HR is no longer just about hiring and payroll – it’s about nurturing culture, streamlining systems, and helping teams thrive. In today’s hybrid and high-pressure work environments, there are a host of platforms, apps and tools that play a pivotal role in ensuring employees stay productive and fulfilled.
We’ve teamed up with Ashton Consulting, who offer HR solutions in Cambridge, to explore some of the top HR tools that can give both productivity and workplace contentment a boost. If your organisation is looking to invest in tools that support both performance and wellbeing, this guide covers some of the most effective HR platforms and how they help people – not just processes – flourish.
Performance Management Platforms
Performance reviews don’t have to be dreaded. Modern HR software makes continuous performance tracking intuitive and transparent.
Tools like:
- Lattice: Helps managers set goals and provide ongoing feedback.
- 15Five: Focuses on weekly check-ins and employee sentiment.
- Clear Review: A UK-based platform designed for real-time conversations.
These platforms remove the awkwardness of annual appraisals and replace it with a culture of ongoing professional development. Employees feel heard, and managers get clearer insights into who needs support – and who’s ready to level up.
Employee Engagement Tools
Disengaged employees aren’t just unproductive – they’re often on their way out the door. Engagement tools help measure morale, increased output and build better connections.
Top platforms include:
- Officevibe: Anonymous pulse surveys to understand how your team really feels.
- Peakon: Tracks engagement trends and recommends management actions.
- Culture Amp: Combines feedback, development and diversity insights.
Used regularly, these tools empower HR teams to address problems early and keep morale high – particularly during change or restructuring.
Wellbeing & Mental Health Apps
Wellbeing is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s a business essential. Companies using mental health support tools see improvements in focus, loyalty, and even reduced absenteeism.
Consider integrating:
- Headspace for Work: Meditation and mindfulness for teams
- Unmind: A UK-based platform with clinical backing
- Spill: On-demand therapy via Slack, tailored for startups and SMEs
Encouraging staff to prioritise mental health – and giving them the tools to do so – shows that wellbeing is more than just a policy.
HRIS Systems That Do It All
Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) combine multiple functions – from onboarding and benefits to time tracking and compliance.
Popular HRIS platforms in the UK include:
- BambooHR: Known for user-friendly design and integrations.
- CharlieHR: Built for small UK businesses, offering holiday tracking and policy storage.
- HiBob: A newer player with a focus on culture and growth metrics.
Having everything in one place reduces admin and ensures consistency across the employee lifecycle.
Learning & Development Platforms
When employees feel they’re growing, they’re more likely to stay. L&D tools make learning accessible, fun and relevant.
Top platforms include:
- Udemy for Business: A vast catalogue of online courses
- Learnerbly: A UK-based learning marketplace tailored to employee preferences
- LinkedIn Learning: Integrated with LinkedIn profiles and career paths
Providing access to learning signals that a company is invested in its people – not just their output.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Tools
DEI shouldn’t be an afterthought. Specialist tools can help track representation, ensure inclusive hiring, and surface hidden biases.
Examples include:
- Equally.ai: Accessibility and inclusion auditing
- Included: Uses AI to remove bias from decision-making
- Diversio: Analytics-based tool focused on measurable DEI outcomes
Recognition & Reward Systems
Acknowledging a job well done boosts morale and encourages high performance.
Consider platforms like:
- Bonusly: Peer-to-peer recognition with points and rewards
- ThanksBox: A UK-based system for public shout-outs and team culture
- Perkbox: Offers rewards, discounts and wellbeing content
Regular recognition helps people feel valued, especially in remote or dispersed teams.
Automation & Workflow Tools
Streamlining repetitive tasks frees up HR teams to focus on strategic work.
Tools like:
- Zapier: Connects apps to automate onboarding, surveys, and more
- Workato: A more advanced integration platform for larger companies
- Trello or Asana: Great for workflow tracking and HR project planning
Automation reduces manual error and gives your team breathing space to focus on people, not paperwork.
Making HR Tech Work for Your Team
It’s not about having every tool on the market – it’s about choosing what fits your culture and goals, and helps strengthen overall HR strategy. Here’s how to make the right decisions:
- Ask your team what support they want
- Prioritise tools with UK compliance built in
- Trial before you buy – most platforms offer demos or pilots
When your HR tools reflect your values, employees feel it. They work better, stay longer, and contribute more.
The Bottom Line
Great HR solutions aren’t just about ticking boxes – they’re about building a workplace where people want to be. Whether it’s managing performance, encouraging wellbeing or recognising great work, the right tools can transform how your business functions.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal or HR advice. For support tailored to your organisation, consult a qualified HR or legal professional.
