PeopleHR, now part of Access Group, provides HR software aimed at small and mid-size businesses. Its leave management module covers the basics — leave requests, approvals, and calendar views — within a broader HR platform that includes employee records and performance management. For small businesses looking for simple HR software that includes leave tracking, PeopleHR is a reasonable starting point. But the per-user pricing and limited leave features raise questions about long-term value.
Key Takeaways
- PeopleHR (Access) is a basic HR platform with leave management as one module; LeaveBalance is dedicated leave software
- PeopleHR charges per user with tiered plans; LeaveBalance is $10/mo flat for unlimited employees
- Small businesses needing basic HR may find PeopleHR adequate; teams focused on leave management prefer LeaveBalance
What PeopleHR Does Well
PeopleHR’s simplicity is its appeal. The platform covers employee records, leave management, and basic performance features without overwhelming users with complexity. For small businesses that want to move beyond spreadsheets for HR, PeopleHR provides a gentle introduction.
The leave management module handles standard scenarios. Employees request time off, managers approve through email or the web interface, and the shared calendar shows team availability. The setup is straightforward, and most small teams can be running within an hour.
The Access Group backing provides stability and support infrastructure. For small businesses that value knowing their HR software vendor has enterprise backing, the Access brand provides reassurance.
Where LeaveBalance Pulls Ahead
PeopleHR’s per-user pricing adds up as teams grow. For a team of 25, you’re paying £50-100+/month depending on the plan. LeaveBalance costs $10/month for the same team — a significant cost difference.
The leave management features in PeopleHR are basic. Accrual policies, carryover rules, and custom leave types have limitations compared to LeaveBalance’s advanced policy engine. For companies with complex leave requirements — different policies for different departments, conditional accrual rules, or specific carryover limits — PeopleHR’s simplicity becomes a limitation.
LeaveBalance’s reporting provides deeper insights into absence patterns and costs. PeopleHR’s reporting covers the basics but doesn’t offer the analytical depth that growing companies need for strategic leave management.
For companies that don’t need the broader HR features PeopleHR offers, the per-user cost includes modules you won’t use. LeaveBalance provides dedicated leave management without the overhead.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | LeaveBalance | PeopleHR |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $10/mo flat | Per-user (tiered) |
| Employee limit | Unlimited | Per-seat |
| Leave requests | Yes | Yes |
| Accrual policies | Advanced | Basic |
| Carryover rules | Yes | Limited |
| Custom leave types | Yes | Limited |
| Employee records | No | Yes |
| Performance mgmt | No | Basic |
| Reporting | Full | Basic |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
| Team Size | LeaveBalance | PeopleHR (Starter) | PeopleHR (Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 employees | $10/mo | £20/mo | £40/mo |
| 10 employees | $10/mo | £40/mo | £80/mo |
| 25 employees | $10/mo | £100/mo | £200/mo |
| 50 employees | $10/mo | £200/mo | £400/mo |
| 100 employees | $10/mo | £400/mo | £800/mo |
When to Choose PeopleHR
PeopleHR is suitable for very small businesses (under 15 employees) that need basic HR features alongside leave management. If you want employee records, simple performance tracking, and leave management in a single platform without complexity, PeopleHR covers the essentials.
For small businesses that value the Access Group backing and want a vendor with enterprise support infrastructure, PeopleHR provides that stability.
When to Choose LeaveBalance
LeaveBalance is the better choice when leave management is your primary need. The flat $10/month rate provides professional-grade leave tracking without the per-user costs that make HR platforms expensive for leave management specifically.
For companies that need advanced leave policies — complex accrual rules, department-specific configurations, or custom leave types — LeaveBalance provides the depth that PeopleHR lacks.
Growing companies benefit from LeaveBalance’s predictable pricing. As your team scales, your leave management cost stays the same while PeopleHR’s per-user pricing climbs with headcount.
FAQ
Can LeaveBalance replace PeopleHR?
LeaveBalance replaces PeopleHR’s leave management module but doesn’t provide the broader HR features (employee records, performance management) that PeopleHR offers. The choice depends on whether you need those additional features.
Is PeopleHR suitable for companies outside the UK?
PeopleHR serves international customers but is primarily focused on the UK market. LeaveBalance is designed for global teams with configurable policies for any country.
What’s the main advantage of LeaveBalance over PeopleHR?
Cost efficiency and leave management depth. LeaveBalance’s flat $10/month rate and advanced leave features provide more value than PeopleHR’s per-user pricing for companies primarily focused on leave management.
How does the setup time compare?
Both tools can be set up quickly. LeaveBalance’s focused approach means slightly faster configuration for leave management, while PeopleHR requires additional setup for its broader HR features.
leave emails? Track your employee's leave with Leave Balance
