Discover the top 5 workforce scheduling software solutions of 2023 that will revolutionize your business operations and take your scheduling game to the next level.
Managing employee schedules is a crucial aspect of running a business, but bad scheduling can be costly.
Poor employee scheduling can lead to overstaffing or understaffing, resulting in unhappy customers, lost business, and wasted labor costs. It can also lead to compliance issues, penalties, and legal action.
Workforce scheduling software offers a solution by providing managers with the tools they need to create and manage employee schedules quickly and easily.
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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Best all-in-one workforce scheduling software
Learn more -
Good for managing multiple locations and teams
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Good for businesses already using QuickBooks
What to Look For in a Workforce Scheduling Software
When choosing a scheduling tool, there are several key features and functionalities you should consider.
Feature-rich: The workforce scheduling software should have the necessary features to support the organization’s scheduling needs. For example, it should have automated scheduling, time-off management, employee availability tracking, and reporting and analytics capabilities.
Ease of use: Good software should be easy to use and navigate, with a user-friendly interface. For example, it should have a simple and intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface and clear and concise instructions for using each feature.
Scalability: The right employee scheduling software should be able to accommodate the organization’s growth and should be able to handle a large number of employees and schedules.
Compliance: Your workforce scheduling software should help your organization comply with labor laws and regulations; for example, it should have features for tracking employee hours, overtime, and other key metrics.
Integration: Your workforce scheduling software should be able to integrate with other systems such as payroll, HR, and CRM, making it easy to manage all aspects of workforce management.
Support and Maintenance: The best software won’t be of any use if you can’t reach customer support when things go wrong. Look for a solution with a reliable customer support team that can assist with any issues that arise and regular updates to ensure the software is always up-to-date.
The 5 Best Workforce Scheduling Softwares of 2023
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one workforce scheduling software
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
When it comes to the best scheduling software on the market, Connecteam is the top choice for businesses of all sizes.
This all-in-one workforce management platform offers a comprehensive set of features, including employee scheduling, mobile access, shift swapping, and integration with other business tools.
It also includes a built-in time clock, HR management, and compliance capabilities. Connecteam is best for businesses of all sizes, and its paid plans start at only $29/month for up to 30 users. In addition, Connecteam also offers a 100% free plan for small businesses with up to 10 users.
Here is how Connecteam can help your business improve workforce scheduling:
Automated scheduling
Connecteam’s scheduling feature allows managers to create and publish schedules quickly and easily, ensuring adequate coverage during peak business hours or special events.
Time-off management
Connecteam’s time-off management feature allows employees to request time off and managers to approve or deny requests, ensuring that the schedule is always up-to-date and fully staffed.
Employee availability tracking
Connecteam allows employees to update their availability, making it easy for managers to create schedules that take into account the preferences and availability of employees.
Communication and coordination
Connecteam provides a range of communication and coordination features, including instant messaging, team chat, and task assignments, making it easy for managers and team members to stay connected and on top of schedule changes.
Reporting and analytics
Connecteam provides detailed reports and analytics on employee schedules, hours worked, and labor costs, allowing managers to make informed decisions about staffing and budgeting.
Compliance
Connecteam helps managers stay compliant with labor laws and regulations by providing tools for tracking employee hours, overtime, and other key metrics.
Mobile Access
Connecteam allows managers and employees to access their schedules, time-off requests, and other key information from anywhere using the mobile app, which can be accessed on iOS and Android.
Integration
Connecteam can integrate with other software such as payroll, HR, and CRM systems, making it easy to manage all aspects of workforce management.
Key Features
Automated scheduling: Quick and easy schedule creation
Time-off management: Request and approve time-off
Employee availability tracking: Preference and availability included
Reporting and analytics: Informed decisions on staffing and budget
Mobile access: Access schedules and time off on the go
Pros
Automated scheduling and time-off management
Employee availability tracking
Mobile access and real-time updates
Reporting and analytics for informed decision-making
Cons
Requires internet connection to access all features
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 -
Deputy — Good for managing multiple locations and teams
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce scheduling software designed to help businesses manage their employee shift schedules. It offers a variety of features, such as shift scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools.
