What is BambooHR? An SMB's Guide to Simplifying HR Management

BambooHR is a cloud-based human resources information system (HRIS) designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It consolidates all employee data and core HR functions—from hiring and onboarding to payroll and performance management—into a single, easy-to-use platform. Instead of juggling spreadsheets and scattered files, businesses use BambooHR to automate manual tasks, organize information, and create better employee experiences.

At its core, the platform answers the question of what is BambooHR by providing a central hub for everything people-related. It helps HR managers and business owners move beyond administrative work so they can focus on more strategic initiatives like company culture, employee development, and retention. It’s built to grow with a company, offering a scalable solution that manages the entire employee lifecycle.

What to Know

• Centralized HR Platform: BambooHR brings all essential HR functions, including employee records, payroll, benefits, and time tracking, into one unified system, eliminating the need for multiple disconnected tools.
• Designed for SMBs: The software is specifically tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, offering powerful features without the complexity or cost of enterprise-level systems.
• Focus on Employee Experience: From a streamlined onboarding process to performance management tools, BambooHR is built to improve the entire employee journey, which can boost satisfaction and retention.
• Key Features: Core functionalities include an applicant tracking system (ATS), time-off management, performance reviews, employee self-service portals, and detailed HR reporting.
• Integration Capabilities: It connects with a wide range of third-party applications for payroll, benefits administration, and other business functions, creating a flexible HR tech stack.

A Comprehensive BambooHR Overview

To truly understand the platform, a BambooHR overview must start with its primary goal: to set people free to do great work. Founded in 2008, the company saw that HR professionals at smaller companies were buried in administrative tasks. They lacked the sophisticated tools available to large corporations, forcing them to rely on inefficient manual processes.

BambooHR was created to fill that gap. It's not just a database for employee information; it's a strategic tool that helps businesses manage their most valuable asset—their people. The software is built around a central employee record where all data, from contact information and job history to performance reviews and time-off requests, is stored and easily accessible. This single source of truth ensures data accuracy and consistency across all HR functions.

The platform is designed for HR managers, executives, and employees alike. HR managers get powerful tools to automate their work, executives get access to insightful reports for better decision-making, and employees get a self-service portal to manage their own information, request time off, and access company documents. This multi-faceted approach makes HR processes more transparent and efficient for everyone involved.

Unpacking the Core BambooHR Features

The strength of BambooHR lies in its comprehensive yet intuitive feature set. These tools are organized to cover the entire employee lifecycle, from the first application to the final offboarding. Here’s a breakdown of the most important BambooHR features.

People Data & Analytics

This is the foundation of the platform. BambooHR provides a secure, centralized database for all employee information. You can store personal details, job and salary history, benefits information, training records, and emergency contacts. The system allows for custom fields, so you can track data that's unique to your organization.

Beyond simple data storage, it offers powerful reporting and analytics. You can generate standard reports on headcount, turnover, and demographics or create custom reports to uncover deeper insights. Visual dashboards help executives quickly understand workforce trends, enabling data-driven decisions about staffing, compensation, and culture.

Hiring & Onboarding

BambooHR includes a built-in Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to streamline the recruitment process. You can post job openings to multiple job boards with a single click, manage candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring managers. The system facilitates clear communication with applicants through customizable email templates and tracks every candidate's progress through the hiring pipeline.

Once a candidate is hired, the platform makes onboarding simple. New hire packets with all necessary forms (like I-9s and W-4s) can be sent and signed electronically before the employee's first day. You can create custom onboarding checklists to ensure every new team member gets a consistent and welcoming experience, setting them up for success from day one.

Compensation & Payroll

Managing compensation is simplified with tools for tracking pay history, managing bonuses, and ensuring pay equity. While BambooHR offers its own payroll solution (BambooHR Payroll), it also integrates with many popular third-party payroll providers. This flexibility allows you to choose the best payroll option for your business.

Time tracking is another key component. Employees can clock in and out, and managers can easily approve timesheets. The time-off management feature lets employees request vacation or sick leave through the portal or mobile app. The system automatically updates balances and shows managers a calendar view of team availability, making scheduling a breeze.

Culture & Performance

BambooHR offers tools designed to foster a positive company culture and support employee growth. The performance management module helps you conduct meaningful performance reviews that focus on development rather than just ratings. You can set goals, gather peer feedback, and track progress over time.

Employee satisfaction is measured through features like eNPS (Employee Net Promoter Score) surveys. These anonymous surveys help you gauge morale and identify areas for improvement within the company culture. By regularly collecting and acting on employee feedback, you can build a more engaged and productive workforce.

