Best Employee Training and Development Software for SMBs (2024)

Employees are at the center of all organizations’ success and staying competitive requires not only attracting top talent but also investing in the continuous growth and development of the workforce. From essential job duties to understanding an organization’s processes, training must be completed to maximize employee productivity which can take a lot of time, cost and resources. Coincidingly, these factors can be crucial determining factors in the success of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). To alleviate these stresses, SMBs can implement employee training and development software to streamline their training in fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce catered specifically to the unique needs and constraints of SMBs in offering scalable solutions that align with budgetary considerations.

Why should SMBs invest in employee training and development software?

Employee training and development is arguably the best investment a company can make in its workers with the cost spent on training resulting in much more profitable work later. The software are designed to nurture employees’ talents, enhance productivity, and adapt to evolving industry demands. Whether it's adaptive learning modules, performance tracking, or interactive content delivery, these software solutions are poised to revolutionise the way SMBs approach employee development, ensuring that workforce skills are not only acquired but continually honed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Moreover, most training and development software includes tracking and analytics features, allowing SMBs to monitor progress, identify training needs and measure the impact of learning initiatives. By streamlining these services, organizations can focus their efforts on establishing a market presence, increasing customer base and generating revenue. Ultimately, employee training and development software is a strategic solution that helps SMBs enhance the skills and knowledge of their employees, thus remaining competitive through a high-performing workforce.

Here are some of the best employee training and development software for small and medium-sized businesses currently available:

1. Rippling

   • Automated compliance to enrol employees in training
   • Streamlines process tracking on course completions and overdue enrolments
   • Employee Onboarding
   • Automation can set up payroll, benefits, and apps for new hires in 90 seconds

2. Factorial

   • Ability to create own employee training system
   • Easily track ongoing training projects
   • Efficiently monitors employee development and skills

3. Paycor

   • Automates routine tasks such as recruiting and onboarding
   • Personalised training for employees to maximise learning
   • Accessible from mobile devices

These are the best employee training and development software:

• Rippling - Best for Automated Learning Management System
• Factorial - Best for Customizable Training System
• Paycor - Best for Maximizing Training and Development Plans
• TalentLMS - Best for Free and Low-Cost Plans
• iSpring - Best for Launching Company-Wide Training Quickly
• Absorb - Best for Analytics and Reporting

Employee Training and Development Software Comparison Table

The research into employee training and development software involved a multifaceted approach. Beginning with a literature review of industry reports and online publications, current trends and best practices were identified. Exploration of vendor websites and documentation provided insights into offerings, features, and real-world applications through case studies and success stories. User reviews on third-party platforms were analyzed to understand user experiences, satisfaction levels, and common challenges faced by organizations. A comparative analysis assessed factors such as scalability, ease of implementation, customization, and integration capabilities. Key features for SMBs including a user-friendly interface, automation of training workflows, compliance management, analytics, and integration capabilities, were considered in the evaluation. Active participation in industry forums and discussions allowed tapping into the collective knowledge of HR and training professionals. Additionally, hands-on exploration through demo versions and trial usage provided insights into user interfaces, ease of navigation, and the practicality of training module administration. This comprehensive approach aimed to deliver valuable insights for businesses seeking effective and tailored employee training and development software solutions.

Rippling - Best for Automated Learning Management System

Rippling is a powerful employee training and development software designed for streamlined learning experiences. With an intuitive interface, the platform automates training workflows, handling onboarding, compliance, and skill development seamlessly. Rippling's robust analytics provide insights into employee performance, enabling data-driven decision-making. Known for its user-friendly design, Rippling is an agile solution, ideal for SMBs seeking scalable tools to cultivate a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Key Features

• Employee Onboarding Automation: Rippling simplifies onboarding with automated workflows, ensuring a smooth transition.
• IT Device Management: Centralizes control over digital assets, from laptops to mobile devices.
• Customizable Workflow Automation: Rippling offers customizable workflow automation, allowing organizations to tailor processes to their unique needs.

Benefits

• Efficient Onboarding: Rippling streamlines the onboarding process, automating tasks such as paperwork, document collection, and training module assignments. This efficiency ensures a smooth and positive experience for new hires.
• Comprehensive Analytics: The platform offers robust analytics and reporting features, providing valuable insights into employee performance and the effectiveness of training programs. Data-driven decision-making is facilitated, allowing organizations to optimize training initiatives.
• User-Friendly Interface: Rippling is known for its user-friendly design, making it accessible for both administrators and employees. The intuitive interface contributes to a positive user experience and fosters engagement with training initiatives.

Pros

• Automation of HR Processes: Beyond training, Rippling automates various HR processes, saving time and reducing manual workload for HR teams such as reminders via email or push notifications and pre-built enrolment reports for compliant audits.
• Time and Cost Savings: The automation features contribute to significant time and cost savings, allowing organizations to allocate resources more efficiently and has hundreds of pre-built workflow templates that can be customised.
• Streamlined Onboarding: Rippling excels in automating onboarding processes, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for new hires.

Cons

• Customization Complexity: While customization is a strength, highly intricate customization may require technical expertise, posing a challenge for organizations without dedicated IT support.
• Dependency on Internet Connectivity: As a cloud-based solution, Rippling's effectiveness is contingent on stable internet connectivity, which may pose challenges in areas with unreliable internet access.
• Training as an Integrated Component: Training and development functionalities within Rippling are designed as integrated components rather than standalone features. While the platform facilitates onboarding and training automation, it may lack the specialized depth and breadth found in dedicated LMS that focus exclusively on training content creation, delivery, and assessment.

Pricing

Prices start at $8 a month, per user. To request a quote, contact Rippling here.

Summary and Verdict

Rippling stands out as a highly effective HRIS solution, particularly well-suited for SMBs with diverse HR needs. Offering a user-friendly interface, scalability, and comprehensive automation features, Rippling efficiently streamlines onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, and compliance tasks. Its strength lies in being an all-in-one solution that adapts alongside organizational growth. Ideal for SMBs emphasizing efficient onboarding processes, compliance management, and centralized HR functions, Rippling's user-friendly design enhances the overall experience for both administrators and employees. However, businesses with highly specialized training needs might find dedicated learning management systems more suitable. For those facing budget constraints or specifically seeking training-focused solutions without a complete HRIS suite, exploring standalone training platforms is a viable option. Additionally, organizations valuing best-of-breed solutions may prefer specialized platforms catering to specific HR aspects. In summary, Rippling excels as a versatile HRIS, but businesses with unique training requirements or budget considerations may find value in exploring alternative solutions.

Factorial - Best for Customizable Training System

Factorial, known for its HRM and payroll solutions, extends its capabilities to offer a robust employee training system. With an intuitive interface, it facilitates seamless creation, delivery, and tracking of training programs, fostering a continuous learning culture. Ideal for organizations committed to talent development, Factorial's training system integrates seamlessly with HR modules, providing a unified platform for efficient training management and skill enhancement.

Key Features

• Personalised Reports on Each Course: Offering detailed insights into individual employee progress, and administrators can track key metrics.
• Customised Employee Training System: Factorial's Customised Employee Training System empowers organisations to tailor training programs to their unique needs.
• Performance Management Tools: Offer a comprehensive approach to employee development and provide a holistic view of individual and team achievements.
• Automatically Monitor Employee Development and Skills: Ensures effortless monitoring of skill acquisition and training completion, facilitating a proactive approach to talent development.

Benefits

• Continuous Learning Culture: Factorial fosters a continuous learning culture within the organization. The platform's user-friendly interface and accessibility contribute to employee engagement, promoting a mindset of ongoing skill enhancement and professional growth.
• Integration with HR Modules: Factorial seamlessly integrates its training system with other HR modules, creating a unified platform for HR and training management. This integration enhances overall organizational efficiency by consolidating various HR functions.
• Flexibility in Content Delivery: Factorial's training system provides flexibility in content delivery methods. This adaptability allows organizations to choose the most effective and engaging ways to deliver training content, catering to diverse learning preferences.

