A work management system can help with scheduling, payroll, business communication, and more. We review the 10 best work management software for 2023.
Managing a team of frontline workers presents unique challenges. Scheduling, project management, payroll, and more need to come together seamlessly.
Fortunately, the best work management systems offer simple but powerful tools for meeting these challenges. No matter your industry, work management software can simplify many of your day-to-day tasks and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
They also offer your employees an easy way to schedule shifts, clock in and out, track their hours, log progress on projects, and communicate with each other and with you.
With so many work management system apps available, it can be difficult to choose the best one. In this guide, we review the 10 best work management software for 2023 to help you decide which is right for you.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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The best software solution for businesses to optimize their work management process
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Good for managing remote teams.
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Good for customization options.
What to Look For in a Work Management System
The best work management software combines everything you need to organize your team in one app. This includes:
Project management tools
Project management tools help your team complete tasks on time and within budget. Projects can be split into individual tasks and assigned out to team members. Checklists help employees know what they need to do on a project, and task reminders keep everyone on track.
Shift scheduling and a time clock
Shift scheduling tools make it easy to create and duplicate schedules, while time clock features let your team start and end their shifts from a mobile device. Connecteam’s time clock, for example, is accurate to the second: You can see exactly when (and where) workers have clocked in and out. This helps reduce costs and time theft, and ensures payroll is always accurate.
Internal communication tools
Internal communication tools, like one-to-one and group chats, make it simple to communicate with your team. Teams can create group chats for different jobs, send and receive important updates, and share important files and work reports.
Simple and intuitive app
97% of Americans own a smartphone, and deskless workforces rely on them almost exclusively. Choose work management software that is simple to use and mobile-friendly. This will allow your team to see their tasks for the day, check their schedule, and communicate with team members and managers, all in one place.
Reporting tools
Reporting tools can give you detailed information about staff schedules, labor costs, time spent on tasks, and more. Reports from the Connecteam app, for example, can be customized to show exactly what you need for payroll, billing, time and attendance, and more. Likewise, employees can submit safety forms, on-site inspections, and other important reports.
The 10 Best Work Management Systems of 2023
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one work management system
Connecteam is an all-in-one solution for managers and business owners. From project management tools to built-in shifting scheduling, Connecteam has everything you need to keep your team running smoothly.
Here are some of Connecteam’s standout features for work management:
Keep everybody on-track with powerful task management
Connecteam offers a wide range of task management tools to ensure tasks and projects are completed on time and within budget. Quickly create or duplicate task lists, or assign tasks to shifts, teams, or individuals. You’ll even receive updates as tasks are completed. You can also enable push notifications, built-in chat groups linked to tasks, and repeating checklists for recurring tasks.
Connecteam also offers a suite of digital forms and checklists that make it simple to monitor progress on tasks and oversee employee activity.
Empower employees with self-serve tools and resources
Connecteam empowers employees to manage their personal data, PTO requests, and sick leave requests. With a manager’s approval, they can even swap shifts with one another right from the app.
Workers also have access to your company knowledge base, where you have unlimited storage for articles, tutorials, instructional guides and videos, policies and guidelines, and more. Likewise, important information can be attached directly to shifts as you create a schedule. When workers clock in for their shifts, they’ll see all the notes, checklists, and documents you’ve chosen to include.
Stay connected with your staff with feature-rich messages and chat groups
Connecteam also offers digital communication tools, such as a built-in chat function, plus an employee directory. The digital chat function has options to mute or delete chats, favorite important chats, prioritize contacts, and more.
Connecteam’s communication tools will ensure that all types of communication in your organization — from horizontal communication within a team to diagonal communication across teams — are streamlined and efficient.
GPS-enabled time clock, accurate down to the second
With Connecteam’s easy-to-use time clock, employees can clock in and out with just one tap. Gt a full overview of who is clocked in at any given time and directly chat with staff that hasn’t arrived to their shift yet.
Time Clock is also GPS-enabled, so you can see exactly where your employees are when they start and end their shifts. Set a geofence around a worksite to restrict employees to only be able to clock in and out when on premise and prevent time theft. Of course, workers’ locations are kept completely private when they’re off the clock.
At the end of the pay period, Connecteam automatically creates timesheets and sends them for manager approval, saving time on payroll and reducing the likelihood of errors.
