Item: GoCo
Rating: 9.1
Author: Skye Schooley

GoCo Editor’s Score: 8.9/10

Price/value	9.2/10
Features	8.7/10
Customizations, add-ons and integrations	8.2/10
Ease of use	9.1/10
Customer support	9.1/10

Why We Chose GoCo for Custom Workflows

When we tested the GoCo platform, we loved how easy it was to simplify HR processes with the software’s workflow automation function. You can automate essentially any HR process, which can save your business significant time and money in the long run. For example, you can quickly bring on new hires with onboarding checklist workflows. With these checklists, onboarding tasks and their deadlines are assigned automatically, automated reminders are sent to relevant individuals and teams have a clear view of what is coming next. We especially like that onboarding can also be streamlined with new-hire orientation workflows; in addition to automatically pushing new hires through the orientation process, the software lets you track the status and assignment of each orientation task.

You can automate employee onboarding easily with custom workflows. Source: GoCo

With GoCo, you can automate HR processes for your current employees as well. For instance, you can create workflows for travel, promotion and equipment requests. Not all of GoCo’s competitors offer these automation options, which is one of the reasons it stands out for businesses prioritizing custom workflows. Plus, if you want to track employee performance and productivity, you can create workflows for performance reviews and employee surveys, though these features are on par with industry standards.

Although it can be tough to say goodbye to an employee, some terminations are inevitable. We like that GoCo simplifies the exit process with workflows for this task as well. You can automate administrative offboarding tasks, ensure the departing team member gets the necessary documents, organize critical information in one location and easily track offboarding progress.

Tip

Streamlining HR processes with custom workflows not only frees up your staff to focus on other tasks but can also help you maintain accuracy and legal compliance.

What We Like About GoCo

GoCo makes the employee hiring and onboarding process extremely efficient.
Once the platform is implemented, it’s easy to navigate.
You can create custom workflows to streamline the termination process, performance management and travel and promotion requests.

What We Don’t Like About GoCo

GoCo integrates with relatively few third-party applications.
The vendor doesn’t offer a free trial.

Ease of Use

GoCo is a web-based platform, so it’s easily accessible from any computer or smart device. It also has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, which is ideal for on-the-go team members. We like that the software boasts several self-service functions that conveniently give employees more control over their HR information.

Staffers can sign digital HR documents, download their pay stubs, view company directories and organizational charts and request paid time off (PTO) all through this one system. Managers have that same functionality, as well as the ability to approve timesheets and time-off requests and give team feedback.

When we tested GoCo, it was a breeze to set up new employees within the payroll system. GoCo offers a helpful onboarding wizard that collects vital employee information, like direct deposit details, W-4 withholdings and benefit enrollment deductions.

Features

One of the best things about GoCo is that the plans are customizable. Each package includes the essential hiring and onboarding features you’d expect with HR software, but you can add other valuable functions as needed, such as payroll processing, time tracking and automated workflows. Here’s an overview of some key features and tools GoCo offers.

Recruiting and Onboarding

There are several ways GoCo can help you hire and onboard employees. The software integrates with JazzHR, a comprehensive applicant tracking system and provides essential recruiting and onboarding tools, such as customizable offer letters, new-hire packets, checklists, e-signing capabilities, self-service onboarding, benefits previews and onboarding task assignments. [E-signing is a useful tool for distributed workforces and paperless offices.]

What most impressed us about GoCo in this area is how many aspects of hiring and onboarding it can automate and streamline, saving small businesses countless hours. You and your team can build HR workflows simply by creating templates and assigning tasks. You can also automate functions such as onboarding and offboarding checklists and new-hire orientation. We found GoCo’s workflow automation features particularly helpful in ensuring I-9 and W-4 compliance.

GoCo onboarding screen

You can create automated onboarding tasks with deadlines. Source: GoCo

Time and Attendance

To further streamline your HR processes via GoCo, you can add time-and-attendance features that allow you to track employee hours and time-off accruals, requests, approvals and balances. You can create company holiday schedules and custom PTO policies that automatically sync with your calendars. Employees can clock in and out and submit timesheets, giving managers the option to approve those hours.

Another great automation feature GoCo offers is automatic overtime calculation, although this function is somewhat common among HR platforms we reviewed. This tool helps ensure you pay your employees accurately and fairly for their hours worked, which is essential to your business’s legal compliance. [Prefer a standalone time-tracking service? Consider these top time and attendance software options.]

GoCo overtime pay

GoCo can calculate overtime pay automatically. Source: GoCo

Payroll

Many HR software providers have only one of two solutions for payroll processing: You can either use their proprietary payroll software or integrate the platform with highly rated third-party payroll software (such as Intuit QuickBooks). Impressively, GoCo gives you both options. You can sync the system with your current cloud-based payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, etc.) or use GoCo’s embedded payroll option, Execupay. Very few competitors offer this level of payroll flexibility and it can be a valuable feature for employers. [Are you looking for HR software with more in-house payroll options? Check out our review of Gusto.]

Both of GoCo’s payroll options include access to automated features like new-hire setup, benefits deductions, paycheck calculations, time tracking and PTO management. If you use Execupay (the embedded option), you have automatic access to payroll data within GoCo. There is also unified HR and payroll support, and you’ll be assigned a single payroll login for your company.

