Quick Overview
- 1#1: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management platform with advanced absence tracking, accrual management, compliance automation, and predictive forecasting.
- 2#2: Workday - Cloud HCM suite offering comprehensive absence management with global leave policies, self-service approvals, and integration with payroll.
- 3#3: ADP Workforce Now - Integrated HR and payroll solution featuring robust absence tracking, PTO accruals, and automated compliance reporting.
- 4#4: Dayforce - Unified HCM platform with real-time absence management, scheduling optimization, and AI-driven forecasting for workforce absences.
- 5#5: Oracle HCM Cloud - Scalable HCM system providing sophisticated absence management for multi-country compliance, rules engine, and analytics.
- 6#6: WorkForce Software - Workforce management tool specializing in absence automation, fatigue management, and integration with ERP systems.
- 7#7: BambooHR - User-friendly HRIS for SMBs with intuitive time-off requests, approvals, balances, and reporting.
- 8#8: Rippling - All-in-one HR platform automating absence tracking, PTO policies, and syncing with payroll and benefits.
- 9#9: AbsenceSoft - Dedicated cloud-based absence management software focused on FMLA, ADA, and state leave compliance tracking.
- 10#10: Paycor - HR and payroll software with absence management features including accruals, requests, and customizable workflows.
Tools were selected based on rigorous evaluation of core functionality (tracking, accruals, compliance), user experience, integration capabilities, and overall value, prioritizing comprehensiveness across varied business sizes and requirements.
Comparison Table
Effective absence management is key to optimizing workforce efficiency, and selecting the right software can significantly impact operational success. This comparison table examines top tools like UKG Pro, Workday, ADP Workforce Now, Dayforce, Oracle HCM Cloud, and more, detailing features, usability, and practical fit to help businesses identify their ideal solution.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management platform with advanced absence tracking, accrual management, compliance automation, and predictive forecasting. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Workday Cloud HCM suite offering comprehensive absence management with global leave policies, self-service approvals, and integration with payroll. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | ADP Workforce Now Integrated HR and payroll solution featuring robust absence tracking, PTO accruals, and automated compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Dayforce Unified HCM platform with real-time absence management, scheduling optimization, and AI-driven forecasting for workforce absences. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Oracle HCM Cloud Scalable HCM system providing sophisticated absence management for multi-country compliance, rules engine, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | WorkForce Software Workforce management tool specializing in absence automation, fatigue management, and integration with ERP systems. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR User-friendly HRIS for SMBs with intuitive time-off requests, approvals, balances, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | Rippling All-in-one HR platform automating absence tracking, PTO policies, and syncing with payroll and benefits. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | AbsenceSoft Dedicated cloud-based absence management software focused on FMLA, ADA, and state leave compliance tracking. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Paycor HR and payroll software with absence management features including accruals, requests, and customizable workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
Enterprise workforce management platform with advanced absence tracking, accrual management, compliance automation, and predictive forecasting.
Cloud HCM suite offering comprehensive absence management with global leave policies, self-service approvals, and integration with payroll.
Integrated HR and payroll solution featuring robust absence tracking, PTO accruals, and automated compliance reporting.
Unified HCM platform with real-time absence management, scheduling optimization, and AI-driven forecasting for workforce absences.
Scalable HCM system providing sophisticated absence management for multi-country compliance, rules engine, and analytics.
Workforce management tool specializing in absence automation, fatigue management, and integration with ERP systems.
User-friendly HRIS for SMBs with intuitive time-off requests, approvals, balances, and reporting.
All-in-one HR platform automating absence tracking, PTO policies, and syncing with payroll and benefits.
Dedicated cloud-based absence management software focused on FMLA, ADA, and state leave compliance tracking.
HR and payroll software with absence management features including accruals, requests, and customizable workflows.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management platform with advanced absence tracking, accrual management, compliance automation, and predictive forecasting.
AI-powered predictive absence intelligence for proactive workforce planning
UKG Pro is a leading cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform with advanced absence management capabilities, automating leave requests, accrual tracking, and compliance with regulations like FMLA, ADA, and global laws. It offers self-service portals for employees to submit and track absences, manager approval workflows, and real-time reporting to minimize errors and administrative time. Seamlessly integrated with payroll, timekeeping, and scheduling, it ensures accurate pay processing and workforce optimization. As the top-ranked solution, it leverages AI for predictive insights into absence trends.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance automation for complex leave policies worldwide
- Seamless integration with payroll and timekeeping for accurate processing
- AI-driven predictive absence forecasting and analytics
Cons
- Steep implementation and learning curve for non-technical users
- High cost suitable mainly for mid-to-large enterprises
- Customization requires professional services
Best For
Large enterprises and global organizations needing scalable, integrated absence management within a full HCM suite.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $100-$250 per employee per month depending on modules and scale.
