Workforce Management and HR Software Comparison
The Best Alternative to Citation HR
Looking for a workforce management and HR solution that does more? HR Duo offers an all-in-one platform, combining shift scheduling, time tracking, payroll reporting, and HR tools—without the need for multiple subscriptions.
In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between HR Duo and Citation, showing why HR Duo is the smarter choice for businesses that need seamless operations, HR compliance support, and complete workforce oversight.
Workforce Management
Citation focuses on document storage and basic holiday management. HR Duo offers complete workforce tools like digital rotas, shift scheduling, and real-time time tracking.
Advanced Performance Management
Whilst Citation helps you store records, it lacks real performance management features. HR Duo supports 360 reviews, objectives, and one-to-ones — helping you grow and retain talent.
For Teams on the Move
HR Duo’s mobile app lets employees clock in various ways, swap shifts, manage tasks, and chat with managers. Citation is more limited, focused on approvals and document access.
Project and Subcontractor Tracking
If you work with contractors or have teams across sites, HR Duo gives you tools for task assignment, subcontractor records, and project-based tracking — features that Citation doesn’t offer.
More Flexible, Modular Plans
Citation bundles HR software into fixed legal support packages. HR Duo gives you tools that scale with your needs, whether you’re just starting with workforce management or ready to expand into automated compliance.
End-to-End Automation
HR Duo automates over 80% of repetitive HR tasks – from time tracking to contract signing. Citation still relies on manual steps for some key processes like onboarding and approvals.
HR Duo
That's us!0 /month
Citation (Atlas)
Other Provider8 /month
HR Duo
Citation (Atlas)
Workforce Management
HR Management Software
Disclaimer: We’ve done our best to provide up-to-date and accurate information, as of March 2025, to help you compare your options. HR Duo provides this information to offer general insights and it shouldn’t be taken as professional advice. Some of the competitor data comes from competitor sites with the information they provide as well as platforms like Capterra and G2, and while we trust these sources, we haven’t independently verified every detail. We recommend doing your own research and seeking expert advice before making any big decisions.
Everything you need to manage your workforce
We offer game-changing plans tailored to your specific requirements.
Workforce Management
A core solution to manage your frontline teams, enhance operations, and reduce labour costs.
What's included:
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Time-Tracking
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Digital Rotas
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Shift Scheduling
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Absence Management
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Leave and Holiday
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Payroll Reporting
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Employee Profiles
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Analytics and Reports
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Project Tracking
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Mobile App
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Employee Self-Service
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Geofence Clock-In
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Subcontractor Management
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Skills Matrix
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Task Manager
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Document Storage
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Equipment Tracking
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Permission Groups
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Benefit Recording
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Instant Messaging
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Organisation Charts
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Knowledge Centre
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Platform Support
MoreLess
HR Assist
A one-of-a-kind offering that simplifies your people processes and automates up to 80% of your HR tasks.
What's included:
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Connected Forms
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Model HR Letters
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HR Policy Templates
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Integrated Emails
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Digital Contracts
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Secure E-Signature
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Employee Relations Assistance
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Employee Assistance Programme
EmployPath
Manage your entire employment lifecycle with the tools to help you recruit, engage, and nurture your people.
What's included:
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Applicant Tracking System
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Enhanced Onboarding
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Performance Management
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360 Reviews
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One-to-ones
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Improvement Plans
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Goal & Objective Tracking
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Analytics and Reports
Thinking of combining our plans?
Unlock top-notch workforce automation
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between HR Duo and Citation?
HR Duo supports complex workforce operations:
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Shift planning
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Geofence time-tracking
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Subcontractor and equipment tracking
HR Duo has built-in:
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360 reviews
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One-to-ones
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Goals and improvement plans
HR Duo includes an ATS with automated workflows and onboarding steps. Citation only provides document templates — no recruitment or structured onboarding tools.
HR Duo offers a feature-rich mobile app:
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Clock in/out
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View rotas
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Manage tasks
HR Duo automates HR actions across the employee lifecycle.
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Task assignment
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Action tracking
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Workflow automation
Is HR Duo better for managing shift-based or mobile teams?
Yes. HR Duo is purpose-built for businesses with mobile and shift-based workforces.
It includes:
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Shift scheduling and digital rotas to plan coverage across sites
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Mobile app with geofence-enabled time tracking so employees can clock in/out on location
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Instant messaging for direct team communication
Citation (Atlas) lacks these core features. It focuses on HR documentation rather than daily workforce management, making it less suitable for industries like construction, manufacturing, retail, or logistics.
Does Citation support performance reviews and goal setting?
No, not in a structured way. Citation provides a place to log appraisal outcomes, but it doesn’t support ongoing performance management.
HR Duo includes:
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360-degree feedback
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One-to-one meeting logs
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Performance improvement plans
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Goal and objective tracking with progress metrics
This helps you build a consistent performance culture — not just compliance tick-boxes.
Can Citation be used to manage subcontractors?
No. Citation doesn’t include tools for managing subcontractors.
HR Duo supports subcontractor management, with:
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Individual profiles for external workers
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Task assignment and project links
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Compliance documentation and tracking
If your business relies on external labour, HR Duo provides the structure and visibility Citation can’t.
What kind of onboarding tools do HR Duo and Citation offer?
Citation offers:
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Document distribution
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Form templates (e.g. starter forms, handbooks)
HR Duo goes further with:
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Enhanced onboarding workflows
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Automated task checklists
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Digital contract creation and e-signature
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Custom onboarding journeys by role or department
This saves time and ensures every new hire gets a consistent, well-documented onboarding experience.
Does HR Duo include legal and employee relations support like Citation?
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Model HR letters and templates
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Secure digital contracts
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Integrated email and document sharing
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Employee relations advice from HR experts