Deputy is easy to use and provides a clean, intuitive interface. It also has a mobile app for employees to access their schedules and request time off. The software can automate the scheduling process, which can save managers a significant amount of time and effort. It also offers a range of reporting and analytics tools so that managers can track employee attendance, hours worked, and labor costs.
Additionally, it provides the ability to integrate with other systems, such as payroll and time clock systems, to provide a seamless workflow. Deputy also offers a range of security and compliance features, including data encryption and role-based access controls.
Learn more about DeputyKey Features
- Shift scheduling and time tracking
- Employee communication tools
- Mobile app access for employees
- Automated scheduling and integration with other systems
Pros
- Automated scheduling saves time, and effort
- Mobile app allows employees to access schedules and request time off
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty with the time-tracking feature
- It may have a steeper learning curve for some
Pricing
Starts at $3.5/user/month Trial: Yes — Up to 31 days Free Plan: No
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QuickBooks Time — Good for businesses already using QuickBooks
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
QuickBooks Time is a workforce scheduling platform that allows you to manage your staff by scheduling shifts, tracking timesheets, and monitoring paid time off. With QuickBooks, you can create shift templates, repeat schedules, and easily manage shifts in the team calendar. Employees can’t request or swap shifts, but they are notified of updates through app notifications, email, and SMS.
QuickBooks Time uses GPS location tracking to log and update employees’ locations throughout the day. This can be particularly useful for businesses in the courier and logistics industries, as it helps identify and assign workers closest to a job site.
In addition to workforce scheduling, QuickBooks Time also offers project management features such as job timelines, task tracking, and a project-based communications feed. Users can also run real-time reports to analyze data such as budgeted hours to actual hours worked, segmented by jobs, tasks, and employees.
Learn more about QuickBooks TimeKey Features
- Shift scheduling
- GPS location tracking
- Hours and wages compliance
- Project tracking
Pros
- Tracking live employee location
- Project management tools
Cons
- Employees can’t request or swap shifts
- Only one admin profile included in base fee
Pricing
Starts at $10/month + $8/user/month Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: No
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Shiftboard — Good for managing part-time or seasonal employees
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Shiftboard is a comprehensive and user-friendly workforce scheduling software. It offers a wide range of features that allow managers to easily create and manage schedules, assign shifts, and track employee availability.
Shiftboard provides employees with a convenient way to view their schedules, request time off, and communicate with their managers.
The time tracking and payroll integration features are also very useful for keeping track of employee hours and streamlining the payroll process.
Overall, Shiftboard is a solid choice for organizations looking for a reliable and efficient scheduling solution.
Learn more about ShiftboardKey Features
- Schedule creation and management
- Shift assignment and tracking employee availability
- Employee self-service for viewing schedules and requesting time off
- Time tracking and payroll integration
- Mobile app for on-the-go scheduling and communication.
Pros
- Highly-customizable
- Robust set of scheduling and management features
Cons
- Difficult user interface
- Limited reporting and analytics capabilities
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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7shifts — Good for restaurants
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
7shifts is a software designed to assist restaurant businesses with staff hiring, shift scheduling, and task management.
Quickly schedule shifts by adding employees to a new schedule instantly through drag-and-drop and customize with restaurant-specific templates. 7shifts also allows you to track PTO and overtime.
The time clock feature of 7shifts helps employees track their working hours, which then generates a timesheet that seamlessly integrates with payroll software. It also includes a compliance check to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including minimum wage laws.
Integration with your Point of Sale (POS) system enables you to analyze labor costs in relation to real-time sales and create profitability forecasts. It also allows you to create multiple tip pools and adjust settings for automatic tip distribution among team roles.
Learn more about 7shiftsKey Features
- Schedule creation and management
- Employee shift-swapping and availability tracking
- Time-off request management
- Employee self-service portal
- Integrated with POS systems
Pros
- Free plan available
- Designed for restaurant staff
Cons
- Limited customizability of schedule templates
- Limited reporting and analytics capabilities
Pricing
Starts at $21.99/month/location, for up to 15 employees Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes — Up to 1 location and 15 employees
Compare the Best Workforce Scheduling Softwares
| Topic |
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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 $3.5/user/month
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Starts at $10/month + $8/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $21.99/month/location, for up to 15 employees
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
Up to 31 days
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yes
30-day
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no
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yes
14-day
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| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
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no
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no
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no
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yes
Up to 1 location and 15 employees
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What is Workforce Scheduling Software?
