Factorial Review: All-in-One HR Platform for European SMBs

Our Full Review

Factorial is a Barcelona-based HR platform that's rapidly gaining traction across Europe. Founded in 2016, it's positioned as the all-in-one HR solution for European SMBs—combining HRIS, time tracking, recruiting, payroll, and performance management at a compelling price point.

After testing Factorial across multiple European implementations, our verdict: it's the best value all-in-one HR platform for EU-based companies, especially those in Spain, UK, France, and Germany where compliance features are strongest.

Who Should Use Factorial?

• European SMBs (20-500 employees) needing comprehensive HR software
• Multi-country European companies with employees across EU states
• Budget-conscious HR teams wanting enterprise features at SMB prices
• Growing companies consolidating HR, time tracking, and recruiting tools

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

• US-based companies — limited US payroll and compliance features
• Global companies outside EU — strongest in Europe, weaker elsewhere
• Very small teams (<15) — might be overkill, simpler tools exist
• Companies needing extensive integrations — ecosystem smaller than US platforms

Core HR Features

Factorial covers comprehensive HRIS functionality:

• Employee database — centralized records with custom fields and document storage
• Org charts — visual hierarchy with department filtering
• Employee portal — self-service for employees to update info, request PTO
• Time off management — configurable policies, accrual rules, approval workflows
• Document management — contracts, policies, personal documents with e-signatures
• Onboarding/offboarding — task lists, welcome messages, equipment tracking

Time & Attendance

Built-in time tracking is a standout feature:

• Clock in/out via web, mobile app, or tablet kiosk
• Shift scheduling and management
• Overtime calculation and tracking
• Break tracking and meal period compliance
• Geolocation check-ins for remote/field workers
• Manager approval of timesheets

This eliminates the need for separate time tracking tools—it's all integrated with employee records and payroll.

Payroll Integration

Factorial offers payroll services in key European markets:

• Spain: Full native payroll with social security filings
• UK: PAYE payroll with HMRC integration
• France: Payroll with URSSAF compliance
• Germany: Payroll with statutory deductions
• Other EU countries: Integrations with local payroll providers

Payroll is an add-on service (additional cost), but having it integrated with your HRIS data streamlines the entire process.

Applicant Tracking (ATS)

Factorial includes recruiting features:

• Job posting to multiple boards and careers page
• Candidate pipeline with drag-and-drop stages
• Resume parsing and candidate scoring
• Interview scheduling with calendar sync
• Collaborative hiring (feedback, notes, scorecards)
• Offer letters with e-signature
• Seamless transition from candidate to employee

The ATS is solid for basic-to-moderate hiring needs. Not as powerful as dedicated ATS platforms, but sufficient for most SMBs.

Performance Management

Performance features are included (not an add-on):

• Customizable review cycles (annual, quarterly, etc.)
• Self, manager, and peer assessments
• 360-degree feedback
• Goal setting and tracking (OKRs, personal goals)
• Continuous feedback and 1-on-1 notes
• Performance analytics and reports

More comprehensive than BambooHR's performance module at the base price. Good value.

Employee Experience

Factorial provides a clean employee portal:

• Mobile app for iOS and Android
• Request PTO and view balances
• Clock in/out and view timesheets
• Access payslips and tax documents
• Update personal information
• View company directory and org chart

Employees appreciate the self-service capabilities—reduces HR admin burden significantly.

Reporting & Analytics

Factorial offers solid reporting:

• Pre-built reports for common HR metrics
• Custom report builder
• Absenteeism and attendance reports
• Turnover and retention analysis
• Headcount and demographic reports
• Export to Excel for further analysis

Not as visually sophisticated as HiBob's analytics, but functionally complete.

Integrations

Integration ecosystem is growing but smaller than US platforms:

• Payroll: Local providers in each European market
• Accounting: Sage, Xero, QuickBooks
• Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams
• SSO: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Okta
• API: RESTful API for custom integrations

Fewer native integrations than BambooHR, but the API is well-documented.

Pricing

Factorial's transparent pricing is refreshing:

Core Plan: €4/employee/month (annual)

• Employee database and org charts
• Time off management
• Document management with e-signatures
• Employee portal and mobile app
• Basic reporting

Plus Plan: €6/employee/month (annual)

• Everything in Core
• Time and attendance tracking
• Shift scheduling
• Advanced reporting
• Performance management

Pro Plan: €8/employee/month (annual)

• Everything in Plus
• Applicant tracking system (ATS)
• Advanced analytics
• Custom workflows and approvals
• Priority support

Payroll: Add-on pricing varies by country (typically €3-6/employee/month)

Example costs:

• 50-employee company on Plus: €300/month (€3,600/year)
• 100-employee company on Pro with payroll: €1,400/month (€16,800/year)

Significantly cheaper than BambooHR or HiBob for comparable features.

GDPR & Compliance

As a European platform, GDPR compliance is built-in:

• Data processing agreements (DPAs) included
• Employee data access and deletion requests
• Audit logs for data access
• EU-based data centers
• Country-specific employment law templates

For EU companies, compliance is simpler with Factorial than adapting US platforms.

The Bottom Line

Factorial offers exceptional value for European SMBs. The combination of HRIS, time tracking, ATS, and performance management at €4-8/employee/month is hard to beat.

The platform is less mature than BambooHR or HiBob—expect occasional rough edges and fewer integrations. But for budget-conscious European companies wanting an all-in-one solution, Factorial delivers.

If you're EU-based, especially in Spain, UK, France, or Germany, Factorial should be on your shortlist. The transparent pricing alone makes it worth evaluating.