Managing Everyday HR tasks may look small, but they pile up faster than you expect.
For HR teams, this translates to endless administrative tasks, leaving no time for strategic planning. And for employees, it means waiting for answers, experiencing slow approvals, and seeing a decline in productivity.
This is exactly the gap that Employee Self-Service (ESS) software fills, making HR tasks simpler, faster, and more transparent. By giving employees direct access to their own HR data and routine tasks, ESS reduces paperwork, cuts delays, and ensures everyone stays informed in real time.
In this guide, we’ve shortlisted the 10 best ESS software solutions for businesses in India for 2025. With details on pricing, features, and best-fit use cases, you’ll be able to find the right platform to streamline HR operations and keep your team future-ready.
Key Takeaways
ESS software simplifies HR by putting routine tasks like leave requests, payslip downloads, and expense claims directly in employees’ hands.
Startups and SMEs in India benefit most, as ESS reduces admin burden, improves accuracy, and keeps businesses compliant with PF, ESI, TDS, and labour laws.
Top tools like Craze, Keka, Darwinbox, and Zoho People provide mobile-first dashboards, automated workflows, and compliance-ready features.
Key features to prioritise include attendance tracking, digital approvals, document management, expense claims, and integration with payroll.
Choosing the right ESS platform depends on ease of use, scalability, mobile accessibility, compliance fit, and transparent pricing for your business size.
Employee Self-Service (ESS) software is a digital platform that enables employees to manage their HR-related tasks independently, eliminating the need for HR teams. Instead of raising requests or waiting for manual responses, employees can log in to their ESS portal and directly:
View or download payslips and tax forms
Apply for leave or check attendance
Update personal details like address or bank account
Track benefits, reimbursements, or policy documents
The above are only a few examples. Modern ESS platforms also cover expense claims, training, compliance, and more, giving employees faster access while easing HR workload. By giving employees greater control and transparency, ESS reduces HR workload while improving accuracy and satisfaction across the organisation.
To understand why ESS software is so impactful, it helps to look at the features that make it indispensable. These capabilities ensure faster processes, fewer bottlenecks, and a more engaged workforce. Here's what employees can expect from a modern self-service platform:
Not all ESS software is created equal. These features ensure faster processes, fewer bottlenecks, and a more engaged workforce. Here's what you get to see with Self-service software:
Attendance & Time Tracking: Enables employees to clock in/out, view leave balances, and manage attendance, all from their dashboard.
Payslips & Tax Documents: Employees can view and download payslips, PF statements, and income tax declarations anytime.
Leave Management: From applying to approval, the entire leave lifecycle is digital, transparent, and self-operated.
Profile & Document Updates: Employees can edit their personal details and upload documents like proofs or contracts.
Expense Submission: Enables employees to submit expenses and track reimbursement status.
Performance & Goals: From reviews to setting personal OKRs, the portal supports performance engagement.
Announcements & Feedback: Facilitates internal communication through company updates, feedback tools, and surveys.
Knowing the features is only half the picture. The real value comes from the benefits ESS delivers in everyday operations. By putting routine HR tasks directly in employees’ hands, ESS software cuts delays, prevents mistakes, and frees HR teams to focus on more strategic priorities. Here’s what your organisation can gain:
By putting routine HR tasks in employees’ hands, ESS software cuts delays, prevents mistakes, and frees HR to focus on strategic priorities. Here's what you might notice if you use the self-service software:
Time Savings for HR Teams: Routine queries (leave balance, salary slips, tax forms) are handled by employees directly, freeing HR to focus on strategy.
Greater Employee Satisfaction: Staff gain control and visibility over their own data, leading to faster responses and a better workplace experience.
Improved Accuracy: Direct updates by employees reduce manual errors in records like personal details, bank accounts, and tax information.
Streamlined Approvals: Automated workflows for leave, attendance, and reimbursements speed up approvals and reduce delays.
Better Compliance: Integrated policies and automated record-keeping ensure HR teams meet statutory and company requirements.
Mobile-Friendly Access: Employees can manage HR tasks anytime, anywhere, ideal for remote, hybrid, and on-the-move teams.
Cost Efficiency: Reduced dependency on manual processes and paper-based systems helps cut administrative costs.
