5 signs it’s time to switch HR provider

You don’t buy a new car just because it’s in a colour you like. And you don’t switch HR provider on a whim either. No, it usually takes time, methodical research, and a few sleepless nights to boot.

After all, you care about your business. But sometimes, like any toxic relationship, sticking with the wrong provider is doing your enterprise more harm than good. And you’d be far from alone—in fact, nearly 7 in 10 businesses expected greater value from their HR software.

So how do you know when it’s time to ride for greener pastures? If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to saddle up and start shopping around.

🚩You’re paying too much, and getting too little…

Big bill, and nothing to show for it? Reminiscent of a gym membership you never use—packed with niche features you don’t actually use or need, all while charging a premium price tag.

When you’re paying a pretty penny for HR tech, it should be saving you time, slashing admin, and keeping you compliant. After all, that’s the entire point, right? Not gathering dust in the background and burning a hole in your pocket at the same time.

If you’re constantly questioning what you’re paying for, or if the software is actually delivering on ROI targets, then this is a clear red flag.

🚩 Your systems don’t talk to each other

Disconnected tools are the arch-enemy of efficient HR. Maybe your HR system doesn’t link to payroll. Maybe you still have that ‘friend of a friend’ who ‘handles’ all your health & safety compliance. We won’t presume.

But let’s face it—every manual step adds risk. Duplicated data, costly mistakes, compliance headaches. Worse still, without systems that work together, you lose the ability to have a bird’s-eye view of your workforce, putting you at a major disadvantage with your competitors.

If you’re spending more time moving data between systems than growing your business, it’s time to think bigger.

🚩 It’s too hard to use and isn’t saving time

HR software is meant to simplify your life. But too often, platforms are clunky, complex, and poorly designed. User experience? Never heard of it! Staff struggle to use it. Managers avoid it. Before you know it, you’re back at square one, except now you’re paying for the privilege.

A steep learning curve or a poor user experience is a clear sign your software isn’t fit for your business. If your team actively avoids logging in, or can’t complete simple tasks without calling support, maybe it’s time you make the call and start looking for something better.

🚩 It doesn’t fit your business needs

Your business isn’t static. It moves. It evolves. And the challenges facing it do too.

Too many providers build a one-size fits all platform aimed at one type of business with little flexibility for different industries or stages of growth. So, you might find the platform:

• Too basic to support your growing team

• Lacks key functionality, like health & safety, legal advice, payroll integration, and more

• Geared towards SMEs, when you need something robust and scalable

If your provider isn’t keeping pace with your needs, it’ll soon hold you back. And why should you be punished for your own growth and success? We don’t think you should.

🚩 You can’t get support when you need it

Even the best-in-class software can sometimes hit a snag. You or your team might face a complex employee issue needing qualified advice on the spot.

Many providers don’t even offer HR or health & safety advice at all. Leaving you firmly up the creek without a paddle.

If your current provider does offer advice, but with slow response times, limited support hours, or phone lines that aren’t based in your country, it can lead to some frustrating moments.

HR problems don’t always politely wait for business hours, and compliance issues can escalate fast without expert help. And this isn’t even mentioning technical support, which is a whole different beast, but often comes with the exact same issues.

Fast, reliable, UK-based support is essential. If you’re not getting it, it’s time to find a provider that understands what’s on the line.

Why you should switch to BrightHR

If any of these red flags sound familiar, you’re far from alone. Thousands of businesses have switched to BrightHR for exactly these reasons.

Here’s what makes us different, in a nutshell:

• Real value for money: Transparent pricing with no nasty surprises. No growth penalties during your contract. Your success should never trigger higher financial burdens.

• Everything in one place: HR, health & safety, 24/7 UK-based advice, & payroll. It’s all connected and under one roof.

• Simple, intuitive software: Designed for busy managers, HR teams and business owners alike. It just works.

• You get more than just software: Access a marketplace that promotes your business to a million+ customers. Built-in recognition tools boost engagement, while AI assistance delivers instant answers 24/7.

• Full training and onboarding support: Unlimited, award-winning onboarding and training from a dedicated Switch Specialist. Minimal disruption, guaranteed.

We’re so confident you’ll love BrightHR, we’re throwing in FREE live data migration*, dedicated onboarding and training, and a Switch Guarantee that you won’t pay twice on your old contract*.

Want to learn what it’s all about?

https://www.brighthr.com/switch-hr-provider/

*T&Cs Apply - https://www.brighthr.com/switch-hr-provider/#term