Save time with drag-and-drop scheduling and templates
Connecteam’s drag-and-drop shift scheduling tool reduces shift scheduling time from hours to minutes. You can also save schedules as templates and create repeating shifts.
Connecteam alerts you of scheduling conflicts and highlights important information like overtime and double-time. It also allows you to easily keep track of vacation days, paid time off, and worker availability. Finally, custom rules help ensure you stay compliant with local and federal laws.
And much, much more…
Connecteam is an all-in-one team management app. In addition to the work management features mentioned above, you get access to outstanding customer support, tools for training and onboarding, surveys and events, and much, much more.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!
Key Features
Cloud-based system
Dedicated support hotline
Easy-to-use app
Pros
Simple user interface
All-in-one solution for project management, chat and HR
Free for teams of up to 10
Compatible with popular payroll providers
Cons
No video conferencing feature yet
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
Monday.com — Good for: Managing remote teams
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Monday.com is a cloud-based work management platform that can be accessed from anywhere. It offers real-time updates from your teams, and provides task organization tools, communication tools, and file-sharing capabilities.
It also uses kanban board organization. Kanban boards let you organize your business’s projects, and allow employees to visualize work tasks and see their progress.
Monday.com offers a 24/7 customer support line, with an average response time of two hours. This level of support can be helpful if you’re a small business or just starting with work management software.
Unfortunately, Monday.com doesn’t have shift scheduling software.
Learn more about Monday.comKey Features
- Kanban boards
- 24/7 support line
- File-sharing capabilities
- Built-in communication tools
Pros
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Sleek user interface
Cons
- No video conferencing software
- No shift scheduling software
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Trello — Good for: Customization options
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Trello is a kanban-board-style task organization tool often used for project management. It’s simple to use and customizable.
With Trello, you can create unlimited project boards, lists, and cards. You can assign cards or tasks to specific workers, and add labels and due dates to tasks. Employees can add comments, attachments, and checklists to cards to help them keep on top of projects.
Trello can be integrated with other project management software, but it’s lacking in some of the more technical aspects of workplace management. Trello doesn’t currently have a shift scheduling tool, a built-in time clock, or any video conferencing tools.
Learn more about TrelloKey Features
- Full integration with other project management software
- Customization options
- Kanban boards
- Task management tools
Pros
- Options to color-code project boards
- Free plan available
Cons
- No employee management features
- No video conferencing tools
Pricing
Starts at $5/user/month Trial: Yes — For Trello Premium Free Plan: Yes
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ClickUp — Good for: Improving team collaboration
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
ClickUp is a cloud-based work management solution that helps teams organize tasks. It offers a variety of features, including task management, time-tracking tools, and kanban boards, to keep you and your team on track.
ClickUp’s built-in communication tools can make it easier for your employees to stay in contact with you and with each other. Teams can use chat features to communicate with one another throughout a project, provide updates on tasks, or ask questions. They can also share files with each other on the go.
ClickUp offers a free version for small teams and individuals, making it a good option for businesses on a budget. You can also use ClickUp’s free trial to help you determine whether the paid version is something your business needs.
Learn more about ClickUpKey Features
- Built-in communication tools
- Kanban boards
- Task management tools
- File-sharing capabilities
Pros
- Free for small teams and individuals
- Data and analytics tools
Cons
- No HR management tools
- No shift scheduling tools
Pricing
Starts at $5/user/month Trial: No Free Plan: Yes
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Wrike — Good for: Internal communication solutions
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Wrike is a project management software app that can improve how your teams work, and help you oversee projects and teams of all sizes.
With Wrike, managing work is simple. You can create task lists, assign projects and tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track task progress. You can also use Wrike to create and manage calendar events, store files, communicate with team members via chat or video call, and schedule meetings.
Wrike doesn’t currently have shift scheduling software or a dedicated support hotline.
Learn more about WrikeKey Features
- Video conferencing tools
- File sharing capabilities
- Internal chat features
- Time-tracking software
Pros
- Built-in calendar tool for diary management
- Video conferencing software
Cons
- No shift scheduling software
- No dedicated support hotline
Pricing
Starts at $9.80/user/month, for 2-25 users Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes
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Scoro — Good for: Tracking finances
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Scoro is an end-to-end project management system that gives you complete control over your projects, clients, and finances. This cloud-based work management software tracks your projects’ finances to help you understand exactly where your money is going.