Data-Driven Insights: ESS platforms generate reports on leave, claims, and attendance trends, enabling better decision-making.
Also read: How to Automate Attendance Management: A Fast and Practical Guide.
With the benefits and features in mind, it’s easier to see why companies across India are adopting ESS solutions. Below, we’ve shortlisted the top 10 ESS platforms that simplify everyday HR operations, empower employees, and help businesses scale efficiently:
Here’s a glance at the top 10 ESS software in India. Each of these is designed to simplify everyday HR operations, empower employees with self-service access, and help businesses scale efficiently.
Craze – Best for Startups & Fast-Growing Businesses
Darwinbox – Best for Enterprises with Advanced Workforce Needs
Keka – Best for Large-sized Organisation, especially with Blue Collar Workforce.
greytHR – Best for Traditional Industries and Compliance-Focused Teams
Zoho People – Best for Businesses Already Using the Zoho Ecosystem
PeopleStrong – Best for Multi-Location and Large Organisations
Beehive HRMS – Best for Customisable HR and ESS Requirements
HRMantra – Best for Process Automation and Policy-Heavy Companies
Wallet HR – Best for Cost-Conscious Small Businesses
sumHR – Best for Easy-to-Use ESS for Small Business
These top 10 ESS solutions save HR hours, cut delays, and empower employees to handle their own data. They specifically help multiple startups and growing businesses automate routine tasks and keep teams informed effortlessly.
1. Craze
Craze is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and workforce management platform designed for startups and fast-growing businesses in India. Craze’s ESS module empowers employees to take charge of their own HR tasks, reducing dependency on HR teams and saving time for everyone. With an intuitive interface and mobile-first approach, Craze makes HR processes simpler, faster, and more transparent.
Key Features:
Self-Service Dashboard: Employees can access payslips, tax documents, leave balances, and attendance records from a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
Leave & Attendance Management: Staff can apply for leave, regularise attendance, and track approvals in real-time without manual follow-ups.
Document Management: Secure digital storage for HR letters, policies, and compliance documents that employees can access anytime.
Expense & Reimbursement Access: Employees can submit expense claims, upload receipts, and track approval status directly from the portal.
Mobile-First Experience: Fully accessible on mobile devices, ensuring convenience for remote and field employees.
Pricing: Craze offers ESS as part of its HR suite starting at ₹60/user/month, with payroll and IT add-ons available. Plans are transparent, with no hidden setup or support charges.
2. Darwinbox
Darwinbox is a comprehensive, enterprise-grade HRMS platform designed to streamline and automate end-to-end HR operations. Its ESS module promotes self-reliance by enabling employees to access important HR functions across payroll, attendance, onboarding, and performance, all through a sleek, mobile-first interface.
Key Features:
Mobile-First Self-Service: Employees can retrieve payslips, apply for leave, and access onboarding materials, all via a user-friendly mobile interface.
Performance & Goals Management: See performance metrics, KRAs, and progress updates, keeping team members aligned with business goals.
Multi-Policy Compliance: Ensure attendance, payroll, and documentation align with statutory norms across multiple locations.
Document Repository: Secure storage and easy access to all HR policies, contracts, and statutory forms.
Real-Time Notifications & Alerts: Get reminders for pending approvals, expiring documents, or upcoming milestones.
Pricing: Darwinbox offers custom enterprise pricing, tailored to each organisation's needs and size.
3. Keka
Keka is a popular HR and payroll solution among Indian businesses, including large organisations with a blue-collar workforce.
Its ESS portal simplifies employee autonomy, giving team members control over core HR actions, from accessing payslips to initiating reimbursements and attendance adjustments.
Key Features:
Unified Dashboard: Easy access to payslips, leave balances, attendance history, and reimbursement status.
Self-Service Requests: Submit sick leave, regularise attendance, or update personal details, all without HR intervention.
Expense Submission & Tracking: Upload receipts via web or mobile and track claim approvals through the same portal.
Custom Approvals: Define approval chains for different types of requests, granting flexibility and control.
Push Notifications: Automated mobile alerts for approval status, pending actions, or policy updates.
Pricing: Keka’s Foundation Plan starts at ₹9,999/month for up to 100 employees, with additional users at ₹90/month per user.