Why Small and Medium Businesses Choose BambooHR

Small and medium-sized businesses face unique HR challenges. They often operate with small (or non-existent) HR teams and limited budgets, yet they still need to compete for top talent and comply with complex labor laws. BambooHR is specifically designed to address these pain points, making it a popular choice for growing companies.

One of the biggest benefits is automation. The platform automates dozens of manual tasks, such as tracking time-off requests, sending onboarding paperwork, and reminding managers about performance reviews. This frees up countless hours for HR staff and business owners, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth instead of getting bogged down in paperwork.

Another key advantage is improved data accuracy and security. Keeping sensitive employee information in spreadsheets or filing cabinets is risky and inefficient. BambooHR provides a secure, cloud-based system that ensures all data is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible only to authorized personnel. This centralization eliminates data silos and reduces the risk of costly errors in payroll or benefits administration.

Finally, BambooHR helps SMBs create a better employee experience. A smooth, professional onboarding process makes new hires feel valued from the start. Easy access to a self-service portal empowers employees to manage their own information, reducing their reliance on HR for simple questions. Tools for performance management and feedback help employees feel supported in their growth, which is a major factor in employee retention.

Understanding BambooHR Pricing

When considering any new software, pricing is a critical factor. BambooHR uses a quote-based pricing model, which means they don't list standard prices on their website. Instead, you need to contact their sales team for a custom quote based on your company's specific needs. This approach can be frustrating for those who want a quick answer, but it allows them to tailor a package that fits your business perfectly.

Pricing is typically calculated on a per-employee, per-month basis. The final cost depends on two main factors: the number of employees in your organization and the specific feature package you choose. BambooHR offers two primary packages:

1. Essentials: This is the base package that includes core HR management features like employee records, benefits tracking, reporting, and employee self-service. It's designed for companies that need to organize their HR data and automate basic processes.
2. Advantage: This package includes everything in Essentials plus more advanced features. These often include the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), onboarding and offboarding tools, performance management, and advanced reporting.

In addition to these packages, BambooHR offers several add-on modules for an extra fee. These include Payroll, Time Tracking, and Performance Management (if not already in your package). This à la carte structure allows you to build a system that only includes the features you'll actually use.

To get an accurate price, you'll need to visit the BambooHR website and request a free price quote. Their team will walk you through the options and help you determine the best fit for your company size and budget.

Getting Started: Your First Steps with BambooHR

Adopting a new HR system can feel daunting, but BambooHR is known for its straightforward implementation process. The company provides dedicated support to guide you through each stage, from data migration to employee training. Here’s a general idea of how to get started.

1. Request a Demo and Quote: The first step is to see the software in action. Schedule a personalized demo with their sales team. This is your chance to ask specific questions and see how the platform can solve your unique HR challenges. After the demo, you'll receive a custom quote based on your needs.

2. Data Migration: Once you sign up, an implementation specialist will be assigned to your account. Their first job is to help you import your existing employee data into BambooHR. They provide templates and guidance to make this process as smooth as possible, whether your data is currently in spreadsheets or another HR system.

3. System Configuration: Next, your implementation specialist will help you configure the system to match your company's policies and workflows. This includes setting up time-off policies, customizing permissions for different user roles (like managers and employees), and creating templates for performance reviews or onboarding checklists.

4. Admin and Employee Training: BambooHR provides training resources to ensure your team knows how to use the new system effectively. They'll train your HR administrators on the backend functions and provide materials to help you roll out the employee self-service portal to your entire company. The intuitive interface means most employees pick it up very quickly.

5. Go Live and Ongoing Support: After setup and training, you're ready to go live. But the support doesn't stop there. BambooHR is known for its excellent customer service, offering ongoing help via phone, email, and chat to ensure you're getting the most out of the platform.

Expanding Your HR Ecosystem: BambooHR Integrations

No HR platform exists in a vacuum. To be truly effective, it needs to connect with the other tools your business relies on. BambooHR understands this and has built an open API, allowing it to integrate with a wide variety of third-party software. This creates a flexible and connected HR ecosystem tailored to your company's needs.

The BambooHR marketplace features dozens of pre-built integrations across several categories. For example, you can connect it to popular accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to sync payroll data. It integrates with benefits administration platforms to streamline open enrollment and with learning management systems (LMS) to track employee training.

One of the most significant integration areas is global hiring. As noted by company leaders on platforms like LinkedIn, navigating international compliance and payroll is a major challenge for modern businesses. To address this, BambooHR partnered with Employer of Record (EOR) services like Remote. This integration allows companies to hire, pay, and manage international employees directly within the BambooHR platform, simplifying the complexities of global expansion.