FYI

Taking advantage of an automatically synchronized HR system is worthwhile because it cuts down on the human error you’re likely to get from manual data entry.

Benefits Administration

Although GoCo is not a benefits broker, it can connect you with experienced benefits professionals who can help you create an employee benefits package that fits your company’s needs. You can team up with any carrier and then GoCo can help you implement the benefits and facilitate self-service benefits enrollment for your employees. This is comparable to what other HR solutions offer.

GoCo mobile app

Employees can manage their benefits via computer or through the GoCo mobile app. Source: GoCo

Performance Management

Team leaders can manage employee performance with GoCo’s automated performance review workflows. These ensure reviews are automatically conducted regularly, keep your teams in sync and allow you to track and report progress. You can even set triggers to send automatic follow-ups when needed. We found GoCo’s performance management features to be competitive with other HR software we evaluated, though our review of BambooHR and our review on Monday.com explain why those rival platforms are especially well suited for employers prioritizing performance management tools.

GoCo performance metrics and reporting

GoCo makes it easy to track employee performance metrics. Source: GoCo

Legal Compliance

GoCo’s automated workflows also help you comply with federal and state employment laws. For example, the software can automatically detect and apply federal and state laws to your tax withholdings, send I-9 and W-4 forms to new hires and digitally store and organize your essential documents. GoCo even helps your company comply with regulations such as the Affordable Care Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and COBRA insurance. [Learn how to respond to an I-9 audit.]

GoCo Pricing and Terms

GoCo is priced on a monthly, per-employee basis, which is similar to other HR systems we reviewed. Plans start at $5 per employee, per month, and include hiring and onboarding features, employee self-service capabilities and Magic Docs — the ability to convert documents into forms that can be electronically signed. Notably, this base fee is one of the lowest rates we found in our investigation of HR software.

You can customize your GoCo software package to include additional features, like payroll processing, employee benefits administration, PTO management, time tracking and HR workflows. These functions cost extra, but a GoCo representative will work with you to assess your needs and generate a custom quote. Choosing an annual or multiyear contract can save you up to 20 percent.

Did You Know?

Although GoCo doesn’t offer a free trial, you can see the software’s features in action by taking a free product tour with preloaded data.

Implementation and Onboarding

Because GoCo offers custom HR workflows, it can take a while to set up the software for your company’s specific needs and desires. However, we appreciate that vendor representatives will work with users to get the system up and running and teach them how to navigate it. Although the implementation may cost you some time upfront, it can save you a lot of time in the long run when it comes to efficiently managing standard HR procedures, such as onboarding new employees.

GoCo’s Customer Support

GoCo representatives are available by phone and email, which is comparable to the customer service options competitors offer. However, we like that you can also add on-demand HR support to your plan. This feature allows you to live chat with HR professionals who can give you valuable advice on various HR matters, such as customizing your policies and employee handbook or creating accurate job descriptions. You also get access to quarterly harassment training, best-practice guides, policy library templates, HR forms and training videos.

GoCo’s website features a blog, webinars and e-books as well as a searchable knowledge base that can be used to find answers to common questions. An HR glossary is useful for ensuring comprehension of key terms.

FYI

GoCo’s customer service team is known for providing quick and helpful support.

Limitations

One potential downside of GoCo is that it doesn’t support as many third-party integrations as a lot of its rivals do. However, the platform is comprehensive enough on its own that this lack of integrations doesn’t typically present a barrier to use. Plus, GoCo does integrate with many cloud-based payroll systems, as well as other platforms and solutions, including Execupay, JazzHR, Slack and Checkr. That said, if you’re looking for HR software that can integrate with hundreds of other applications, check out our review of Rippling.

Another drawback is GoCo’s software load time. While we didn’t experience this ourselves when we tested the product, some customer reviews mention that there can be occasional usage delays when navigating the system. The lag time is not so frequent or lengthy that it disrupts workflow, but it can be frustrating for users who expect everything to load immediately.

Methodology

We investigated and analyzed dozens of HR systems to determine the best HR software on the market. We examined pricing, contracts, usability, recruiting and onboarding capabilities, employee benefits administration, time-tracking features, payroll processing, performance management tools, reports, integrations, legal compliance assistance and customer service. We also watched product videos and participated in demos when possible.

To find the best HR software for businesses seeking custom workflows, we focused on features like automation tools, workflow customization options, onboarding and implementation functions, usability and reporting. Learn more about the core functions of HR software.

FAQs

What is a GoCo system?

GoCo is a full-service HR software that helps you recruit and onboard new employees, track employee hours and performance, process payroll and administer employee benefits. The system also has features to help you automate and streamline your HR functions, as well as stay compliant with federal and state employment laws.

Is GoCo payroll free?

No, GoCo’s base plan does not include payroll for free. You can add on GoCo’s payroll service for an additional fee or you can integrate GoCo with a third-party payroll provider.

Bottom Line

We recommend GoCo for …

Businesses that want to automate their HR processes with custom workflows.
Companies that want a solid software solution for employee onboarding.
Organizations looking for HR software with excellent customer support.

We don’t recommend GoCo for …

Businesses that need an HR system that can integrate with hundreds of other platforms.
Companies that prefer a quick implementation process.

GoCo HR Review and Pricing

GoCo HR and Pricing

The Verdict