Workday
enterpriseCloud HCM suite offering comprehensive absence management with global leave policies, self-service approvals, and integration with payroll.
Workday People Analytics with AI-powered absence forecasting and predictive insights
Workday is a cloud-based enterprise HCM platform with robust Absence Management features that streamline leave requests, accruals, approvals, and compliance tracking. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, benefits, and talent management for a unified view of employee data. The system supports self-service portals for employees and managers, automated workflows, and real-time reporting to minimize administrative burdens.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration with full HCM suite for holistic employee data
- Advanced accrual rules and global compliance support across multiple jurisdictions
- AI-driven analytics for absence trends and forecasting
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Pricing can be prohibitive for mid-sized organizations
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global workforces needing integrated HCM and absence management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $100-250 per employee per year, billed annually with minimum commitments.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseIntegrated HR and payroll solution featuring robust absence tracking, PTO accruals, and automated compliance reporting.
Automated multi-state compliance engine that dynamically updates rules for varying leave regulations
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HCM platform with robust absence management features designed for mid-to-large enterprises. It streamlines tracking of PTO, sick leave, FMLA, and other absences through automated accruals, approval workflows, and compliance tools. The system integrates seamlessly with payroll and time & attendance, providing real-time dashboards and reporting for HR teams to monitor trends and forecast absences.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and other ADP HCM modules for automated pay adjustments
- Strong compliance automation for FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws
- Advanced analytics and mobile self-service for employees and managers
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High cost, especially for smaller organizations
- Customization requires professional services add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking an all-in-one HCM solution with enterprise-grade absence tracking and compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $150-$250 per employee per month for the full suite including absence management.
Dayforce
enterpriseUnified HCM platform with real-time absence management, scheduling optimization, and AI-driven forecasting for workforce absences.
Real-time absence-to-payroll integration that automatically adjusts paychecks without manual reconciliation
Dayforce, from Ceridian, is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform with robust absence management features that automate tracking, approvals, and accruals for PTO, sick leave, and compliance-related absences. It integrates seamlessly with payroll and scheduling to handle real-time adjustments and forecasting, ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The system offers self-service portals for employees and advanced analytics for HR to predict and manage absenteeism trends.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR for automated absence-to-pay calculations
- Advanced compliance automation supporting FMLA, ADA, and global regulations
- Real-time dashboards and AI-driven absence forecasting for proactive management
Cons
- Steep implementation process often requiring extensive customization
- Higher cost structure less ideal for small to mid-sized businesses
- Complex interface with a learning curve for non-enterprise users
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-location workforces needing integrated HCM with sophisticated absence tracking and compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $100-$200+ per employee per month depending on modules and scale; quotes required.
Oracle HCM Cloud
enterpriseScalable HCM system providing sophisticated absence management for multi-country compliance, rules engine, and analytics.
Advanced configurable accrual plans supporting unlimited plans, carryover rules, pro-rating, and global compliance automation
Oracle HCM Cloud is a comprehensive cloud-based Human Capital Management suite that includes advanced Absence Management capabilities for tracking, accruing, and approving employee time off. It supports complex accrual plans, eligibility rules, and integrations with payroll, benefits, and other HR modules for streamlined operations. The system offers mobile access, self-service portals, and analytics to optimize absence tracking and compliance across global workforces.
Pros
- Highly configurable accrual plans and rules engine for complex absence policies
- Seamless integration with Oracle's full HCM suite and third-party systems
- Robust reporting, analytics, and mobile self-service for employees and managers
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation for non-experts
- High costs associated with licensing and customization
- Overkill for small organizations due to enterprise-scale features
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global absence management needs requiring deep integration with broader HCM functionalities.
Pricing
Subscription-based, custom pricing typically $15-25 per employee per month, depending on modules and user volume; requires quote.
WorkForce Software
enterpriseWorkforce management tool specializing in absence automation, fatigue management, and integration with ERP systems.
AI-driven absence forecasting and automated regulatory compliance across 50+ U.S. states and international jurisdictions
WorkForce Software's Absence Management solution, part of the WorkForce Suite, automates leave accrual, request processing, approvals, and tracking to ensure compliance with complex regulations like FMLA, ADA, and state-specific laws. It provides self-service portals for employees, manager dashboards for oversight, and integrations with HRIS, payroll, and scheduling systems for seamless operations. The platform excels in forecasting absence trends and generating detailed reports to optimize workforce planning.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-jurisdictional compliance automation
- Seamless integrations with enterprise HR and payroll systems
- Advanced analytics and absence forecasting capabilities
Cons
- Steep implementation and learning curve for complex setups
- High cost suitable mainly for large organizations
- Limited customization for very small teams
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-state or global absence policies requiring robust compliance and analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10-20 per employee per month for enterprise deployments, with annual contracts.
