Quick Overview
- 1#1: UKG Pro - Delivers advanced absence management with accrual tracking, forecasting, scheduling integration, and compliance automation for enterprises.
- 2#2: Workday - Provides configurable absence plans, self-service requests, mobile approvals, and analytics for large-scale workforce management.
- 3#3: ADP Workforce Now - Offers integrated absence tracking, FMLA compliance, automated accruals, and payroll synchronization for mid-to-large businesses.
- 4#4: Dayforce - Enables real-time absence visibility, predictive analytics, automated approvals, and global compliance in a unified HCM platform.
- 5#5: BambooHR - Simplifies time-off requests, approvals, balance tracking, and reporting with an intuitive HR interface for SMBs.
- 6#6: Rippling - Automates PTO policies, accruals, requests, and compliance across global teams integrated with payroll and IT.
- 7#7: Paylocity - Features employee self-service for absence requests, calendars, custom policies, and advanced reporting in a modern HCM.
- 8#8: Paycor - Manages absences with customizable plans, accrual engines, mobile access, and compliance tools alongside payroll.
- 9#9: Gusto - Handles simple PTO tracking, requests, and approvals integrated with payroll and benefits for small businesses.
- 10#10: Deputy - Supports shift-based absence requests, swaps, approvals, and availability management for hourly and frontline teams.
Tools were selected and ranked based on key factors including feature depth (such as accrual tracking, compliance support, and integration capabilities), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring a balanced mix of robustness and accessibility for businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Managing employee absences often requires careful tracking, compliance, and integration, making the right software crucial. This comparison table explores key features, usability, and real-world performance of tools like UKG Pro, Workday, ADP Workforce Now, Dayforce, BambooHR, and more, helping readers find the best fit for their team's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UKG Pro Delivers advanced absence management with accrual tracking, forecasting, scheduling integration, and compliance automation for enterprises. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Workday Provides configurable absence plans, self-service requests, mobile approvals, and analytics for large-scale workforce management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | ADP Workforce Now Offers integrated absence tracking, FMLA compliance, automated accruals, and payroll synchronization for mid-to-large businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Dayforce Enables real-time absence visibility, predictive analytics, automated approvals, and global compliance in a unified HCM platform. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | BambooHR Simplifies time-off requests, approvals, balance tracking, and reporting with an intuitive HR interface for SMBs. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Rippling Automates PTO policies, accruals, requests, and compliance across global teams integrated with payroll and IT. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Paylocity Features employee self-service for absence requests, calendars, custom policies, and advanced reporting in a modern HCM. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Paycor Manages absences with customizable plans, accrual engines, mobile access, and compliance tools alongside payroll. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Gusto Handles simple PTO tracking, requests, and approvals integrated with payroll and benefits for small businesses. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Deputy Supports shift-based absence requests, swaps, approvals, and availability management for hourly and frontline teams. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
Delivers advanced absence management with accrual tracking, forecasting, scheduling integration, and compliance automation for enterprises.
Provides configurable absence plans, self-service requests, mobile approvals, and analytics for large-scale workforce management.
Offers integrated absence tracking, FMLA compliance, automated accruals, and payroll synchronization for mid-to-large businesses.
Enables real-time absence visibility, predictive analytics, automated approvals, and global compliance in a unified HCM platform.
Simplifies time-off requests, approvals, balance tracking, and reporting with an intuitive HR interface for SMBs.
Automates PTO policies, accruals, requests, and compliance across global teams integrated with payroll and IT.
Features employee self-service for absence requests, calendars, custom policies, and advanced reporting in a modern HCM.
Manages absences with customizable plans, accrual engines, mobile access, and compliance tools alongside payroll.
Handles simple PTO tracking, requests, and approvals integrated with payroll and benefits for small businesses.
Supports shift-based absence requests, swaps, approvals, and availability management for hourly and frontline teams.
UKG Pro
enterpriseDelivers advanced absence management with accrual tracking, forecasting, scheduling integration, and compliance automation for enterprises.
AI-powered predictive absence insights that forecast trends and recommend staffing adjustments
UKG Pro is a leading enterprise-grade Human Capital Management (HCM) platform that provides robust Employee Absence Management capabilities, including automated accrual tracking, leave request approvals, and compliance with regulations like FMLA and PTO policies. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, scheduling, and timekeeping modules for a unified workforce view. Employees benefit from mobile self-service portals, while managers gain real-time visibility and analytics to optimize absence planning.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance management for global regulations and multi-state leave laws
- Advanced AI-driven forecasting and analytics for absence trends and workforce planning
- Seamless integration with UKG's broader HCM suite for end-to-end HR processes
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup for enterprise-scale deployments
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with complex HCM systems
- Less ideal for small businesses due to its enterprise focus and pricing
Best For
Large enterprises and mid-to-large organizations needing scalable, compliant absence management integrated with full HCM functionality.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $15-30 per employee per month plus implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
Workday
enterpriseProvides configurable absence plans, self-service requests, mobile approvals, and analytics for large-scale workforce management.
