Breathe HR vs HR365 HRMS: Which HR Software Is Better for Your Organization?
- Breathe HR is a cloud-based HR platform designed mainly for small and medium businesses looking for core HR management capabilities.
- HR365 HRMS is a Microsoft 365-native HR solution built for organizations using SharePoint, Teams, and Microsoft Power Platform.
- HR365 HRMS provides deeper Microsoft ecosystem integration, workflow customization, and enterprise-focused HR management capabilities.
- The right choice depends on your organization’s size, technology environment, HR requirements, and need for customization.
Choosing the right HR software can become difficult when organizations outgrow spreadsheets, disconnected tools, and manual HR processes. Breathe HR and HR365 HRMS both help businesses manage employee information, but they are built for different workplace environments.
This comparison explains the differences between Breathe HR vs HR365 HRMS, including features, integrations, pricing, automation capabilities, and which solution fits different organizational needs.
Breathe HR vs HR365 HRMS: At a Glance
Organizations usually start searching for HR software when employee records become difficult to manage, approvals take too long, and HR teams spend more time handling administration than supporting employees.
Category | Breathe HR | HR365 HRMS |
Best For | Small and medium businesses | SMBs & Organizations using Microsoft 365 |
Employee Database | ✔ | ✔ |
Leave Management | ✔ | ✔ |
Employee Onboarding | Available | Advanced workflow-based onboarding |
Performance Management | Available | Goal, review, feedback, and appraisal management |
Microsoft 365 Integration | Limited | Native SharePoint, Teams, Outlook integration |
Workflow Customization | Limited | Highly configurable workflows |
AI Capabilities | Basic automation capabilities | AI-powered HR insights and automation options |
Enterprise Scalability | Suitable for SMBs | Designed for SMBs & growing organizations |
The biggest difference between Breathe HR and HR365 HRMS is not only the features they provide, but where those features operate. Breathe HR works as an independent HR application, while HR365 HRMS works inside the Microsoft ecosystem many organizations already depend on.
What Is Breathe HR?
Breathe HR is a cloud-based human resource management platform designed to help small and medium-sized businesses manage employee information and everyday HR activities.
The platform focuses on replacing manual HR administration with digital employee records, absence tracking, performance management, and reporting tools.
Breathe HR is commonly used by companies that need a straightforward HR system without complex enterprise requirements.
Key Features of Breathe HR
Breathe HR provides several HR management capabilities, including:
- Employee records management
- Holiday and absence tracking
- Performance reviews
- Employee self-service
- Document storage
- HR reporting
- Recruitment support
- Custom HR workflows
For many small businesses, Breathe HR helps create a central location for employee information. Instead of maintaining multiple spreadsheets for employee details, leave balances, and review notes, HR teams can access information through one platform.
However, as organizations grow, they often require deeper integrations with existing workplace systems. Companies already using Microsoft 365 may face challenges when their HR system operates separately from their daily collaboration tools.
What Is HR365 HRMS?
HR365 HRMS is a Microsoft 365-based human resource management solution designed to help organizations manage employee lifecycle processes within their existing Microsoft environment.
HR365 HRMS works with Microsoft SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, and Power Platform to provide HR capabilities without requiring organizations to move employee data into another external system.
Key Features of HR365 HRMS
HR365 HRMS supports various HR functions, including:
- Employee information management
- Digital employee directory
- Employee onboarding workflows
- Leave and absence management
- Performance management
- Training and learning management
- HR dashboards and reporting
- Automated approval workflows
- Microsoft Teams integration
A common challenge organizations face is forcing employees to adopt another platform for basic HR activities. Employees already spend their working hours inside Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Microsoft 365 applications.
Breathe HR vs HR365 HRMS: Feature Comparison
Hiring and Onboarding
Employee onboarding is often where HR teams experience the first signs of process problems. A new hire may need documents, equipment, system access, training, and introductions across multiple departments.
Breathe HR provides HR functionality that supports employee information and onboarding activities. However, organizations requiring complex onboarding workflows may need additional customization or connected tools.
HR365 HRMS provides workflow-driven onboarding designed around Microsoft 365. HR teams can assign onboarding tasks, involve multiple stakeholders, track completion, and maintain onboarding records within the Microsoft environment.
Learning and Training
Employee development has become an important part of workforce management. Organizations need visibility into employee skills, training completion, and development progress.
Breathe HR provides HR records and performance-related features, but learning management capabilities may require additional solutions.
HR365 HRMS supports employee development through integrated HR processes. Organizations can connect training activities, employee profiles, performance goals, and development plans.
Time and Leave Tracking
Managing employee leave manually often creates errors. HR teams may spend hours checking balances, approving requests, and updating records.
Breathe HR provides holiday and absence management features that allow employees to request leave and managers to approve requests.
HR365 HRMS provides leave management with Microsoft-based workflows, approval processes, and employee self-service capabilities.
HR Task Automation
HR teams often lose valuable time managing repetitive administrative activities such as approval reminders, employee updates, document collection, and status tracking.
Breathe HR provides automation features for several HR processes, helping businesses reduce manual administration. However, organizations with complex workflows may require additional tools or integrations to handle department-specific requirements.
HR365 HRMS focuses on workflow automation within Microsoft 365. Since it works with SharePoint and Power Platform capabilities, organizations can create customized HR workflows based on their internal processes.
AI Capabilities
Artificial intelligence is becoming an important part of modern HR technology. Organizations are using AI to improve decision-making, identify workforce trends, and reduce administrative work.
Breathe HR provides digital HR management capabilities but has limited AI-focused functionality compared with Microsoft ecosystem-based solutions.