BambooHR
enterpriseUser-friendly HRIS for SMBs with intuitive time-off requests, approvals, balances, and reporting.
Visual time-off calendar providing an at-a-glance view of team availability and upcoming absences
BambooHR is an all-in-one HRIS platform with a dedicated Time Off module that streamlines absence management by enabling employees to request PTO, sick leave, and other absences through a self-service portal or mobile app. It supports customizable accrual policies, automated approvals, and integration with payroll systems for seamless processing. The tool offers reporting on absence trends and balances, making it suitable for tracking compliance and forecasting staffing needs.
Pros
- Intuitive self-service portal for employee requests
- Customizable accrual rules and automated workflows
- Strong mobile app support for approvals on the go
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics compared to dedicated absence tools
- Reporting lacks deep customization for large-scale enterprises
- Best as part of full HR suite, not standalone absence management
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing integrated HR with reliable absence tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based, typically $6-$12 per employee per month depending on features and employee count.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one HR platform automating absence tracking, PTO policies, and syncing with payroll and benefits.
Automatic accrual balancing and payroll deductions synced across global locations with real-time compliance updates
Rippling is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform with robust absence management capabilities, enabling employees to submit leave requests via mobile app, Slack, or web portal. It automates PTO accrual, approvals, and compliance with federal and state leave laws, while integrating seamlessly with payroll for accurate pay adjustments. The system provides real-time dashboards and reporting for tracking absence trends and forecasting.
Pros
- Deep integration with payroll and HRIS for automated absence-to-pay calculations
- Self-service employee portal and Slack bots for quick requests and approvals
- Built-in compliance tools for multi-state and global leave policies
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit small teams needing only absence management
- Full platform setup can have a learning curve despite intuitive UI
- Limited customization for highly niche absence workflows compared to dedicated AMS tools
Best For
Mid-market to enterprise companies wanting integrated HR solutions where absence management ties into payroll and benefits.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month for core HR (includes basic absence tracking); full features from $11-$20+/user/month based on modules and scale; custom enterprise pricing.
AbsenceSoft
specializedDedicated cloud-based absence management software focused on FMLA, ADA, and state leave compliance tracking.
Intelligent compliance engine that automatically applies rules across 50+ states and territories
AbsenceSoft is a cloud-based absence management system designed to automate employee leave tracking, accrual management, and compliance with regulations like FMLA, ADA, and state-specific laws. It streamlines time-off requests, approvals, and notifications while integrating with HRIS and payroll systems for seamless data flow. The platform offers customizable workflows and analytics to help HR teams forecast absences and reduce administrative overhead.
Pros
- Robust compliance tools for multi-state and federal regulations
- Advanced accrual tracking with prorated and tiered calculations
- Strong integrations with major payroll providers like ADP and Paychex
Cons
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for smaller teams under 100 employees
- Limited mobile app functionality for employee self-service
Best For
Mid-sized to large organizations with complex, multi-location absence policies needing strong regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $6-12 per employee per month with annual contracts and implementation fees.
Paycor
enterpriseHR and payroll software with absence management features including accruals, requests, and customizable workflows.
Automated accrual management with multi-tier rules and real-time payroll integration
Paycor is a comprehensive HCM platform with a robust absence management module that automates PTO accrual, leave requests, approvals, and compliance tracking for regulations like FMLA and ADA. It integrates seamlessly with payroll and timekeeping to ensure accurate pay calculations and real-time visibility into absence trends. The system supports self-service portals for employees and customizable rules for various absence types, making it suitable for mid-market organizations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HCM tools for automated processing
- Strong compliance features with automated tracking for FMLA, PTO, and state laws
- Mobile app and self-service portal for employee convenience
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small businesses with custom quotes required
- Steeper learning curve for advanced configurations
- Limited flexibility in highly customized reporting without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HCM solution with reliable absence management and compliance automation.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $20-35 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 absence management systems reveals UKG Pro as the clear leader, excelling with advanced tracking, accrual tools, compliance automation, and predictive forecasting. Workday and ADP Workforce Now stand as strong alternatives, each tailored to distinct needs like global policy support or integrated HR/payroll. The right choice hinges on specific requirements, but UKG Pro sets the standard for versatility and depth.
Take the next step in streamlining your absence processes—experience UKG Pro’s robust features firsthand to transform how you manage workforce availability.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison