Who can use this feature?

Account administrators, Employee data full permissions

Available on:

All Culture Amp subscriptions.

You can integrate Culture Amp with your HRIS to automatically sync data between the two platforms. This page has everything you need to know about setting up a native HRIS, API, or SFTP integration.

Benefits of an HRIS / SFTP Integration

Good insights start with good data. While you can manually import data using an XLSX or CSV document, we strongly recommend an integration because it:

Automates Lifecycle surveys: New hires or exists are detected automatically.
Maintains Data Accuracy: Your demographics stay current without manual intervention.
Builds Organizational Hierarchy: Reporting lines are updated daily for leader-based reporting.
Decentralizes Management: Share the workload of collecting feedback across the org.

Choosing the Right Integration Path

Before you begin, use the table below to compare how data flows and how deactivations are handled for each method.

Method	Type of Import	Best For	Key Difference (Deactivations)
Native Integration	Full Import	Organizations with supported HRIS (Workday, BambooHR, etc.) seeking ease of use.	Automated. If a user is removed from the HRIS entirely (without an End Date), they are deactivated as a former employee when the data syncs.
API Integration	Full Import	Organizations for supported HRIS seeking real-time automation for ADP, UKG, SAP, and others.	Trigger-based. Users with an End Date are deactivated as former employees when the data syncs. Users removed without an End Date stay "Active" until a manual sync.
SFTP	Partial Import	Organizations requiring granular control over file filtering or using an unsupported HRIS.	Explicit. Users missing from the file are ignored (staying "Active"). Users are only deactivated as if an explicit End Date is provided in the file.

Integration Options

Native Integrations

We offer built-in, direct integrations with several major providers. These are managed entirely within the Culture Amp platform. Setting these up may require assistance from your HRIS Admin or IT Team.

API

API integrations automate your data sync via a direct connection between systems. While these integrations are powerful, they often require technical coordination with your IT department or HRIS consultant to handle the report prerequisites and authentication.

Before selecting an API integration, we recommend reviewing the specific guide for your provider. Each article contains key details on Project Planning & Timelines, Data Limitations, and Permissions to help you make an informed decision.

Note: If you're using an API integration, email alerts for sync issues (like blocked imports) aren't currently supported. We recommend regularly reviewing your Import History to stay on top of any sync errors.

SFTP Integrations

If your HRIS is not supported via Native or API options, you can instead use Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). This method is highly flexible and allows you to "push" data from your HRIS to Culture Amp.

Setting up SFTP requires a technical "handshake" (SSH Keys) and will likely require assistance from your IT Team. We have successfully established automated SFTP connections for the following providers.

ADP
HiBob
SAP SuccessFactors
Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG)
Paylocity
Rippling
TriNet

Please see our SFTP article for specific lead times and technical requirements for these systems.

My HRIS is not on this list. Does it support SFTP?

If your specific HRIS isn't listed, you may still automate your data sync via a custom SFTP connection (using clients like FileZilla or WinSCP).

To confirm compatibility, ask your HRIS representative if their system meets these three requirements:

File Generation: Can they send a file of all employee data to a custom server? (See our Template for column recommendations).
Format: Can they send CSV (UTF-8 encoded with comma separators) or XLSX?
Security: Can they authenticate via OpenSSH key pairs? Note: We do not support password-only or SSH2 key methods for authentication.

If your provider confirms these requirements, an Account Administrator can initiate the setup by following the steps in our Sync HRIS Data via SFTP article.

Changing HRIS Integrations

Before you disconnect: We strongly recommend contacting Culture Amp Support before deleting an active integration. Switching systems or changing report sources (like a new API key) can lead to mismatched data, which may trigger accidental employee deactivations or create duplicate profiles.

If you are ready to proceed after consulting with a specialist, follow these steps:

Delete Your Current Integration: Go to Settings > Account > Integrations > Configure > Delete. Note: Deleting the integration connection will not remove any existing employee data from Culture Amp.
Set Up the New Integration: Select your new HRIS and follow the prompts.
Review the Import Summary: This is the most critical step. Before you click "Apply," carefully review the "Deactivated" and "New" counts.
- If the "Deactivated" count is unexpectedly high, do not sync.
- Reach out to a specialist to confirm the data mapping is correct before finalizing the import.

FAQs

Question	Answer
Can we run two HRIS integrations simultaneously?	No. You cannot combine two Native/API integrations, nor can you combine a Native/API sync with an SFTP sync. However, you can have two different HRIS systems send files to our SFTP server simultaneously; they will both be processed as partial imports using a shared SSH key.
Is a test environment available for Employee Integrations?	We do not offer a separate test environment. Detecting live changes (hires/terminations) is difficult to replicate in a static setup. Instead, we recommend testing in production via: Reduced test population: Sync a small, controlled subset of data. Manual Import Preview: Upload your file via Users > Import & Export. You can reach the "Review Import Summary" stage to see changes before you click "Apply."
Can we still do manual imports if using an HRIS or API integration?	Absolutely. This is useful for adding custom demographics your HRIS doesn't support. Important: If you manually add users, they will be deactivated during the next sync unless they also exist in your HRIS file. Demographics added manually will stay in the platform and will not be removed by the sync.
How can I update the email for blocked user syncs?	Blocked user sync notifications are sent to the email listed under Account > Integrations. To update this, click Configure > Edit, change the Email Address, and click Save.