Pros

• Personalized Progress Reports: Personalized progress reports empower employees with insights into their development, facilitating self-assessment, goal setting, and continuous improvement. The reports can also track the training costs of each course to help organizations make better-informed decisions.
• Efficient Onboarding: The platform streamlines the onboarding process, automating tasks and ensuring a smooth transition for new hires. This efficiency contributes to a positive onboarding experience.
• Customization Options: Factorial offers customization options, allowing organizations to tailor training programs to their specific needs and align them with industry requirements.

Cons

• Limited Specialization in Training: While offering training features, Factorial's primary focus is on HRIS, and organizations with highly specialized training needs may find dedicated LMSs more suitable.
• Cost Considerations: The pricing structure may not be suitable for organizations with tight budget constraints, especially if they only require specific features rather than a comprehensive HRIS suite.
• Customization Complexity: Highly intricate customization may require technical expertise, posing a challenge for organizations without dedicated IT support.

Pricing

All prices stated are billed annually. For more information, contact Factorial here

Summary and Verdict

In conclusion, Factorial emerges as a versatile solution for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an integrated HRIS with comprehensive employee training features. Ideal for streamlining onboarding, fostering continuous learning, and aligning training with performance management, Factorial offers customization options and a user-friendly interface for a positive user experience. It caters well to organizations prioritizing efficiency and a unified HR platform. However, businesses with highly specialized training needs or those requiring standalone training platforms might find dedicated Learning Management Systems more suitable. Additionally, organizations with budget constraints or specific training focus may benefit from exploring alternative solutions tailored to their unique requirements. In essence, Factorial serves as a robust choice for holistic workforce development but requires careful consideration of specific organizational needs before implementation.

Paycor - Best for Maximizing Training and Development Plans

Paycor, primarily recognized as a comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) solution, extends its capabilities to support employee training and development. With a focus on providing a unified platform for HR, payroll, and workforce management, Paycor offers features to facilitate efficient training initiatives. The platform enables organizations to create and deliver training content, track employee progress, and assess the impact of training programs. Paycor's employee training and development functionality seamlessly integrates with its broader HCM suite, providing businesses with a holistic solution for managing their workforce's learning needs. With user-friendly interfaces and robust analytics, Paycor supports organizations in fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement within their teams.

Key Features

• Visibility Features: Paycor's visibility features offer real-time insights into employee training progress and program effectiveness
• Specialized Compliance Training Programs: Designed to ensure that employees are well-versed in industry-specific regulations and requirements
• Detailed Recordkeeping: Simplifies training administration by maintaining comprehensive records of employee participation, completion, and performance
• Interactive Learning Management System: Enhances employee engagement through interactive training modules, promoting active participation and a dynamic learning experience

Benefits

• Unified HCM Integration: Paycor seamlessly integrates employee training and development features with its comprehensive HCM suite, providing a unified platform for streamlined workforce management.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Paycor provides robust analytics and reporting tools, enabling organizations to generate detailed reports on training effectiveness, employee performance, and compliance metrics, supporting data-driven insights.
• Flexibility in Content Delivery: Paycor offers flexibility in content delivery methods, allowing organizations to choose the most effective and engaging ways to deliver training content based on diverse learning preferences within their workforce. This includes virtual, classroom, mobile, and social capabilities all on one platform, encouraging employees to learn at their own pace.

Pros

• User-friendly Interface: The platform's user-friendly design enhances accessibility for administrators and employees, contributing to a positive training experience.
• Automation Features: Automation streamlines various training processes, reducing administrative burdens and allowing HR teams to focus on strategic aspects of employee development.
• Real-time Insights: The platform provides real-time visibility into training progress with real-time reporting and automated alerts for milestones or course completion

Cons

• Complexity for Small Businesses: The comprehensive nature of Paycor's HCM suite may be overly complex for small businesses with simpler HR and training requirements, potentially leading to underutilization of features.
• Cost for Additional Features: Additional features beyond the core HCM suite may incur additional costs, making it less cost-effective for organizations seeking advanced training functionalities without the need for a full HCM suite.
• Less Specialized Training Content: Paycor may not offer a broad range of specialized training content compared to dedicated training platforms, potentially requiring organizations to source additional content from external providers.

Pricing

To request a quote, contact Paycor for more information here.

Summary and Verdict

In conclusion, Paycor emerges as a robust solution for organizations seeking an integrated HCM suite with embedded employee training and development features. Its strengths lie in offering a unified platform for comprehensive workforce management, real-time visibility into training progress, and specialized compliance training programs. Paycor's user-friendly interface and scalability make it particularly suitable for mid-sized businesses prioritizing efficiency and streamlined HR processes. However, for smaller enterprises with simpler HR and training needs, the comprehensive nature of Paycor's HCM suite may pose unnecessary complexity. Moreover, organizations with a primary focus on advanced or highly specialized training features, such as intricate learning pathways or extensive gamification, may find dedicated LMS more tailored to their specific requirements. Careful consideration of organizational size, complexity, and specific training goals is essential in determining whether Paycor or alternative solutions better align with the unique needs of the business.

TalentLMS - Best for Free and Low-Cost Plans

TalentLMS is a versatile and user-friendly employee training and development software designed to meet the evolving needs of modern organizations. Offering a comprehensive LMS, TalentLMS empowers businesses to create, manage, and deliver engaging training content to employees at all levels. Its intuitive interface facilitates seamless course creation, allowing organizations to customize content, assessments, and multimedia elements. TalentLMS supports diverse learning formats, including e-learning modules, webinars, and blended learning approaches. The platform's analytics and reporting features provide valuable insights into learner progress and course effectiveness, enabling data-driven decision-making. With robust features such as gamification, social learning, and mobile accessibility, TalentLMS fosters an interactive and dynamic training environment. Scalable and suitable for businesses of all sizes, TalentLMS stands out for its flexibility, making it an excellent choice for organizations committed to cultivating a culture of continuous learning and skill development.

Key Features

• Easily Customize Courses: Allows users to effortlessly customize courses to tailor content and assessments to align with specific organizational training needs
• Badges, Levels, Points, and Leaderboard Features: The platform incorporates gamification elements such as badges, levels, points, and leaderboards
• Ability to Create Live In-Person or Online Training Sessions: TalentLMS offers the flexibility to create both live, in-person training sessions and online virtual sessions

Benefits

• Cost-Effective Solution: TalentLMS provides a cost-effective solution for organizations seeking a feature-rich and flexible learning management system. Its pricing model is transparent, allowing businesses to choose plans that align with their budget constraints and includes a free plan.
• 24/7 Customer Support: TalentLMS offers 24/7 customer support, providing assistance and resolving queries promptly. This responsive support system ensures that organizations receive timely help in case of any issues or inquiries, contributing to a smooth user experience.
• Versatile Training Formats: TalentLMS supports diverse learning formats, offering the flexibility to create both live, in-person training sessions and online virtual sessions. This versatility accommodates various training preferences and ensures accessibility for learners.

Pros

• Mobile Accessibility: TalentLMS is accessible on mobile devices, allowing learners to access training content anytime, anywhere, enhancing flexibility in the learning experience.
• Comprehensive Analytics: Robust analytics and reporting features offer valuable insights into learner progress, course effectiveness, and engagement metrics, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
• Integration Capabilities: The platform offers integration capabilities with other tools and systems, ensuring seamless connectivity with existing organizational infrastructure.

Cons

• Gamification Suitability: While gamification is a pro, organizations with a more traditional or formal training culture may find the gamification elements less suitable for their learning environment.
• User Thresholds: Affordable plans often come with lower user limits, restricting the number of users who can access the platform simultaneously. This limitation may be suitable for smaller organizations with fewer training needs but can become a bottleneck as the user base expands. The free plan has only up to five users.
• Export Functionality Constraints: Exporting reports may be challenging due to constraints in functionality within lower-priced plans. This limitation can impede the ability to share, analyze, or present training data effectively outside the platform.

Pricing

Prices stated are billed annually. To request a quote or for monthly prices, visit TalentLMS here

Summary and Verdict

In conclusion, TalentLMS stands out as a highly adaptable and user-friendly solution suitable for a broad spectrum of organizations aiming to foster engaging and flexible employee training and development. Its intuitive interface, versatile customization options, and incorporation of gamification elements make it particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an accessible and dynamic learning management system. The platform's scalability allows for growth, accommodating evolving training needs. However, for larger enterprises with highly specialized or advanced training requirements, or those prioritizing advanced features such as detailed compliance tracking, considering alternative solutions with more specialized capabilities may be prudent. TalentLMS excels in delivering a comprehensive learning experience at an affordable cost, making it an excellent choice for organizations focused on cultivating a culture of continuous learning and skill development within a dynamic and user-centric framework.

iSpring - Best for Launching Company-Wide Training Quickly

iSpring is a comprehensive employee training and development platform designed to streamline the creation, delivery, and management of engaging learning content. This robust solution offers a versatile Learning Management System (LMS) and authoring tools, empowering organizations to design and deploy interactive courses effortlessly. iSpring supports various multimedia formats, allowing for dynamic content creation, including quizzes, simulations, and video-based training. With a focus on user-friendly features, iSpring facilitates a seamless learning experience for both administrators and learners. The platform's analytics and reporting capabilities provide valuable insights into learner progress and course effectiveness, aiding data-driven decision-making. iSpring is an ideal solution for organizations seeking an intuitive platform to enhance employee skills and foster continuous learning within a flexible and customizable framework.

Key Features

• Training and User Management Automation: Automates routine tasks to efficiently assign, track, and manage employee training.
• Customizable Roles and Permissions: Organizations have the flexibility to define custom roles and permissions, tailoring user access to specific platform features.
• Training Reports and Analytics: iSpring offers detailed insights into learner progress, completion rates, and assessment results.
• Course, Quiz, and Training Program Creation: iSpring empowers organizations to create engaging courses, quizzes, and comprehensive training programs.

Benefits

• Responsive Customer Support: iSpring offers responsive customer support, providing assistance and resolving queries promptly. This support system ensures that organizations receive timely help in case of any issues or inquiries, contributing to a positive user experience.
• Flexibility in Training Delivery: iSpring offers flexibility in training delivery, allowing organizations to design and deliver content in various formats. This adaptability accommodates diverse learning preferences and ensures a more engaging and effective training experience.
• Cost-Effective Solution: iSpring provides a cost-effective solution for employee training and development, offering a range of features at competitive pricing. This affordability makes it accessible for organizations with varying budget constraints.

Pros

• Scalability: iSpring is scalable, making it suitable for businesses of different sizes. It can adapt to the evolving training needs of organizations, ensuring long-term viability.
• User-Friendly Interface: With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, iSpring ensures a positive experience for both administrators and learners, contributing to a smooth training process.
• Integration Capabilities: The platform integrates well with other tools and systems, creating a cohesive training ecosystem within the organization and improving overall efficiency.

Cons

• Limited Advanced Learning Features: Organizations with highly advanced or specialized training needs may find that iSpring lacks certain features present in more specialized learning management systems.
• Dependency on Browser Compatibility: iSpring's functionality may be influenced by browser compatibility, requiring users to use specific browsers for optimal performance.
• Cost Considerations for Advanced Plans: While offering cost-effective plans, advanced features may be available in higher-tier plans, potentially requiring a higher investment for organizations seeking more sophisticated functionalities.

Pricing

Prices stated are billed annually. To request a quote, contact iSpring here

Summary and Verdict

In summary, iSpring stands out as a robust and versatile solution for organizations seeking a comprehensive employee training and development platform. With its efficient training automation, customizable roles, and robust analytics, iSpring caters to businesses of varying sizes, providing a user-friendly interface and scalable features. It excels in creating engaging content and offers cost-effective plans, making it particularly suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises looking for an accessible yet powerful learning management system. However, for larger enterprises with highly specialized training needs or those requiring advanced learning features, exploring alternative solutions with more specialized capabilities might be advisable. Organizations should carefully assess their specific training requirements, scalability needs, and budget considerations to determine whether iSpring aligns with their unique goals and objectives.

Absorb - Best for Analytics and Reporting

Absorb is a comprehensive employee training and development software designed to empower organizations to deliver effective and engaging learning experiences. This platform offers a versatile LMS with robust features for course creation, content management, and learner analytics. Absorb enables organizations to tailor training programs to their specific needs, incorporating multimedia elements, assessments, and certifications. With a user-friendly interface, it facilitates seamless navigation for both administrators and learners. The platform's analytics provide valuable insights into learner progress and training effectiveness, supporting informed decision-making. Absorb is an ideal solution for businesses looking to centralize their training efforts, foster continuous learning, and optimize workforce development within a scalable and customizable framework.

Key Features

• AI-Powered Learning Management System: AI-powered set of capabilities designed to simplify admin tasks and give employees more opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge
• Reporting and Analytics: Absorb LMS reporting and analytics dashboards to empower organizations with key insights tailored to their businesses
• Mobile App: Extending the reach and flexibility of LMS training via this app
• Focus on Learner Engagement: Prioritizes learner engagement through interactive content and gamification

Benefits

• Personalized Learning Paths: Absorb's AI-powered LMS tailors learning paths based on individual progress, ensuring a personalized and efficient training experience that meets each learner's specific needs.
• Enhanced Learner Engagement: Absorb focuses on learner engagement through interactive content and gamification, fostering active participation and knowledge retention for a more effective training process.
• Offline Learning Capabilities: Absorb ensures uninterrupted learning by offering an offline mode. Learners can download content and complete courses without internet access, providing flexibility for those in remote locations or facing connectivity challenges. This feature enhances accessibility, aligning with the dynamic needs of the modern workforce.

Pros

• Customization Capabilities: Absorb allows organizations to customize training programs, creating content that aligns with specific objectives and ensuring relevance to the unique requirements of the workforce.
• Diverse Content Formats: Absorb supports various content formats, including multimedia elements, assessments, and certifications, allowing organizations to create engaging and comprehensive training materials for employees.
• Automation for Administrative Efficiency: The platform's automation features streamline administrative tasks, such as user management and course assignments, enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens.

Cons

• Cost Considerations for Advanced Plans: While Absorb offers cost-effective plans, advanced features may be available in higher-tier plans, requiring a higher investment for organizations seeking more sophisticated functionalities.
• Limited Advanced Learning Features: Organizations with highly advanced or specialized training needs may find that Absorb lacks certain features present in more specialized learning management systems.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Users, especially administrators, may experience a learning curve when exploring advanced features or customization options within the platform.

Pricing

To request a quote, contact Absorb here.

Summary and Verdict

In summary, Absorb emerges as a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for employee training and development, offering personalized learning paths, robust analytics, and a focus on engagement. Its scalable nature makes it suitable for businesses of various sizes, and the offline access feature enhances flexibility. Absorb is an excellent choice for organizations seeking an adaptable platform that prioritizes learner needs and administrative efficiency. However, those with highly specialized training requirements or a preference for advanced features may find more tailored solutions in other alternatives. Organizations should carefully weigh their unique training objectives, budget considerations, and the need for specific functionalities to determine if Absorb aligns with their overall goals.