4. greytHR
greytHR is India’s long-standing HRMS trusted by a wide range of SMEs. Its ESS features improve daily HR interactions by offering self-service for payslips, attendance, leave, and employee data management, great for high-compliance environments.
Key Features:
Payslip & Form Access: Employees can instantly download salary slips and tax forms.
Leave & Attendance Automation: Apply for leave and track approvals in real-time to reduce bottlenecks.
Profile Management: Update personal data and documents securely through the portal.
Compliance Ledger: All actions are logged to maintain audit-ready records.
Quick Mobile Access: Mobile-friendly design ensures information is always accessible.
Pricing: Starts at ₹3,495/month for up to 50 employees, affordable and compliance-ready.
5. Zoho People
Zoho People is a well-built yet user-friendly HRMS designed for businesses within the Zoho ecosystem. It brings together mobile-first ESS with seamless integrations for leave, attendance, timesheets, and payroll.
Key Features:
Intuitive Self-Service Interface: Apply for leave, review attendance logs, update profiles, and download payslips.
Custom Automation Forms: Build workflows that help standardise approvals for various HR functions.
Timesheet Integration: Track hours, tasks, and projects within the employee’s ESS portal.
Mobile App Access: ESS is brilliantly accessible on mobile, ensuring on-the-go convenience.
Document Upload Facility: Employees can upload certificates, proofs, or policy acknowledgements.
Pricing: ESS is available from ₹60/user/month, making it a cost-effective choice for SMEs.
6. PeopleStrong
PeopleStrong delivers a high-velocity HR experience with ESS for employees across geographies. Built for large teams and multi-location deployments, its self-service features are comprehensive and GDPR-ready.
Key Features:
Payslips & Tax Filings: Employees can securely access payslips and tax declarations.
Auto Leave Application: Access and apply for leave with immediate approval status updates.
Performance Dashboard: View goals, appraisal timelines, and performance feedback.
Digital Approvals: All requests route through defined workflows with built-in compliance.
Mobile-First Portal: Provides anywhere access via app or browser.
Pricing: Customised pricing for large enterprises, price shared on request.
7. Beehive HRMS
Beehive HRMS is a flexible, cloud-based HR platform tailored for organisations looking for customisable solutions. Its Employee Self-Service (ESS) module empowers staff to handle daily HR needs independently, cutting down on admin requests and improving transparency. It works well for mid-sized companies that need configurable workflows.
Key Features:
Employee Self-Service Portal: Access payslips, leave balances, tax declarations, and attendance records anytime.
Document Centre: HR can upload and publish handbooks, FAQs, and compliance-related documents for easy employee access.
Shift & Attendance Management: Employees can track shifts, mark attendance, and request regularisations.
Customisable Workflows: Approval chains for leave, expenses, and requests can be adapted to business needs.
Mobile Access: A mobile-friendly interface ensures accessibility across devices.
Pricing: Custom pricing for businesses
8. HRMantra
HRMantra is designed to automate end-to-end HR processes for businesses that require detailed compliance management. Its ESS portal enables employees to manage key HR functions themselves, reducing dependency on HR teams and ensuring smoother processes.
Key Features:
Self-Service Payslip & Tax Access: Employees can download payslips, tax forms, and view CTC breakups instantly.
Attendance & Leave Regularisation: Staff can mark attendance, request corrections, and apply for leave directly.
Mobile App Support: A robust mobile app makes ESS accessible on the go, especially for field staff.
Performance Feedback Portal: Employees can view appraisal cycles, submit self-appraisals, and track performance.
Policy Repository: Company policies and HR guidelines are accessible within the portal.
Pricing: Customised quotes are provided based on the number of employees and selected features.
9. Wallet HR
Wallet HR is an affordable HRMS that focuses on delivering essential ESS functionality for small and mid-sized businesses. It is designed to be easy-to-use, ensuring even non-technical employees can quickly adapt to the system.
Key Features:
Payslip & Leave Management: Download salary slips, apply for leave, and track balances easily.
Shift & Attendance Dashboard: Employees can monitor their attendance history, overtime, and assigned shifts.
Expense Reimbursement: Submit claims and upload receipts directly through the ESS portal.
Employee Data Updates: Staff can manage and update personal and professional details independently.