Other popular integration categories include background check services, e-signature tools like DocuSign, and team collaboration apps. By connecting these tools, you can automate workflows and ensure data flows correctly between systems, reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors.

Pro Tip: Before choosing an HRIS, make a list of the essential software your business already uses (payroll, accounting, project management, etc.). Check the BambooHR marketplace to ensure it offers pre-built integrations for your most critical tools to ensure a smooth workflow.

A Look at the BambooHR User Experience

A software platform can have all the features in the world, but if it's difficult to use, no one will adopt it. This is where BambooHR truly shines. The user experience (UX) and interface (UI) are consistently praised for being clean, intuitive, and user-friendly. The design philosophy is centered on simplicity, ensuring that even users with no technical background can navigate the system with ease.

The dashboard provides a clear, at-a-glance view of important information. For an HR manager, this might include pending time-off requests, upcoming employee anniversaries, and key workforce reports. For an employee, the dashboard shows their time-off balance, company announcements, and quick links to their personal information or the employee directory.

Navigation is straightforward, with a simple menu that organizes features into logical categories like "My Info," "People," "Files," and "Reports." The employee directory is a popular feature, providing a visual org chart and contact information for everyone in the company, complete with photos. This helps foster a sense of connection, especially in remote or growing teams.

The mobile app for both iOS and Android extends this positive user experience to employees on the go. Through the app, employees can request time off, view the company directory, and access their information. Managers can approve requests with a single tap, ensuring that HR processes don't stall just because someone is away from their desk. This focus on accessibility and ease of use is a major reason for its high adoption rates within companies.

Support and Learning: BambooHR's Customer Resources

Implementing and managing an HRIS requires strong support, and BambooHR has built a reputation for excellent customer service. Their support model is designed to provide help at every stage, from initial setup to day-to-day troubleshooting. Users consistently rate their support team as responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful.

Support is available through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat, giving users flexible options for getting assistance. Beyond reactive support, BambooHR offers a wealth of proactive resources to help users master the platform. The "Help Center" is a comprehensive online knowledge base filled with articles, step-by-step guides, and video tutorials that cover nearly every feature and function of the software.

For those who prefer more structured learning, BambooHR provides webinars and training sessions on a variety of topics, from basic system navigation to advanced reporting techniques. They also foster a strong user community where HR professionals can connect, share best practices, and learn from one another. This community aspect adds another layer of support, allowing users to tap into the collective experience of thousands of other BambooHR customers.

Furthermore, the company invests heavily in educational content for the broader HR community. Their blog, webinars, and virtual summits cover topics ranging from compliance and culture to leadership and employee engagement. This commitment to education demonstrates their expertise and provides value to customers beyond just the software itself.

Real-World Success: Companies Thriving with BambooHR

To fully grasp the impact of the platform, it helps to look at companies that use it. BambooHR serves over 30,000 customers across various industries, from tech startups to non-profits and manufacturing firms. These businesses often share similar stories of transforming their HR operations from chaotic and manual to streamlined and strategic.

One prominent example is SoundCloud, the popular audio distribution platform. As they grew rapidly, their HR team struggled to manage employee data in spreadsheets. By implementing BambooHR, they were able to centralize their data, automate onboarding, and provide managers with the insights they needed to lead their teams effectively.

Another case study is Postmates, the food delivery service. They needed a scalable HR solution that could keep up with their explosive growth. BambooHR provided them with a robust ATS to manage high-volume recruiting and a centralized system to handle the HR needs of a rapidly expanding workforce. The employee self-service features were particularly valuable, empowering their team and reducing the administrative burden on HR.

These examples highlight a common theme: growing companies need an HR foundation that can scale with them. They need a system that not only organizes data but also improves efficiency and enhances the employee experience. Companies like ZipRecruiter, Foursquare, and Asana have also used BambooHR to build and manage their teams, demonstrating its effectiveness across the tech industry and beyond.

The Future of HR Tech: What's Next for BambooHR?

The world of work is constantly evolving, and HR technology must evolve with it. BambooHR continues to innovate, focusing on trends like artificial intelligence, deeper analytics, and an even greater emphasis on the employee experience. While the company doesn't always pre-announce its entire product roadmap, we can look at industry trends to anticipate future updates.

One area of focus is likely to be more advanced analytics and predictive insights. As businesses collect more people data, they want tools that can help them identify trends before they become problems. This could include predicting employee turnover risk, identifying the key drivers of engagement, or modeling the financial impact of different compensation strategies.

Another trend is the increasing importance of employee well-being and development. Future updates may include more robust tools for career pathing, mentorship programs, and wellness tracking. The goal is to provide a more holistic view of the employee, supporting not just their work performance but also their personal and professional growth.

