internal onboarding too.
Key Features:
- Template-driven task planning
- Real-time team capacity insights
- Automated onboarding workflows
- Customisable client/employee portals
Pros:
- Ideal for structured onboarding and task visibility
- Flexible, project-oriented workflows
- Great for distributed teams
- Supports detailed reporting and handovers
Cons:
- May lack deep HR/payroll features
- Best for teams with clear project structures
Best For: Consultancies, agencies, or any business needing detailed, task-based employee onboarding
Pricing: Enterprise-level pricing. Contact Martian Logic for a tailored quote.
Conclusion
Choosing the right onboarding software can completely transform how you welcome new employees. Whether you want something compliance-first, mobile-friendly, all-in-one, or project-based, there’s a tool here for you.
Think about your company size, industry, level of compliance needs, and how much integration you want with your current systems. Then, reach out for demos or trials you'll quickly find which tool feels right for your team. If you're hiring in Australia, these solutions don’t just help you stay compliant, they help you build a team that feels supported from day one.
This blog was originally published here
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