Running a small or medium-sized business comes with plenty of challenges – and HR shouldn’t be one of them.
From recruitment and onboarding to holiday and absence management, HR tasks can quickly consume valuable time. That’s why HR Surgery partners with Breathe, an all-in-one HR software platform designed to make HR easier, faster, and more efficient for SMEs.
Why HR software matters
The right HR system does more than store employee records – it helps your business operate smoothly. With an intuitive platform, you can:
- Reduce administrative workload: Automate holiday requests, absence tracking, and document management.
- Keep data secure and compliant: Store employee information safely in one centralised, GDPR-compliant system.
- Make informed decisions: Access real-time insights to guide HR and business strategies.
- Empower your team: Let employees manage their own requests, freeing up managers’ time.
For SMEs with limited HR resources, these advantages can directly impact productivity, efficiency, and employee satisfaction.
Breathe: HR software designed for SMEs
Trusted by over 15,000 UK businesses, Breathe HR software is built specifically for small and medium-sized organisations. Its modern, user-friendly platform helps businesses simplify everyday HR tasks and improve team efficiency.
With Breathe, your business can:
- Streamline HR processes: Reduce manual work and automate routine tasks.
- Centralise employee information: Keep all documents, records, and communications in one secure place.
- Simplify holiday and absence management: Employees submit requests online, managers approve quickly.
- Enhance efficiency for everyone: Fewer errors, faster approvals, and more time to focus on strategic priorities.
Actionable tips for SMEs using HR software
Implementing HR software is only half the battle – here are some practical ways to get the most from your system:
- Set up automated reminders: Use Breathe to remind employees about upcoming deadlines, mandatory training, or probation reviews.
- Create digital onboarding checklists: Streamline new hire setup, ensuring all forms and training modules are completed on time.
- Regularly audit HR data: Schedule monthly checks to ensure records are up to date and accurate, helping with compliance and reporting.
- Empower employees: Encourage your team to update personal details, request leave, and view payslips through the platform, reducing HR queries.
- Use insights to plan ahead: Analyse absence patterns, recruitment timelines, and team workloads to make better business decisions.
How HR Surgery supports you
We don’t just recommend HR software – we guide you through setup, implementation, and ongoing management. HR Surgery consultants help you choose the right features, implement the system smoothly, and support your team every step of the way.
Exclusive for HR Surgery clients:
- 1-month free trial – longer than Breathe’s standard trial.
- Flexible, commitment-free plans starting from £24 per month + VAT for 1–10 employees.
Our goal is to help you make the most of your HR software investment, improving efficiency while keeping your team happy and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Breathe suitable for small businesses?
A: Yes! Breathe is designed specifically for SMEs, with plans that scale from 1 to hundreds of employees.
Q: Can I manage holidays and absences easily?
A: Absolutely. Employees can submit requests online, and managers can approve them in seconds, reducing admin work.
Q: Is my HR data secure?
A: Breathe stores all data centrally and GDPR-compliantly, so sensitive information is protected.
Q: Do I need to make a long-term commitment?
A: No. HR Surgery clients can try Breathe free for one month and then continue on flexible, monthly plans.
Q: Can HR Surgery help with setup and training?
A: Yes. Our consultants guide you through setup, provide training, and offer ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition.
Get started today
Investing in HR software is investing in your business. With Breathe and HR Surgery, you can simplify HR processes, reduce admin, and gain better insight into your workforce.
Take the hassle out of HR. Contact us today to start your free trial and see how Breathe can transform the way your business manages HR.