Scoro can help you automate your business’s workflows and get more done. Its features allow teams to complete individual tasks on larger projects, track and manage time, and manage finances. Scoro’s other features include Gantt charts, kanban boards, and task automation tools.
Scoro doesn’t currently offer a free plan, but you can use a free trial to help you decide whether it’s right for your business.
Learn more about ScoroKey Features
- Kanban boards
- Gantt charts
- Task automation tools
- Profitability trackers
Pros
- Finance and profitability focus
- Easy-to-use mobile app
Cons
- No free plan
- Expensive
Pricing
Starts at $37/user/month Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes
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Proofhub — Good for: Easy-to-use software
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
ProofHub is a web-based project management application that’s simple yet versatile. You can use it to divide larger projects into smaller tasks, assign tasks to employees, and keep track of projects’ progress. Your employees can select tasks to work on, share files with you and the rest of the team, track task progress, and more.
ProofHub also uses kanban boards, and has additional features like Gantt charts, milestone tracking, time tracking, and a built-in chat function.
ProofHub’s pricing is subscription-based, and discounts are available for annual plans.
While ProofHub offers many task organization features, it lacks employee management tools. It doesn’t currently offer shift scheduling or video conferencing software.
Learn more about ProofhubKey Features
- Gantt charts
- Kanban boards
- Built-in chat function
- Built-in calendar tool
Pros
- Built-in chat function
- File-sharing capabilities
Cons
- No employee management tools
- No free plan
Pricing
Starts at $45/month, up to 40 projects Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: No
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Infinity — Good for: Large, complex projects
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Infinity describes itself as the tool to “organize all your work, your way.” It’s a cloud-based project management system that helps businesses assign and manage tasks, distribute resources, and more.
With Infinity, you can manage multiple projects at once, and connect with team members in real time to get work done faster. Infinity offers tools like kanban boards, digital forms, and Gantt charts you can drag and drop. Infinity also has internal email and chat features.
Infinity offers a free induction webinar when you sign up. This can be helpful since Infinity is a more complex work management tool and is best for larger businesses.
Learn more about InfinityKey Features
- Kanban boards
- Gantt charts
- Digital forms and checklists
- Internal email and chat features
Pros
- Suite of internal communication tools
- Free induction webinar
Cons
- No mobile app
- Complex interface
Pricing
Starts at $3.75/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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NetSuite — Good for: Big companies or multinational enterprises
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
NetSuite is a cloud-based business management software geared towards big businesses and multinational enterprises. From customer relationship management (CRM) tools to account and finance applications, NetSuite’s tools can be useful for large businesses from many different industries.
NetSuite’s features also include email marketing, human capital management, and data and analytics tools. These tools can help larger businesses manage projects and oversee employee relations, but they may overwhelm smaller businesses or those new to work management software.
This software is pricey. Implementation costs are estimated to be between $25,000 and $100,000.
Learn more about NetSuiteKey Features
- Email marketing tools
- Human resource management tools
- Real-time overview of business data
- Cloud-based software
Pros
- Free product tour
- Full suite of digital management tools
Cons
- Very expensive
- No mobile app
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Zoho Workplace — Good for: Improving communication
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Zoho Workplace is a cloud-based work management solution with a word processor, a spreadsheet application, a CRM system, and multiple project management tools.
The platform’s internet chat feature and built-in word processor make it easier for employees and managers to communicate. The word processor includes templates for business documents like contracts and invoices, so you’ll spend less time creating new ones.
Zoho Workplace’s spreadsheet application includes a range of formulas and functions to help you keep track of your payments and invoices. The platform also allows colleagues to share files, which helps keep projects moving forward.
Zoho Workplace unfortunately doesn’t offer tools for video conferencing or shift scheduling.
Learn more about Zoho WorkplaceKey Features
- Built-in word processor with document templates
- Built-in spreadsheet application
- Built-in chat function
- Easy-to-use mobile app
Pros
- Free trial available
- Clear and sleek user interface
Cons
- No video conferencing tool
- No shift scheduling tools
Pricing
Starts at $2.97/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
Compare the Best Work Management Systems
| Topic |
Start for free
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reviews |
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $8/user/month
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Starts at $5/user/month
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Starts at $5/user/month
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Starts at $9.80/user/month, for 2-25 users
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Starts at $37/user/month
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Starts at $45/month, up to 40 projects
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Starts at $3.75/user/month
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Starts at $99/user/month
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Starts at $2.97/user/month
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
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yes
For Trello Premium
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no
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yes
14-day
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yes
14-day
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yes
14-day
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yes
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no
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yes
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| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
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yes
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yes
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yes
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yes
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yes
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no
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no
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no
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yes
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What Is a Work Management System?
