HRdirect Smart Apps vs. PeopleGuru™

UPDATE 3/20/2020: I initially gave HRDirect a "0" recommendation due to all the issues we had with the PTO Module. However, since purchasing the Harassment Training Module ($90), this product is the best value for the money and puts us in compliance with mandated requirements. It is easy to use and well-presented. At this point in time, with the issues and frustration level of all our employees, managers, and payroll department, it would be difficult for me to recommend this app as suitable in any scenario. However, should HRdirect fix the issues and get the app to perform as it was originally designed, it would be a great product for a small to medium company that has limited resources yet wants a good product for the money. In our experience, the new hire portal did not appear to be functioning properly; our new hires were not able to access the blank documents. They could see them but not open them (PDFs).

Incentivized

I'd say PeopleGuru is well suited for most businesses -- a more significant (200+ employees) company may want to use something with a sleeker design. This provider is willing to work with cannabis businesses, which is unusual for payroll providers now.

Incentivized

• Initially, you were able to see all activity and drill down for details.
• It was easy-access for all our employees in the 7 states we operate in.
• It provided tracking for the managers.
• Payroll had access to all PTO requests.

Incentivized

• One system for all human resource functions.
• Easy ticketing function if you have an issue with the software.
• Cost effective option.

Incentivized

• HRdirect performed an upgrade in 2019 and that's where things went awry.
• You could no longer drill down through the calendar to see the details - i.e. Doctor's appointment, illness, childcare issues, vacation, etc.
• Previous year PTO requests were not archived and you now had to scroll through hundreds of PTO requests to see the most current.
• Previous PTO requests were listed oldest to most current, resulting in much frustration trying to locate specific ones.
• The print option was not longer functional.
• The online help request form was no longer accessible.

Incentivized

• Position change future dating
• Timecard reporting including approval (multiple reports to show timecard with approval)
• W2 Reconciliation Reports (had to calculate wages to verify accuracy)
• Benefit Plan effective dating & how it affects the deduction effective dating (results in payroll errors if not careful)

Incentivized

As previously described, there are too many unresolved issues.

Incentivized

The software is cost-effective and exceeds our needs compared to the previous software.

Incentivized

The software is intuitive and user friendly.

Incentivized

Due to the fact that we were patient for more than 6 months with no resolution in sight, we decided to end our relationship with HRdirect for PTO tracking. 3/20/2020: We have purchased the Harassment Training Module. Excellent product with great value for the money.

Incentivized

The customer service is great for the most part. There are a few issues with tax filings but overall I am pleased with the customer service provided by PeopleGuru.

Incentivized

The trainer was difficult to understand.

Incentivized

The implementation process was cumbersome and stressful. It took an extremely long time to complete this process. We had to learn a lot on the fly because this was the first implementation for all of us. The process would have been a lot easier if there was a third party that could assist with a lot of the work required to transfer and verify data.

Incentivized

PeopleGuru is better than other cannabis-friendly payroll systems, like CheckWriters or MyPaperlessOffice (companies so small they were not available in your dropdown). It is not as good as bigger companies that are not cannabis-friendly, like ADP or Paylocity. ADP is super expensive but given the choice I would be with Paylocity over PeopleGuru.

Incentivized

• Initially, HRdirect was proving to be an excellent tool, and we were getting a quick turnaround on small issues. However, the upgrade messed things up on our accessibility, with no resolution in sight.
• Harassment training module is excellent.

Incentivized

• Less platforms that need to be managed or maintained
• Less platforms to pay monthly or annual fees for
• More costly than Gusto

Incentivized