Betterworks vs Paylocity

Detailed side-by-side comparison

Betterworks

Betterworks is a specialized performance management and employee engagement platform focused on OKR goal-setting, continuous feedback, and aligning individual objectives with company goals. Designed for mid-size to enterprise companies, it modernizes performance review processes and fosters continuous improvement through structured conversations and real-time feedback.

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Paylocity

Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform that combines payroll, HR management, talent management, and workforce management in a single unified system. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses, it offers an all-in-one solution that reduces the need for multiple vendors while providing modern, mobile-friendly employee experiences.

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Feature Comparison

Feature	Betterworks	Paylocity
Performance Management	Specialized focus with OKR tracking, continuous feedback, 1-on-1 templates, and calibration tools designed to align goals across the organization	Includes performance management and reviews as part of broader HCM suite, with standard review cycles and evaluation capabilities
Payroll Processing	Not available - Betterworks focuses exclusively on performance management and does not handle payroll	Core feature with comprehensive payroll processing, tax compliance, and automated calculations for various pay scenarios
Employee Engagement	Dedicated engagement surveys, pulse checks, and continuous conversation frameworks built into the performance management workflow	Employee self-service portal and mobile app for accessing pay, benefits, and HR information, with basic engagement capabilities
Goal Setting & Tracking	Advanced OKR framework with cascading goals, real-time progress tracking, and alignment visualization across the organization	Basic goal-setting capabilities within performance reviews, but not specialized for OKR methodology or continuous tracking
Time & Attendance	Not available - focuses on performance conversations rather than workforce management	Comprehensive time and attendance tracking with scheduling, timesheet management, and integration with payroll
Benefits Administration	Not available - Betterworks does not handle benefits or core HR administrative functions	Full benefits administration including enrollment, management, carrier connections, and compliance tracking

Pricing Comparison

Both tools do not publicly disclose starting prices and require custom quotes. Betterworks may be more expensive as a specialized enterprise solution, while Paylocity's pricing depends on company size and selected modules, with potential additional costs for advanced features.

Verdict

Choose Betterworks if...

Choose Betterworks if you need a best-in-class performance management system with sophisticated OKR capabilities, continuous feedback frameworks, and already have payroll and core HR systems in place. It's ideal for organizations prioritizing goal alignment and modern performance management culture.

Choose Paylocity if...

Choose Paylocity if you need an all-in-one HCM platform that handles payroll, benefits, time tracking, and HR administration alongside performance management. It's best for small to mid-sized businesses looking to consolidate multiple HR functions into a single, comprehensive system.

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Pros & Cons

Betterworks

Pros

+ Intuitive interface that encourages employee adoption and engagement
+ Strong OKR framework that aligns individual and organizational goals
+ Flexible and customizable to fit different performance management philosophies
+ Robust integrations with HRIS systems like Workday, SAP, and ADP

Cons

- Pricing can be expensive for smaller organizations or startups
- Implementation and setup requires significant time and change management
- Some users report the mobile app experience could be improved

Paylocity

Pros

+ Intuitive and modern user interface with excellent mobile experience
+ Strong customer support with dedicated implementation specialists
+ Comprehensive all-in-one platform reduces need for multiple vendors
+ Robust reporting and analytics capabilities with customizable dashboards

Cons

- Pricing can be higher compared to some competitors, especially for smaller businesses
- Implementation process can be lengthy and complex for larger organizations
- Some advanced features require additional fees or higher-tier plans