Introduction

Sapling by Kallidus is a comprehensive HR platform designed to streamline onboarding, offboarding, core HR processes, and people operations. Leveraging Kallidus’ extensive experience in learning, performance, talent management, and learning content, Sapling offers a robust solution to manage the entire employee lifecycle efficiently.

​

However, while Sapling is a powerful tool, it might not be the perfect fit for every organization. Considering alternatives is crucial to finding a solution that aligns best with specific business needs and operational contexts. Below, we explore some top alternatives to Sapling, detailing their key features, similarities, and unique aspects.

​

Alternative 1: BambooHR

BambooHR is a popular HR software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering a range of functionalities to manage employee information and HR processes effectively.

​

Key features

• Employee self-service portal
• Onboarding and offboarding workflows
• Performance management tools
• Reporting and analytics
• Time tracking and leave management
• Integration capabilities with various third-party applications

​

Similarities to Sapling

BambooHR shares several similarities with Sapling in terms of its focus on onboarding, offboarding, and core HR functions. Both systems provide tools to manage employee records, streamline HR workflows, and enhance employee experience through self-service features.

​

Differences and unique features

One of the key differences between BambooHR and Sapling is BambooHR's emphasis on ease of use and its dedicated features for performance management. While Sapling offers advanced integrations with learning and talent management systems due to its Kallidus connection, BambooHR is often praised for its intuitive interface and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for smaller companies that need a straightforward HR solution.

​

Alternative 2: Workday

Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, widely used by large enterprises to manage their HR functions comprehensively.

​

Key features

• Human capital management (HCM)
• Financial management
• Payroll solutions
• Time tracking and absence management
• Advanced analytics and reporting
• Talent management and succession planning

​

Similarities to Sapling

Workday covers similar HR functionalities such as onboarding, core HR management, and employee lifecycle management. Both platforms aim to simplify HR processes and provide robust reporting and analytics capabilities.

​

Differences and unique features

What sets Workday apart is its extensive capabilities in broader enterprise resource planning (ERP), including financial management and payroll services. Additionally, Workday's advanced analytics and talent management features offer deeper insights and strategic HR planning tools that may be more suitable for larger organizations with complex needs. While Sapling specializes in people operations and learning integration via Kallidus, Workday provides a more comprehensive enterprise solution.

​

Alternative 3: Rippling

Rippling is a modern HR and IT platform designed to manage various employee-related processes, from onboarding and payroll to device management and app provisioning.

​

Key features

• Automated onboarding and offboarding processes
• Unified employee data management
• Payroll and benefits administration
• Integration with various business applications
• Device management and app provisioning
• Time and attendance tracking

​

Similarities to Sapling

Rippling and Sapling both emphasize smooth onboarding and offboarding processes, offering automation to streamline these workflows. Both platforms aim to centralize employee data and provide integrations with other business applications.

​

Differences and unique features

Rippling stands out with its unique blend of HR and IT management capabilities. Beyond traditional HR features, Rippling offers device management and app provisioning, allowing companies to manage both HR and IT needs from a single platform. This holistic approach can be exceptionally beneficial for tech-centric organizations or those looking to unify HR and IT operations. Sapling, while strong in HR functionalities and learning management integration, does not offer the same level of IT management capabilities.

​

Alternative 4: Gusto

Gusto is a cloud-based HR platform focused on providing payroll, benefits, and compliance solutions for small to medium-sized businesses.

​

Key features

• Full-service payroll processing
• Benefits administration and management
• Compliance and tax filing
• Employee self-service portal
• Hiring and onboarding tools
• Time tracking and management

​

Similarities to Sapling

Both Gusto and Sapling provide tools for onboarding and managing employee information. They focus on improving HR processes and offering self-service options to enhance the employee experience.

​

Differences and unique features

Gusto differentiates itself with its strong emphasis on payroll and compliance. It offers comprehensive payroll services, including automatic tax filing and compliance management, which may be more attractive to smaller businesses that need a reliable payroll solution. While Sapling excels in its integration with Kallidus’ learning and performance tools, Gusto appeals particularly to organizations that prioritize seamless payroll and benefits management along with core HR functions.

​

Alternative 5: Zenefits

Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform designed to streamline various HR tasks such as onboarding, benefits administration, payroll, and compliance.

​

Key features

• Employee onboarding and offboarding
• Benefits management and administration
• Payroll services and tax filing
• Time and attendance tracking
• Compliance management
• Employee self-service portal

​

Similarities to Sapling

Zenefits and Sapling share several common features, including comprehensive onboarding, benefits management, and payroll functionalities. Both platforms aim to automate HR processes and enhance the employee experience through self-service features.

​

Differences and unique features

Zenefits distinguishes itself with its integrated approach to benefits administration and compliance. It offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the complexities of benefits management for both HR teams and employees. While Sapling integrates deeply with Kallidus’ broader learning and performance ecosystems, Zenefits focuses more on offering an all-inclusive benefits and compliance solution, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a full-spectrum HR platform.

​

Conclusion

Choosing the right HR software is critical to managing your organization's human resources effectively. While Sapling by Kallidus offers robust features for onboarding, offboarding, core HR, and people operations, the alternatives mentioned above provide unique capabilities and strengths that might better align with your specific needs.

​

BambooHR is ideal for smaller companies seeking ease of use and essential HR functionalities. Workday suits larger enterprises needing comprehensive HCM and financial management. Rippling offers a unique blend of HR and IT management, appealing to tech-centric organizations. Gusto excels in payroll and compliance, perfect for small to medium-sized businesses prioritizing these aspects. Finally, Zenefits provides a well-rounded HR solution with a strong focus on benefits administration and compliance.

​

Evaluate your organization's requirements, and consider these alternatives to find the best fit for your HR needs.