“We left for ADP, but it didn’t feel right. We missed the people who actually knew us.”
That’s what one of our longtime clients—a growing restaurant group with 40+ locations—told us after returning to Lift HCM. Tempted by big promises, they made the switch. But it didn’t take long to realize that glossy dashboards and national branding couldn’t replace real relationships, fast answers, and familiar voices who actually pick up the phone.
Because switching payroll providers isn’t just about software—it’s about trust.
Will payroll go out on time? Will someone help when there’s a last-minute correction? Can you count on your provider to care as much as you do?
At Lift HCM, we’ve helped hundreds of small to midsize businesses navigate this choice. And we’ve seen a pattern: while industry giants like ADP offer scale, they often fall short on the one thing growing businesses value most—consistent, human support.
In this guide, we’ll give you a clear, honest look at how Lift HCM compares to ADP across key areas like payroll, HCM features, customer service, pricing, and compliance. No fluff. No fear tactics. Just the information you need to make the right call for your team and your future.
Table of Contents
When comparing payroll and HCM providers, it's important to understand who they are—not just what they offer. Each provider brings a different philosophy, scale, and approach to service.
ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is one of the most well-known names in payroll and human capital management. Founded in 1949, ADP serves over 1 million clients in 140+ countries. Their platform supports everything from small business payroll to enterprise-level workforce solutions. ADP is a publicly traded company with broad capabilities, global reach, and a reputation for reliability.
However, with its scale comes a highly standardized experience. While ADP offers a wide range of tools and integrations, many small and midsize businesses find it difficult to receive personalized support or quick answers.
Key facts about ADP:
Lift HCM is a family-owned, U.S.-based payroll and HCM provider with over 50 years of experience. Founded in 1967, Lift HCM has grown by focusing on long-term relationships over volume. We specialize in helping small to midsize businesses navigate payroll, HR, time tracking, and compliance challenges with tailored support.
While we use powerful technology (including isolved People Cloud), what sets us apart is the service behind the screen. We offer dedicated support, transparent pricing, and proactive compliance help—without making clients feel like just another ticket number.
Key facts about Lift HCM:
Your payroll provider should offer more than features. It should be a true partner in compliance, employee satisfaction, and long-term growth. ADP offers scale and power; Lift HCM offers personalized service and flexibility.
Payroll is more than just issuing paychecks
—it’s about precision, timing, and trust. Both ADP and Lift HCM offer payroll solutions, but the way they deliver those services—and the experience behind them—differs significantly.
ADP’s payroll systems are known for robust automation and integrations, especially in their platforms like RUN (for small businesses) and Workforce Now (for mid-sized companies). They offer:
While these features are useful, ADP’s platforms can feel rigid to smaller organizations. Some users report difficulty making last-minute changes or getting quick help when errors arise.
Lift HCM offers all the essential payroll features—and enhances them with dedicated support and flexibility tailored to your business size and needs. Our services include:
What makes Lift HCM different is that you’re never stuck navigating the platform alone. Need to rerun payroll? Call or email your dedicated support person. Want help adjusting a report? We walk you through it—step by step.
|
Feature |
ADP |
Lift HCM |
|
Automated Payroll |
✅ Available |
✅ Available |
|
Direct Support for Changes |
⚠️ Limited |
✅ Dedicated support |
|
Off-Cycle Payroll |
🚫 Extra fee on many plans |
✅ Included |
|
Real-Time Payroll Preview |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Custom Reporting |
⚠️ Available with upgrade |
✅ Included |
|
Tax Filing in All 50 States |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Ease of Use for SMBs |
⚠️ Some complexity |
✅ Simplified, guided process |
Payroll may be the foundation, but full human capital management (HCM) means supporting your workforce at every stage—recruitment, onboarding, benefits, performance, and beyond. While both ADP and Lift HCM offer HCM solutions, their scope and approach vary.
ADP offers tiered HCM solutions with varying capabilities depending on which product and plan you choose. Their core modules include:
ADP's HCM tools are robust, especially in enterprise and upper-midsize plans. However, users often cite that some features are gated behind higher-cost tiers or integrations, and implementation can feel impersonal due to the scale of the organization.
Lift HCM offers a unified, all-in-one HCM experience powered by isolved People Cloud—but with our hands-on service layered on top. You get:
Learning management system (LMS) for internal training
We take the time to tailor your system to your workflows—not the other way around. From setup to updates, our team is there to help you build a people-first program that grows with you.
|
HCM Function |
ADP |
Lift HCM |
|
Applicant Tracking System (ATS) |
✅ Yes, varies by plan |
✅ Yes, included |
|
Onboarding Tools |
✅ Yes, requires setup |
✅ Yes, customized with support |
|
Benefits Enrollment |
✅ Yes, sometimes third-party |
✅ Yes, with side-by-side views |
|
Performance Management |
✅ Add-on, varies by tier |
✅ Included |
|
Learning Management System |
✅ Add-on via partner platform |
✅ Included |
|
Time & Labor Management |
✅ Yes, with upgrades |
✅ Included with PTO & alerts |
|
HR Support |
⚠️ Tiered access, impersonal |
✅ Direct contact, responsive |
It’s one thing to have great features—it’s another to actually enjoy using them. The day-to-day experience with your payroll and HCM provider can have a major impact on your efficiency, stress levels, and team satisfaction. That experience goes beyond dashboards—it includes training, navigation, support, and responsiveness.
ADP’s platforms like RUN and Workforce Now offer comprehensive functionality but can be overwhelming for first-time users. The user interface has improved in recent years, but the learning curve remains high—especially when managing complex configurations like benefits or tax jurisdictions.
ADP also uses a ticket-based support system, meaning you may speak to different reps each time. For many businesses, this results in frustration and delays when you need quick answers.
ADP User Experience Highlights:
Lift HCM prioritizes simplicity, guidance, and relationship-driven service. While we use isolved People Cloud software—an industry leader in HCM technology—our clients say it’s our support that truly sets the experience apart.
We don’t expect you to know everything. You’ll get live, 1:1 support from the same team throughout your journey—during implementation and beyond. Questions are answered quickly by someone who knows your business, not by a rotating queue of call center reps.
Lift HCM User Experience Highlights:
|
Experience Factor |
ADP |
Lift HCM |
|
Platform Interface |
✅ Modern but complex |
✅ Modern and intuitive |
|
Learning Curve |
⚠️ Steep for SMBs |
✅ Guided onboarding |
|
Consistency of Support |
🚫 Inconsistent, ticket-based |
✅ Dedicated team members |
|
Responsiveness |
⚠️ Varies by account tier |
✅ Quick replies, direct contact |
|
Training & Guidance |
⚠️ Self-serve resources |
✅ Personalized training & demos |
|
Relationship Quality |
🚫 Transactional |
✅ Relational, long-term focused |
Support isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s mission-critical when you’re managing payroll, compliance, or an urgent employee issue. A delayed response can mean missed deadlines, frustrated staff, or even fines. So how do Lift HCM and ADP compare when it comes to being there when you need them most?
ADP operates under a high-volume, national support model. Depending on your service tier, you may get access to different support levels—but in general, help is routed through a call center or online ticket system. Clients often report long wait times, having to repeat their issue to multiple reps, and limited continuity from case to case.
ADP does offer 24/7 support for some plans and has a large help center of self-service resources, which can be helpful for standard issues.
ADP Support Snapshot:
At Lift HCM, every client gets access to a consistent support team who knows their business, preferences, and history. You won’t get passed around or wait days for an answer. We prioritize real-time, human support delivered with empathy and urgency.
Need to process a payroll correction at 4:00 p.m. on a Friday? You can call your account manager directly—no ticket, no escalation, no runaround.
Lift HCM Support Snapshot:
|
Support Feature |
ADP |
Lift HCM |
|
Access to Named Reps |
🚫 No |
✅ Yes |
|
Response Time |
⚠️ Varies widely |
✅ Fast and consistent |
|
Support Channels |
✅ Call, ticket, chatbot |
✅ Call, text, email, live help |
|
Problem Ownership |
🚫 Multiple reps per issue |
✅ Same person follows through |
|
Proactive Outreach |
🚫 Rarely |
✅ Yes, especially on compliance |
|
24/7 Access |
✅ On higher-tier plans |
⚠️ Business hours, with urgency |
When evaluating payroll and HCM providers, price always matters—but clarity matters more. The true cost isn’t just the monthly fee; it’s also the hidden charges, upgrade requirements, and what’s not included until you ask.
ADP’s pricing is not publicly listed and varies based on company size, services selected, and your negotiation power. Most users receive custom quotes—but it's common to experience unexpected charges for add-ons, setup, off-cycle runs, and reports.
Many businesses also find that the base price doesn’t include features they assumed were standard—like PTO tracking, onboarding tools, or year-end forms.
Common ADP Fees Include:
At Lift HCM, we prioritize transparent, up-front pricing. You can see real examples of our pricing models directly on our website. We follow a simple PEPM structure with no surprise fees and no nickel-and-diming for essentials like off-cycle payroll or compliance help.
