Employer of Record (EOR) services have become essential for businesses aiming to manage compliance, payroll, and legal responsibilities when hiring globally. One prominent player in this industry is Rippling, providing a holistic solution covering payroll, compliance, and employee management across multiple countries.

In this article, we'll explore everything Rippling and offer valuable guidance for choosing the ideal solution tailored to your business requirements.

What is Rippling?

Rippling is a cloud-based HR platform that offers a comprehensive suite of features to help businesses manage their HR needs efficiently. It combines multiple HR functions into a single, user-friendly platform, allowing businesses to manage their HR needs efficiently. 

The platform is designed to be scalable, allowing businesses to add or remove features as needed, and it integrates with various third-party applications, such as accounting software and applicant tracking systems. Rippling's pricing plans are flexible, with options tailored to different business sizes and needs.

Rippling Features

Rippling offers businesses a transformative solution to streamline HR processes, minimize administrative overhead, and gain invaluable insights into their workforce dynamics. Its intuitive interface and robust feature set make it an indispensable choice for organizations seeking to optimize their HR operations. Rippling's suite comprises three core products:

Rippling HR Cloud

Rippling's HR Cloud module revolutionizes traditional HR management by automating tedious tasks and providing powerful tools for employee lifecycle management. Key features include:

• Automated onboarding and offboarding
• Time and attendance tracking
• Payroll management
• Employee benefits administration
• Compliance and HR policy management

Rippling IT Cloud

Rippling's IT Cloud module empowers businesses to manage their IT infrastructure and support services efficiently. Key capabilities include:

• Device management and security
• Software deployment and updates
• Network and application access controls
• IT Helpdesk and support services
• Integration with productivity tools

Rippling Finance

Rippling's Finance module simplifies financial management tasks and provides insights into financial performance. Key functionalities include:

• Expense management and reimbursement
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Financial reporting and analytics
• Vendor management and payments
• Integration with accounting software

How Much Does Rippling Cost?

Rippling offers a variety of plans and pricing structures tailored to accommodate businesses of varying sizes and requirements. Consequently, the cost of Rippling depends on the specific features and services that you choose.

With subscription tiers structured to provide different levels of functionality and user access, Rippling plans ensure flexibility and scalability for diverse business needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the plans and pricing tiers for products offered by Rippling:

Rippling Unity

Rippling Unity is the core platform offered by Rippling, seamlessly combining HR, IT, and Finance functionalities into a unified system.

Rippling Unity has four tiers: Core, Pro, Unlimited, and Enterprise, with pricing varying based on the chosen features. However, the pricing is not publicly available on their website so you will need to reach out to the sales team for a quote.

Core Plan

The Core plan empowers you to tailor your data collection process by creating custom fields that suit your specific needs, whether for generating reports or implementing automation protocols. You'll also gain access to Rippling's Recipe library, brimming with hundreds of customizable templates designed for workflow automation and report generation. Noteworthy features of the Core plan include role-based access permissions and the ability to build multi-step approval chains. You can create and apply HR, finance, and IT policies tailored to different departments, roles, and hierarchical levels, ensuring seamless implementation across your organization.

Pro Plan

In addition to everything offered in the Core plan, the Pro plan includes ten formula fields, enabling you to integrate Excel-like formulas into your data management processes. This plan introduces an impressive Slack approvals feature, enabling you to approve requests directly within Slack, enhancing efficiency and workflow integration. Unlike the Core plan, the Pro plan offers fully customizable workflows and ten custom workflow templates, catering to businesses with more complex operational needs. Moreover, you can create up to ten advanced reports using data from three or more external sources, providing deeper insights into your business operations.

Unlimited & Enterprise Plans

Designed for large enterprises with extensive workforce management requirements, the Unlimited plan lives up to its name by offering unlimited workflows, formula fields, and advanced reports. It provides the scalability and flexibility needed to manage complex operations seamlessly. The Enterprise tier elevates functionality further by integrating Rippling's API, allowing seamless connectivity with external tools and systems. This integration enhances data exchange and workflow efficiency, making it a valuable addition for businesses requiring extensive integration capabilities.

Rippling Unity is a great option for small to medium-sized businesses that need straightforward payroll management and have a small employee count.

Rippling Modular Pricing

Rippling offers a modular pricing structure that allows businesses to select and pay only for the features they need. This flexibility ensures that companies can tailor their Rippling subscription to suit their specific requirements and budget constraints.

Unfortunately, specific pricing information is not publicly available on their website. To obtain accurate pricing details based on your business's size and needs, reach out to Rippling's sales team directly. 

Pros and Cons of Rippling

While Rippling offers significant advantages in integrating HR, IT, and Finance operations, organizations should weigh the pros and cons carefully based on their specific needs, budget, and long-term strategy. 