Document Access: Provides easy access to HR policies, notices, and compliance documents.
Pricing: Custom pricing available on request, based on company size and requirements.
10. sumHR
sumHR offers a user-friendly HR platform that streamlines payroll, leave management, and performance tracking through an intuitive interface. Its ESS module emphasises simplicity, giving employees quick access to all their HR essentials, making it an ideal choice for lean teams scaling rapidly.
Key Features:
Centralised Dashboard: Employees can view payslips, apply for leave, check attendance, and submit expenses from one place.
Self-Service Leave & Attendance: Apply for leave or regularise attendance directly without HR intervention.
Expense Claims: Upload receipts, track claim approvals, and view reimbursement history.
Mobile-Friendly Portal: Designed for easy navigation on smartphones and tablets.
Policy & Document Sharing: HR can publish policies and updates, ensuring every employee stays informed.
Pricing: Billed annually. Custom quotes are provided based on organisation size and feature requirements.
Also read: 10 Best HR Software in India For Your Growing Business
Choosing an Employee Self-Service (ESS) software isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about finding the right fit for your people, processes, and long-term growth. Here are the key factors you should consider before making your decision:
Ease of Use: The portal should be simple enough for every employee, whether it’s a field worker or a finance executive, to adopt quickly without extensive training.
Mobile Accessibility: With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, ensure the software offers a smooth mobile app experience for leave applications, attendance, and payslip access.
Integration Capabilities: Check whether the ESS tool integrates with your existing payroll, HRMS, ERP, or compliance systems to avoid data silos.
Scalability: As your business grows, your ESS solution should be able to handle additional users, departments, and workflows without major disruptions.
Customisation: Look for flexible workflows (approvals, expense policies, attendance rules) that can be adapted to your company’s specific needs.
Compliance & Security: Ensure the tool adheres to Indian tax laws, labour regulations, and data protection standards to keep employee records safe.
Pricing & Value: Evaluate pricing models (per employee/month vs. flat fee) and compare them with the feature set to make sure it fits your budget.
Support & Training: Responsive customer support and onboarding assistance are critical for smooth adoption and long-term success.
Pro Tip: Always run a pilot with a small team before full rollout. This helps you identify gaps early and measure employee adoption.
Automating employee offboarding is essential for security, compliance, and operational efficiency. Manual exits risk data breaches, asset loss, and regulatory violations. Leading offboarding software in India—including Craze, Keka, greytHR, Zoho People, and PeopleStrong—streamlines workflows, asset recovery, F&F settlements, access revocation, and exit surveys.
Integration with HR and IT systems ensures smooth, consistent processes, while automation reduces administrative effort and errors. Choosing the right solution helps organisations protect sensitive information, improve employee experience, and allow HR teams to focus on strategic priorities rather than manual tasks.
1. Can ESS software integrate with compliance tools for Indian labour laws?
Yes. Modern ESS platforms used in India, like Craze, often integrate directly with payroll and compliance modules to handle PF, TDS, ESIC, and gratuity requirements. They automatically calculate contributions, generate reports, and ensure timely filings.
2. Is ESS suitable for companies with remote or hybrid teams?
Absolutely. Mobile-first ESS software like gretryHR & Craze ensures employees, whether remote, hybrid, or on-site, can access HR services anytime, anywhere. Features like leave applications, payslip downloads, attendance tracking, and expense submissions can be done directly via mobile or web apps.
3. How does ESS improve transparency?
ESS software gives employees direct access to their information, like payslips, attendance, leave balances, and expense claims, so they don’t need to rely on HR for updates. This openness builds trust, ensures everyone has real-time visibility into their records, and reduces confusion or disputes.
4. Can ESS handle expense claims?
Yes. Advanced ESS solutions like Craze & SumHR include expense management modules where employees can submit claims, upload receipts, and track approvals digitally. Once approved, the expenses automatically sync with payroll systems for reimbursement.
5. Is ESS secure for storing sensitive employee data?
Yes, leading ESS platforms are built with enterprise-grade security, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and role-based permissions. Sensitive data like bank details, salary slips, and compliance documents are accessible only to authorised users.
Looking to optimise other aspects of your HR operations? Check out these top HRMS tools and software for your use case:
