Lean HR
HR Software for Small Business Without Benefits Administration
Updated June 6, 2026
Plenty of small businesses don't manage health benefits in-house and don't want to pay for a benefits-admin module bundled into bloated HR suites. If you just need leave, time, and approvals done well, here's a leaner fit.
Why skip benefits administration?
Many small teams handle benefits through a broker, a PEO, or simply don't offer managed benefits yet. Paying for a heavyweight HRIS that centers on benefits enrollment means buying — and learning — features you'll never touch.
A focused tool keeps the surface small: the things you use daily (time off, approvals, balances, time tracking) without the parts you don't.
What Orvella focuses on instead
Orvella deliberately does a few things thoroughly rather than everything shallowly.
Honest about what it isn't
Orvella does not administer health benefits, run payroll, or handle open enrollment — by design. If that's what you want, a full HRIS or PEO is the right tool. If you want leave and time handled cleanly and cheaply, Orvella fits.
Frequently asked questions
Does Orvella include benefits administration?
No — and that's intentional. Orvella focuses on leave, time, and approvals, so you're not paying for a benefits module you won't use.
Can it still work alongside our benefits broker?
Yes. Orvella handles time off and time tracking; your broker or PEO handles benefits. They don't conflict.
Is it cheaper than a full HRIS?
Generally yes — Orvella starts at $4/user/month with no benefits-admin overhead baked into the price.