Rippling Pros

Rippling offers a robust solution that seamlessly integrates HR, IT, and Finance functionalities into a unified platform, revolutionizing operations and enhancing data management. This holistic approach yields a multitude of advantages:

• Comprehensive Integration: Rippling consolidates HR, IT, and Finance processes, eliminating the need for disparate systems and streamlining workflows. Its centralized data management ensures improved accuracy and accessibility of data across departments.
• Automation and Efficiency: The platform's automated workflows streamline tasks, freeing up HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Self-service features empower employees to handle tasks like onboarding and benefits enrollment independently, boosting overall efficiency.
• Data Analytics and Insights: Rippling's robust analytics tools provide actionable insights into workforce trends, facilitating informed decision-making based on data-driven strategies. Customizable reporting capabilities enable organizations to track key metrics and performance indicators effectively.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Rippling is designed to scale seamlessly with business growth, accommodating changes in employee numbers, locations, and organizational structures. Its flexible configurations and customizable workflows adapt to diverse business needs and processes, ensuring agility and adaptability.

Rippling Cons

While Rippling offers numerous advantages, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks:

• Learning Curve: The comprehensive nature of Rippling may pose a learning curve for new users or organizations transitioning from legacy systems. Training and onboarding efforts may be necessary to fully harness all features and functionalities.
• Cost Considerations: While Rippling's services offer significant benefits, its pricing structure lacks transparency. Prospective customers need to request a custom quote, which can be cumbersome when comparing payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) providers. Transparent pricing is generally preferred for informed decision-making. Additionally, there may be additional costs for customization, integrations, or advanced support optio

How Does Rippling Compare to Competitors?

Rippling, while highly rated as a workforce management and payroll software option, faces competition from other companies that similarly provide comprehensive HR software solutions.
Here’s how Rippling stacks up against competing platforms:

How to Choose an Alternative to Rippling

When considering HR software options, it's essential to assess whether there are better alternatives to Rippling that align with your specific business needs and budget. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Evaluate your specific HR needs and requirements

Before committing to any HR platform, it's crucial to thoroughly understand your organization's unique HR needs and challenges. Consider aspects such as the size of your workforce, industry-specific requirements, and the level of HR automation you seek. By clearly defining your needs, you can better assess whether Rippling or other alternatives offer the best fit.

2. Explore other HR software options

Take the time to research and explore other reputable HR software solutions in the market. Some popular alternatives to Rippling include Namely, Gusto, BambooHR, and Workday. Each platform offers a unique set of features, pricing structures, and integration capabilities. By comparing these options, you can identify the platform that best aligns with your business objectives and budget constraints.

3. Compare the total cost of ownership

Beyond the initial subscription fees, consider the total cost of ownership associated with each HR software option. This includes implementation costs, Employer of Record cost, ongoing maintenance fees, additional charges for add-ons or integrations, and potential data migration expenses. Some platforms may offer lower subscription fees but require hefty implementation costs, while others may provide more inclusive pricing packages. Carefully evaluating these costs will help you make an informed decision.

4. Assess scalability and flexibility

As your business grows and evolves, your HR software should be able to scale and adapt accordingly. Consider the scalability of the platform to accommodate future growth in your workforce. Additionally, evaluate the flexibility of the software to integrate with other business applications and customize workflows to suit your unique processes.

5. Read reviews and case studies from existing customers

Gain valuable insights by reading reviews and case studies from existing customers of Rippling and its alternatives. These reviews can provide real-world perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, helping you make a more informed decision. Look for feedback related to user-friendliness, customer support, data security, and overall satisfaction.

By thoroughly evaluating these factors and comparing Rippling with other alternatives, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your business's specific HR needs and budget. Remember, the best HR software is the one that effectively supports your organization's growth, streamlines HR processes, and delivers the desired ROI.

Choose Gloroots as Your Rippling Alternative

Gloroots surpasses being just a global Employer of Record; it offers a holistic solution for managing international workforces across 140+ countries. Here's why Gloroots shines:

• Global Reach and Expertise: Gloroots boasts an extensive international network, facilitating legal and efficient global talent acquisition. Their in-depth market knowledge aids businesses in navigating intricate regulations for successful global expansions.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Whether you're a startup or a large corporation, Gloroots' Employer of Record services are adaptable to businesses of all sizes and industries. They provide customized solutions that can grow with your evolving business needs.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Gloroots offers a broad spectrum of services, from streamlined onboarding to seamless payroll management, regulatory compliance, and benefits administration. They handle all employment-related tasks while ensuring adherence to labor laws and regulations.
• Automated Payroll: Gloroots simplifies global payroll management with features like one-click payroll processing, customizable bonus structures, and intuitive invoice management—all integrated into a unified platform.

Gloroots streamlines the complexities of managing a global workforce, allowing businesses to concentrate on core operations. Partnering with Gloroots unlocks the potential for thriving on a global scale! Schedule a demo today!