Our pricing includes:
Lift HCM Pricing Snapshot:
|
Plan Type |
Starting Price (PEPM) |
Included Services |
|
Basic (Standard Payroll Solution) |
$10 PEPM |
Payroll Processing, |
|
Boost (Basic Package + HCM) |
$14 PEPM |
Basic + Time Tracking, |
|
Elevate (Basic + Boost + Compliance) |
$17 PEPM |
Basic Solution Included + |
📌 You can see real examples of our pricing models directly on our website.
Whether you're running a five-person team or planning to scale to 500, your payroll and HCM solution should be able to grow with you. That means flexible features, adaptable workflows, and a partner who understands the evolution of your business.
ADP is built for scale—no question. With separate platforms for different company sizes (e.g., RUN for small businesses and Workforce Now for midsize companies), ADP supports organizations from startup to enterprise. They offer:
However, moving from one ADP platform to another (e.g., from RUN to Workforce Now) isn’t always seamless. Clients often report that data doesn’t transfer cleanly, requiring duplicate work or a full reimplementation. Additionally, as your account grows, your service model may change—and not always for the better.
Lift HCM is designed to grow with you—without making you jump platforms. Whether you start with basic payroll or a full HCM suite, everything lives in one system. We simply unlock more tools as you grow, without disruption.
More importantly, your support team doesn’t change as you expand. We don’t route you to a different service department just because your employee count increased. We stay with you—and adapt with you.
Lift HCM Scalability Benefits:
|
Scalability Factor |
ADP |
Lift HCM |
|
Platform Continuity |
🚫 Multiple platforms |
✅ Single, unified system |
|
Ease of Expansion |
⚠️ Re-implementation may be needed |
✅ Seamless tool activation |
|
Data Transfer Between Products |
🚫 Manual or third-party required |
✅ Native, within same ecosystem |
|
Service Consistency |
🚫 May change with account tier |
✅ Same team supports growth |
|
International Support |
✅ Yes, global options available |
⚠️ U.S.-focused with strong compliance |
Managing payroll and HR comes with serious compliance risks. A missed tax deadline, incorrect classification, or overlooked filing can trigger costly penalties and legal exposure. The right HCM provider should not only help you stay compliant but alert you to risks before they become problems.
ADP offers compliance tools across payroll tax filing, ACA tracking, and wage and hour laws. For larger clients, they provide access to HR compliance portals and legal resources. However, smaller clients may find these tools are either limited or only accessible through paid add-ons.
Support for compliance issues is often reactive rather than proactive. That means if something goes wrong, you may have to catch it yourself—or discover it when a government notice arrives.
ADP Compliance Overview:
At Lift HCM, compliance isn’t just a feature—it’s a built-in part of the relationship. Our team actively monitors tax deadlines, regulatory changes, and employee classification issues. When the laws change, you don’t need to Google—we call you.
We also assist with HR compliance documentation, employee handbooks, new hire notices, and more. Clients receive personal alerts, not just automated notifications.
Lift HCM Compliance Services Include:
|
Compliance Area |
ADP |
Lift HCM |
|
Payroll Tax Filing |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Error Resolution Support |
⚠️ Tiered, often slow |
✅ Direct, fast, accountable |
|
ACA Reporting |
✅ Available, sometimes extra |
✅ Included |
|
PTO & OT Compliance Monitoring |
⚠️ Self-managed in lower tiers |
✅ Supported by experts |
|
Proactive Regulation Alerts |
🚫 Rare |
✅ Yes, with guidance |
|
IRS/State Notice Assistance |
🚫 Self-service |
✅ Handled with you |
Choosing between ADP and Lift HCM comes down to what matters most to your business.
ADP is a powerful, well-established provider with global reach and a wide array of tools. For large organizations with complex needs and in-house HR departments, it can be a great fit—especially if automation and scalability are your top priorities.
But if you’re looking for a provider who knows your name, guides you through every step, and builds solutions around your people—not just your process—Lift HCM may be the better fit.
We believe that payroll and HCM shouldn’t be a transaction—it should be a partnership. At Lift HCM, we offer more than technology. We offer transparency, long-term relationships, and support that grows with you.
Still unsure which provider fits your needs? Let’s talk. At Lift HCM, we’ll walk you through your options—honestly, patiently, and without the pressure. Even if you don’t choose us, we’ll make sure you walk away more informed.
👉 Explore Lift HCM’s Pricing and Services
👉 Schedule a Free Consultation with a Payroll Expert
Lift HCM has been helping businesses like yours for over 50 years. Family-owned, people-focused, and built to grow with you—we’re here when you’re ready.