Our Full Review
Namely targets the mid-market sweet spot: companies big enough to need real HR infrastructure but not so large they need Workday. It's BambooHR's more serious older sibling—less cute pandas, more compliance documentation.
Who Should Use Namely?
Namely is ideal for:
- Mid-market companies (100-500 employees) who've outgrown Gusto/BambooHR
- Companies in regulated industries (healthcare, finance) needing strong compliance tools
- HR teams wanting comprehensive benefits admin beyond basic payroll deductions
- Growing companies needing performance management and succession planning
- Multi-location businesses with complex org structures
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Companies under 50 employees — Namely is overkill and overpriced (use Gusto or BambooHR)
- Tech startups wanting modern UX — Rippling has a better interface
- Budget-conscious SMBs — You'll pay mid-market prices
- Companies needing IT management — Namely doesn't handle devices/apps (Rippling does)
Core HRIS Features
Namely covers all the HRIS basics:
- Employee database with custom fields and document storage
- Org charts with visual hierarchy and reporting relationships
- Onboarding workflows with e-signatures, I-9 compliance, task assignments
- Offboarding checklists to ensure clean exits
- Employee self-service to update personal info, view paystubs, request time off
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
Payroll
Full-service payroll included:
- Unlimited payroll runs (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, monthly)
- Automatic tax calculations and filings (federal, state, local)
- Direct deposit, paper checks, and pay cards
- Multi-state payroll with no extra charges
- Contractor payments and 1099 filing
- Year-end tax services (W-2s, W-3s, etc.)
- Integration with accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite)
Benefits Administration
This is where Namely really shines:
- Carrier integrations: Direct connections with major health, dental, vision insurers
- Benefits enrollment: Guided decision support for employees during open enrollment
- Benefits marketplace: Shop and compare plans (on higher tiers)
- COBRA administration: Automated notifications and payment tracking
- FSA/HSA management
- 401(k) integrations: Works with major retirement plan providers
- Life/disability insurance administration
- Commuter benefits
For mid-market companies with complex benefits packages, Namely's benefits admin is best-in-class.
Time & Attendance
Built-in time tracking and PTO management:
- Time clock (web, mobile, kiosk mode)
- Timesheets with approval workflows
- PTO accrual with custom policies by role/location
- PTO calendars showing team availability
- Overtime tracking and alerts
- Schedule management (basic—not as robust as 7shifts)
Performance Management
Namely includes performance tools often sold separately:
- Goal setting and tracking (OKRs, SMART goals)
- Performance reviews: 360-degree, manager-only, self-assessments
- Review cycles: Annual, quarterly, or continuous feedback
- Compensation planning: Merit increases tied to performance ratings
- Succession planning: Identify high-potentials and flight risks
Not as feature-rich as dedicated platforms (Lattice, 15Five), but solid for most mid-market needs.
Company Newsfeeds & Culture
Namely has social features many HRIS platforms lack:
- Company newsfeed: Announcements, birthdays, work anniversaries
- Employee recognition: Public shoutouts and peer-to-peer kudos
- Surveys and polls
- Employee directory with photos and contact info
Think of it as a lightweight intranet built into your HRIS.
Compliance & Reporting
Compliance tools for regulated industries:
- State-specific policies and handbooks
- Compliance calendar: Reminders for required filings (EEO-1, VETS-4212, ACA)
- Audit trails for all data changes
- Custom report builder
- Headcount and turnover analytics
- DEI reporting (demographics, pay equity analysis)
Integrations
Namely integrates with major business tools:
- Accounting: QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct
- Benefits: 100+ carriers and benefits providers
- Retirement: Fidelity, Vanguard, Human Interest
- ATS: Greenhouse, Lever (basic)
- Background checks: Checkr, Sterling
Pricing Breakdown
Namely doesn't publish pricing, but expect:
- HR Platform: ~$12-15/employee/month — Core HRIS, onboarding, employee records
- Full Platform: ~$18-25/employee/month — Adds payroll, benefits, time tracking, performance
For a 100-person company on Full Platform: $1,800-2,500/month.
More expensive than BambooHR ($600-800/mo) but you're getting payroll and benefits included.
Implementation fees (one-time): Expect $2,000-5,000 depending on complexity.
Support
Namely's support is a major selling point:
- Dedicated account manager assigned to your company
- HR advisory services (compliance questions, policy advice)
- 24/7 phone and email support
- Implementation and training included
The Bottom Line
Namely is the right choice for mid-market companies (100-500 employees) who want an all-in-one HRIS without stepping up to enterprise software like Workday.
It's more comprehensive than Gusto/BambooHR but less complex (and cheaper) than full enterprise HRIS. The sweet spot is companies that have outgrown simple payroll tools but aren't ready for SAP SuccessFactors.
Strong benefits administration makes it particularly appealing for companies offering comprehensive benefits packages. And the dedicated account manager support is worth paying for if you don't have an internal HR team.
For smaller companies (under 50), it's overkill. But for growing mid-market businesses? Namely delivers.