HR365 HRMS can support AI-powered HR experiences by working with Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft Copilot capabilities where applicable.
AI should not replace HR decision-making. Instead, it should help HR teams spend less time searching for information and more time focusing on employees.
Microsoft 365 Integration
Microsoft integration is one of the biggest differences between Breathe HR and HR365 HRMS.
Many organizations already use Microsoft 365 for email, collaboration, identity management, and document storage. When HR software exists separately, employees may need to switch between multiple platforms.
Microsoft Capability | Breathe HR | HR365 HRMS |
SharePoint integration | No native integration | ✔ |
Microsoft Teams integration | Limited | ✔ |
Outlook workflow support | Limited | ✔ |
Microsoft identity integration | Limited | ✔ |
Microsoft security framework | External platform security | Microsoft 365 security model |
Similarly, HR documents can remain within the organization’s Microsoft environment rather than being managed separately.
Which HR Software Is Better for Your Organization?
The best HR software depends on your current technology environment, workforce size, and HR complexity.
Breathe HR may work well for organizations looking for a dedicated HR platform with standard HR features.
HR365 HRMS may be a better choice for organizations already invested in Microsoft 365 and looking for a flexible HR management solution connected with their existing workplace tools.
Choose Breathe HR If:
- You Need a Simple HR Platform
Breathe HR can be suitable for small businesses that mainly need employee records, absence management, and basic HR administration.
- Your HR Processes Are Standard
Organizations with straightforward HR workflows may not need extensive customization.
- You Prefer a Standalone HR Application
If your business does not depend heavily on Microsoft 365 applications, a separate HR platform may meet your requirements.
- Your Workforce Size Is Small to Medium
Small businesses often need essential HR capabilities without complex enterprise workflows.
- You Need Basic Employee Self-Service
Employees can access important HR information without depending completely on HR teams.
- You Want Quick Deployment
Organizations looking for a traditional cloud HR setup may find standalone platforms easier to implement.
- You Have Limited Integration Requirements
If HR does not need to connect with other business systems, Breathe HR may provide sufficient functionality.
Choose HR365 HRMS If:
- Your Organization Uses Microsoft 365
HR365 HRMS is designed for companies already using Microsoft technologies across departments.
- You Want HR Processes Inside Microsoft Teams
Employees and managers can access HR activities through familiar Microsoft tools.
- You Need Custom HR Workflows
Organizations with different approval structures, departments, and locations can configure processes according to their requirements.
- You Want Better Employee Lifecycle Management
HR365 HRMS supports processes from onboarding to performance management and employee development.
- You Need Enterprise-Level Flexibility
Growing organizations often require HR systems that adapt as processes become more complex.
- You Want Microsoft Security and Identity Management
HR365 HRMS benefits from Microsoft 365 authentication, permissions, and security capabilities.
- You Need Better Integration With Existing Business Tools
Organizations can connect HR activities with their Microsoft environment instead of maintaining isolated systems.
- You Want AI-Ready HR Operations
Organizations exploring AI-based HR insights can benefit from Microsoft ecosystem capabilities.
Is HR365 HRMS Better Than Breathe HR?
HR365 HRMS can be a better choice than Breathe HR for organizations that rely on Microsoft 365 and need more than basic HR administration.
The key difference is the foundation behind each platform. Breathe HR operates as an independent HR system, while HR365 HRMS is built around Microsoft technologies that many organizations already use.
HR365 HRMS can be a better choice for Microsoft 365 organizations because it helps:
- Connect HR processes with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 tools.
- Reduce the need to switch between separate platforms for daily HR activities.
- Improve employee access to HR services through familiar workplace applications.
- Automate HR approvals, notifications, and employee lifecycle workflows.
- Keep employee information organized within the Microsoft 365 environment.
- Support customized HR processes based on departments, roles, and business requirements.
- Provide a scalable HR solution that grows with changing organizational needs.
- Enable AI-ready HR operations through Microsoft ecosystem capabilities.
Conclusion
Breathe is a capable cloud HR platform with strong SME positioning, clear pricing, employee self-service, performance tools, holiday management, optional recruitment, UK learning content, and API connections. It is attractive when a business wants focused HR software without rebuilding its wider technology environment.
HR365 HRMS is stronger when HR should operate as part of Microsoft 365. Connections with SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, Power Automate, Power BI, Copilot, and Azure OpenAI create a path to connect employee records with familiar workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses?
Breathe is designed for small and midsize businesses with employee-band pricing and optional add-ons. HR365 HRMS can also support small businesses, but its advantage grows when the company relies heavily on Microsoft 365 and wants HR processes connected there.
Does Breathe HR include recruitment?
Breathe offers recruitment tracking as an add-on for applicant tracking and job-posting analysis. HR365 HRMS includes recruitment management in its broader platform and lists AI-supported recruitment capabilities.
Does HR365 HRMS support learning and employee training?
Yes. HR365 HRMS includes learning features for courses and progress tracking. Breathe offers learning through its Learn add-on and provides more than 100 UK-specific courses for organizations seeking ready-made training content.
Which platform has stronger AI features?
Breathe promotes an early-access AI assistant for employee questions based on company policies. HR365 HRMS lists AI support across onboarding, recruitment, leave, timesheets, expenses, employee summaries, and performance. Choose based on whether you need policy Q&A or assistance across multiple HR workflows.
Why is Microsoft 365 integration is important?
Microsoft 365 integration can reduce context switching when employees already use Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and Power Platform tools. It can also connect documents, notifications, approvals, reporting, and HR requests. For Microsoft-centered organizations, HR365 HRMS makes that environment part of the HR operating model.
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