A work management system is software that helps business owners and employees manage and track their work.
These apps typically provide tools to organize tasks, manage projects, schedule shifts, complete payroll, and more. Businesses of all sizes can use work management software to stay organized and efficient.
Many of these software solutions are all-in-one, meaning they can help businesses with everything from scheduling staff and overseeing projects to completing payroll and approving time-off requests. Others target a few specific needs. For example, a work management app may provide tools for project management and group messaging, but not for shift scheduling or payroll.
How Do Work Management Systems Work?
There are many different types of work management software available, but they all serve the same function: to make it easier for businesses to manage and organize their work.
Work management system platforms offer task and project management tools like checklists and Gantt charts and employee management tools like drag-and-drop shift scheduling software and chat functions. These tools make it simple to see when employees are working and ensure employees and managers can stay in touch, no matter where they are. Finally, work management systems can help you to automate workflows and track project progress over time.
The best platforms will be mobile-friendly, too. This is especially helpful for deskless workers, who usually only have access to a smartphone or mobile device. Many work management apps have web versions as well.
Thanks to these features, work management systems allows businesses to successfully plan and allocate tasks, track progress, and complete projects on time and within budget.
The Benefits of a Work Management System
Work management software makes it easy to manage tasks and projects across your organization. You can use project management tools to visualize tasks, assign them to specific workers, and monitor their progress over time. Staying on top of deadlines and task instructions will reduce costs and errors, and ensure your employees work more efficiently.
Software solutions that offer task allocation tools also make it simple to spread work evenly across teams so your employees don’t become overwhelmed. A balanced workload will prevent overworking, which can lead to mistakes and even burnout.
Some work management apps have chat or call features so you and your employees can communicate easily and effectively. You can relay important messages, share files, ask and answer questions, make announcements and more in seconds. Everyone will be up to date on workplace information no matter where (or when) they’re working, which is essential for deskless workforces.
Work management solutions with shift scheduling tools, such as Connecteam, also benefit managers of deskless workers. These tools can take your schedule planning from hours to minutes, freeing up your important time.
Good shift scheduling software will also integrate with your payroll solution and automatically produce timesheets. This can help ensure your employees are paid correctly and speed up the payroll process.
Some work management software solutions include built-in time clocks with features like one-tap clock in and out, GPS tracking so you can know where your employees are, and geofencing to ensure workers only clock in and out when they’re at a designated location. These tools can help reduce time theft and payroll errors, saving your business money.
How Much Does Work Management System Software Cost?
Before choosing a work management system, consider your business’s needs. Once you know what features you need, you can compare pricing from different work management software solutions.
Most work management systems are priced per employee per month, and can range from $3.75 per user per month to $99 per user per month. Some options are completely free.
If you’re a small business or are just getting started with work management software, Connecteam is the perfect option. It’s free for businesses with 10 or fewer employees, and starts at $29 per month for up to 30 users.
FAQs
What work management system is best?
Connecteam is the best all-in-one work management software solution. Connecteam offers project management and task allocation tools, as well as human resource management (HRM) tools like shift scheduling software and payroll management, plus powerful communication features like chat and updates.
Is there free work management software?
Many work management software apps offer free trials or free plans for a certain number of users. Connecteam is 100% free for small businesses with up to 10 employees.
Are spreadsheets a good work management tool?
Spreadsheets are powerful tools for organizing and analyzing certain types of data, but they’re not great for managing projects or a team of workers. Much better dedicated solutions exist. Connecteam is an all-in-one work management solution with tools for managing operations, communicating effectively, and simplifying HR and payroll.
The Bottom Line on Work Management Systems
Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, work management system software can help you simplify your day-to-day operations and get more done. Connecteam is the best work management software for the job, thanks to its great task-management features, timeclock and drag-and-drop shift scheduling, and built-in communication features.
Connecteam also offers real-time GPS visibility, one-click payroll, and automatic reporting. These tools help reduce time theft, ensure payroll is accurate, and give you a detailed look at your business’s operations. Plus, everything is stored securely in the cloud, so you can rest assured your data is protected.