Workforce scheduling software is a type of software that helps organizations schedule and manage their employees’ shifts.
It allows managers to create schedules, assign shifts, and track employee availability while also providing employees with a way to view their schedules, request time off, and communicate with their managers. This type of software can streamline the scheduling process and help organizations run more efficiently.
Some of the key features of workforce scheduling software include schedule creation and management, shift assignment and tracking employee availability, employee self-service, time tracking, payroll integration, mobile access, and automation.
How Workforce Scheduling Software Works
The process of creating and managing employee schedules using scheduling software varies depending on the tool, but generally, it involves the following steps:
- Setting up employee profiles: The first step is to create employee profiles that include information such as availability, job role, and contact details.
- Creating schedules: Managers can create schedules by selecting the employees to work specific shifts or by using the software’s auto-scheduling feature.
- Publishing schedules: Once the schedules are complete, managers can publish them for employees to view and make requests or changes.
- Approving requests: Managers can approve or deny employee requests for time off or shift changes.
- Tracking time off: The software keeps track of employee time off and overtime, making it easier to manage compliance and payroll.
How Much does Workforce Scheduling Software Cost
The cost of scheduling software varies depending on the tool and the number of employees.
Typically, pricing models include monthly or annual subscription fees, with costs per user ranging from $1.50 to $10. While there is some free workforce scheduling software available, it usually comes with severely limited features.
Connecteam starts at only $29 for up to 30 users and offers a 100% free plan for small businesses with up to 10 users that includes all of Connecteam’s capabilities. This makes it the best free employee scheduling software on the market.
The Benefits of Workforce Scheduling Software
Workforce scheduling software can bring many benefits to businesses, such as:
Increased Efficiency:
By using a scheduling software solution, managers and supervisors can easily create and manage employee schedules, reducing the time and effort required to plan and organize schedules. The software can also automate repetitive tasks in the scheduling process, thereby reducing errors and ensuring consistency.
Improved Staffing:
Workforce scheduling software allows managers to have a real-time view of the workforce’s availability and needs, making sure the business is always staffed accordingly and reducing the risk of understaffing or overstaffing. This can lead to better customer service and increased productivity.
Better Time Management:
With a scheduling app, managers and supervisors can easily manage time-off requests and employee availability, and schedule changes can be made easily, with the ability to see the impact on the schedule and make adjustments as necessary. This can help to keep the schedule running smoothly.
Cost Savings:
With accurate forecasting and budgeting tools, managers and supervisors can better predict labor costs and make adjustments as needed, which can lead to cost savings and better budget management.
Compliance:
The software can help managers and supervisors stay compliant with labor laws and regulations by providing tools for tracking employee hours, overtime, and other key metrics. This can help to reduce the risk of non-compliance and any penalties that may come with it.
Improved Communication and Coordination:
The software can improve communication and coordination between different departments and managers, making it easier to manage schedule changes and other issues that arise. This can lead to better teamwork, more efficient problem-solving, and a better working environment.
FAQs
Can I use Google Calendar as a workforce scheduling tool?
No. While Google Calendar can be used as a basic scheduling tool for managing employee shifts, it doesn’t have all the features and capabilities of dedicated workforce scheduling software like Connecteam.
What is the best scheduling platform?
Connecteam is the best choice for many organizations looking for a scheduling platform.
Connecteam is a comprehensive scheduling software that offers a wide range of features that allow managers to easily create and manage schedules, assign shifts, and track employee availability. It also provides employees with a convenient way to view their schedules, request time off, and communicate with their managers. Additionally, Connecteam has a built-in communication tool, enabling managers to send messages, announcements, and updates to all employees or specific groups.
Conclusion:
Workforce scheduling software is a valuable tool for businesses looking to improve communication, collaboration, and productivity among their employees.
By considering the key features and functionalities of employee scheduling tools, businesses can choose the right scheduling tool for their specific needs and budget.
Among the top 5 best workforce scheduling software of 2023, Connecteam is the top choice.
By using scheduling software, businesses can save time and money while also improving their overall operations.