BambooHR is a Web-based SaaS solution that can fulfill a company’s Applicant Tracking Software needs and is geared towards small-to-mid-sized businesses. It can serve as bridge for a growing company as it transitions from simple spreadsheets but isn’t yet ready for a full-fledge HRIS (human resources information system). BambooHR can do that as well, but companies not yet ready for that can take advantage of its Applicant Tracking System until they need they need the power of a full HRIS.

In 2013, BambooHR won an Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility. Tens of thousands of employees in more than 70 countries around the globe are served by BambooHR, and it is capable of working with multiple currencies. The monthly subscription fee depends on the number of users, and there is also a one-time implementation fee. Customization, however, is free of charge, as are multiple administrators, inactive employees, all support needed, and enhanced features.

Pros

Most users note that BambooHR is easy to use and very convenient, especially around submitting requests for time off and approving them. Several more also weighed in about the support offered, describing the support staff as not only both knowledgeable and responsive, but even kind. Users transitioning from more primitive systems (paper and spreadsheets) are very pleased with the degree to which BambooHR takes their work into the realm of being largely paperless. Most users noted that the implementation process was both smooth and fast. Users love having so much of their HR information available and accessible in one place. They also appreciate being able to login using a pre-existing Google login, eliminating the need to remember yet another set of login credentials.

Cons

One user noted that it would be nice if you could pull a CSV file of all the resume contacts that apply for a position. The same user also expressed dissatisfaction about the number of notifications received in the new hire process. Other “wish-list” items include being able to name a secondary “reports to” person so that there is more than one manager who can sign off on requests for time off, less confusing procedures for setting up unique permissions to adjust who can see what when accessing the system, having employees be able to enter their own training update information, better integration, more robust customization in reporting, and mass updating on certain functions. Another user noted that the calendar function is too primitive in that it doesn’t provide enough detail around absences. For example, if an employee is out for just an hour because of an appointment, the calendar shows the employee as out for the whole day.

When it comes to applicant tracking and HR software, BambooHR is a new kid on the block, having been founded in 2008. In a relatively short amount of time, the company has ramped up into an HR SaaS serious contender for smaller but growing companies. Users are generally quite satisfied with the overall functionality of the software, although there are some issues that need to be addressed to more adequately meet customer needs.