Introduction

In today's fast-paced business environment, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) tools like Breathe and Zenefits are indispensable for efficiently managing HR operations, regardless of company size. 

​

Breathe is a multi-award-winning, simple, and secure people software designed to assist UK and Australian SMEs in moving their core people processes online. By saving time, providing peace of mind, and enabling businesses to operate seamlessly from any location, Breathe is an essential tool for modern businesses.

​

Zenefits is a SaaS cloud-based human resources platform supporting over 11,000 small and mid-sized companies. It empowers their workforce, manages change, and ensures compliance. Zenefits offers a comprehensive, intuitive HR experience with integrated apps for HR, Benefits, Payroll, and Performance, alongside advisory services and partner apps, significantly simplifying HR administration.

​

Selecting the right HRIS tool is crucial to streamline HR processes, reduce manual tasks, and enhance productivity. This comparison between Breathe and Zenefits will guide you in identifying the best fit for your organization's needs.

​

Breathe Overview

Breathe focuses on providing SMEs with a digital platform to manage HR processes efficiently. Its core product helps small businesses handle HR tasks without the need for extensive resources or complex systems. 

​

Key Features

• Employee Database: Store all employee information securely in one place.
• Holiday Management: Streamline holiday booking and approval processes.
• Sickness Management: Track and manage employee sickness records effectively.
• Reports and Analytics: Generate insightful HR reports.
• Performance Management: Conduct appraisals and manage employee performance.
• Document Storage: Securely store and manage HR documents.
• Task Automation: Automate repetitive HR tasks to save time and resources.
• Mobile Accessibility: Access the platform from any device, anywhere.

​

Zenefits Overview 

Zenefits offers a broader HR platform, targeting compliance and comprehensive HR functions to empower businesses. It assists organizations with various aspects of HR management through a unified platform approach.

​

Key Features

• HR Management: Centralize employee information and digitize HR processes.
• Benefits Administration: Simplifies the enrollment and management of employee benefits.
• Payroll: Automates payroll processing and tax filings.
• Time and Scheduling: Manage employee time tracking and work schedules.
• Performance Management: Facilitate employee reviews and performance tracking.
• Compliance: Built-in compliance tools to stay ahead of regulatory requirements.
• Mobile App: Accessible through a mobile app for on-the-go HR management.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrate with third-party applications and services.

​

Similarities

Both Breathe and Zenefits share several fundamental features as HRIS tools designed to simplify HR tasks and improve efficiency. Key similarities include:

​

• Centralized Employee Data: Both platforms offer a centralized system for storing all employee information securely.
• Performance Management: Tools for managing and tracking employee performance.
• Mobile Accessibility: Both solutions offer mobile access, allowing users to manage HR tasks from any device.
• Document Management: Secure storage and management of HR-related documents.
• Task Automation: Automation of routine HR tasks to save time and increase efficiency.

​

Differences 

While both Breathe and Zenefits aim to streamline HR processes, there are several differences in their offerings and target audiences:

​

• Target Markets: Breathe focuses on SMEs in the UK and Australia, while Zenefits caters to a broader market, including the US.
• Features: Zenefits offers more comprehensive features like integrated payroll, benefits administration, and compliance tools.
• Complexity: Breathe is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for small businesses with limited HR resources. Zenefits provides a more extensive suite of tools suitable for more complex HR needs.
• Integration: Zenefits offers more robust integration capabilities with third-party apps and services, enhancing its functionality across various business systems.
• Advisory Services: Zenefits includes advisory services that provide additional support and guidance for HR management.

​

Pros and Cons

Breathe

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
• Focus on SMEs, offering tools tailored to small business needs.
• Simplifies holiday and sickness management processes.
• Cost-effective for smaller businesses.
• Robust reporting and analytics.

​

Cons:

• Limited to HR functions without integrated payroll or benefits administration.
• Smaller range of integrations compared to Zenefits.
• Primarily designed for UK and Australian markets.

​

Zenefits 

Pros:

• Comprehensive HR platform with an extensive range of features.
• Integrated payroll and benefits administration for all-in-one HR management.
• Strong compliance tools to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Extensive third-party integrations.
• Advisory services included for additional HR support.

​

Cons:

• More complex interface that may require a learning curve.
• Higher cost due to extensive features and capabilities.
• Some features may be overwhelming for very small businesses.

​

Use Cases

Breathe and Zenefits each have ideal use cases based on their design and feature sets:

​

• Breathe:
• Small Businesses: Ideal for SMEs with limited HR resources seeking to digitize and streamline their basic HR processes.
• Simple HR Needs: Companies that need straightforward tools for employee data management, holiday tracking, and performance management.
• Cost-Conscious Organizations: Businesses looking for a budget-friendly HRIS solution without the complexity of integrated payroll and benefits.

​

• Zenefits:
• Growing SMEs: Suited for small and mid-sized companies experiencing growth and needing a more comprehensive HR platform.
• Complex HR Requirements: Organizations with complex HR needs, including payroll and benefits administration, and compliance management.
• US-Based Companies: Businesses operating primarily in the US where Zenefits' compliance tools and advisory services offer significant benefits.

​

Conclusion

In comparing Breathe and Zenefits, it's clear that both HRIS tools offer valuable features tailored to specific needs. Breathe excels in simplicity and affordability for small businesses, particularly in the UK and Australia, focusing on essential HR functions. Zenefits provides a more comprehensive and integrated approach, catering to growing SMEs with advanced HR needs, especially in the US market.

​

When choosing between Breathe and Zenefits, consider your company's size, growth trajectory, and specific HR requirements. For small businesses seeking a user-friendly, cost-effective solution, Breathe is an excellent choice. However, for organizations requiring an all-encompassing HR platform with added functionalities like payroll, benefits administration, and compliance tools, Zenefits emerges as the superior option.