Finally, expect continued investment in integrations and platform flexibility. As the HR tech landscape becomes more specialized, the ability of a core HRIS to connect with other best-in-class tools is paramount. BambooHR will likely continue to expand its marketplace and enhance its API, allowing customers to build the perfect tech stack for their unique needs. The focus will remain on making work better for everyone, from HR admins to the C-suite.

Frequently Asked Questions about BambooHR

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have when exploring BambooHR.

How does BambooHR work?

BambooHR works by creating a single, centralized database for all employee information. From this central hub, it automates and manages various HR functions. For example, when a manager approves a time-off request, the system automatically deducts the time from the employee's balance and updates the team calendar. When a new employee is hired through the ATS, their data automatically transfers to create an employee record, triggering the onboarding process.

Essentially, it connects different HR tasks into seamless workflows. Employees and managers interact with the system through a user-friendly web portal or mobile app to handle tasks like updating personal information, requesting leave, or completing performance reviews. This self-service model reduces the administrative workload on the HR department.

What is BambooHR and is it legit?

Yes, BambooHR is a legitimate and highly respected company in the HR technology industry. Founded in 2008, it has grown to become a leading HRIS provider for small and medium-sized businesses, serving tens of thousands of customers worldwide. The company is known for its award-winning software and strong company culture.

It is a private company headquartered in Lindon, Utah. Its legitimacy is backed by numerous industry awards, positive customer reviews on sites like G2 and Capterra, and its large, established customer base that includes many well-known brands. It is a trusted partner for businesses looking to professionalize their HR operations.

Which company uses BambooHR?

Thousands of companies across a wide range of industries use BambooHR. While it's particularly popular with tech companies and startups, its client list includes businesses in healthcare, non-profit, professional services, manufacturing, and retail. Some well-known companies that have used or currently use BambooHR include Asana, SoundCloud, Foursquare, Postmates, and ZipRecruiter.

The common thread among these companies is that they are typically in a growth phase, moving from a small team to a medium-sized business. They choose BambooHR to replace manual spreadsheet-based systems with a more scalable and professional HR platform.

Why do companies use BambooHR?

Companies use BambooHR primarily to save time, improve data accuracy, and enhance the employee experience. By automating repetitive administrative tasks, it frees up HR professionals to focus on more strategic work like recruiting, culture, and employee development. The centralized database ensures that all employee information is consistent and secure, reducing costly errors.

Furthermore, businesses use it to provide a better experience for their employees. Features like employee self-service, streamlined onboarding, and transparent performance management empower employees and make them feel more connected and supported. This can lead to higher engagement, better morale, and lower turnover.

Does BambooHR track you?

BambooHR tracks work-related activities that you or your employer input into the system, but it is not surveillance software. For example, if your company uses the Time Tracking module, it will record the hours you clock in and out. It also tracks performance data from reviews, goals you've set, and time-off requests and balances.

However, it does not monitor your computer activity, track your location (unless you are using a location-based clock-in feature), or read your emails. All data tracking is for legitimate HR and business management purposes, such as processing payroll accurately or managing employee performance. Your employer defines what information is tracked based on the modules they use and their internal policies.

Can BambooHR track time off?

Yes, tracking time off is one of BambooHR's core and most popular features. Employees can submit requests for vacation, sick leave, or other types of time off through the web portal or mobile app. They can see their current and future balances, as well as a calendar of who else on their team is out.

Managers receive notifications for new requests and can approve or deny them with a single click. Once approved, the time is automatically deducted from the employee's balance and added to the company calendar. This automated workflow eliminates the need for paper forms or email chains and provides everyone with a clear, real-time view of paid time off (PTO).

Final Thoughts: Is BambooHR Right for Your Business?

This deep dive into what is BambooHR shows it's more than just software; it's a comprehensive solution designed to solve the real-world challenges of managing people in a growing business. It successfully consolidates essential HR functions into an intuitive platform, saving time and reducing administrative headaches.

For small and medium-sized businesses looking to move beyond spreadsheets and manual processes, BambooHR offers a powerful, scalable, and user-friendly option. Its focus on the employee experience, from hiring to performance reviews, helps companies build a positive culture that attracts and retains top talent. While the quote-based pricing requires a conversation with their sales team, the tailored approach ensures you only pay for the features you truly need.

If your organization is struggling with disorganized employee data, inefficient workflows, or a disconnected employee experience, BambooHR is a solution worth exploring. To see if it's the right fit for your team, the best next step is to request a personalized demo from BambooHR and see the platform in action.