AI-powered absence forecasting and intelligent accrual management that automatically balances complex rules across multiple leave types
Workday is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform with robust Employee Absence Management capabilities, enabling employees to submit time-off requests via self-service portals, managers to approve absences with workflow automation, and administrators to manage accruals, balances, and compliance across global policies. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, time tracking, and other HR modules for a unified view of workforce data. Advanced analytics provide insights into absence trends, helping organizations reduce unplanned downtime and ensure regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full HCM suite for holistic employee data management
- Advanced compliance automation for complex leave policies like FMLA and global regulations
- Powerful analytics and reporting for absence trend forecasting and optimization
Cons
- High implementation costs and timeline for enterprise deployments
- Steep learning curve for non-HR users despite intuitive interface
- Pricing can be prohibitive for mid-sized or smaller organizations
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global workforces seeking integrated HCM solutions with sophisticated absence management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically $150-250 per employee per year, plus implementation fees.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseOffers integrated absence tracking, FMLA compliance, automated accruals, and payroll synchronization for mid-to-large businesses.
Automated multi-jurisdictional compliance engine that handles complex leave laws across states and countries
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform that includes robust employee absence management tools for tracking PTO, sick leave, FMLA, and other absences. It automates accrual calculations, approval workflows, and integrates seamlessly with payroll and time tracking to ensure accurate deductions and compliance. The solution supports self-service portals for employees to request and view balances, making it suitable for mid-to-large organizations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll, benefits, and HR modules for end-to-end absence handling
- Advanced compliance automation for multi-state regulations like FMLA and ADA
- Employee self-service mobile app for easy absence requests and balance tracking
Cons
- High cost structure, often prohibitive for small businesses
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring IT support
- Limited flexibility for highly customized absence policies without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing integrated HCM with robust, compliant absence management.
Pricing
Custom quoted pricing, typically $100-$250 per employee per month depending on modules and employee count.
Dayforce
enterpriseEnables real-time absence visibility, predictive analytics, automated approvals, and global compliance in a unified HCM platform.
Real-time single-database architecture enabling instant absence updates across payroll, scheduling, and reporting
Dayforce is a comprehensive HCM platform by Ceridian that excels in employee absence management through automated tracking, PTO accrual, and leave request approvals. It integrates absence data with payroll, scheduling, and time tracking for real-time visibility and compliance with global regulations like FMLA and PTO laws. The solution supports mobile self-service for employees and predictive analytics to forecast absences, reducing administrative burden in large organizations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and scheduling for real-time absence-to-pay processing
- Robust compliance automation across multiple jurisdictions
- Mobile app for employee self-service and manager approvals
Cons
- High cost suitable mainly for mid-to-large enterprises
- Initial setup and customization require significant configuration
- Advanced features may have a learning curve for non-HR admins
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking an integrated HCM suite with advanced absence management and compliance tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $10-25 per employee per month depending on modules and scale.
BambooHR
enterpriseSimplifies time-off requests, approvals, balance tracking, and reporting with an intuitive HR interface for SMBs.
Automated accrual tracking and employee self-service portal for real-time absence balance visibility
BambooHR is a comprehensive cloud-based HR platform that includes employee absence management as part of its core functionality, enabling time-off requests, approvals, accrual tracking, and balance management. It features customizable PTO policies, shared calendars for visibility into team absences, and automated notifications to streamline the process. Integrated with broader HR tools, it provides reporting and analytics on absence trends to support workforce planning.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with employee self-service for requests and balances
- Strong integration with overall HR functions and mobile app access
- Robust reporting and customizable absence policies
Cons
- Limited advanced accrual rules compared to specialized absence tools
- Pricing scales per employee, increasing costs for larger teams
- Not a standalone solution, requiring full HR platform commitment
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated HR with reliable absence management.
Pricing
Starts at about $6 per employee per month (billed annually), with custom quotes and add-ons for advanced features.
Rippling
enterpriseAutomates PTO policies, accruals, requests, and compliance across global teams integrated with payroll and IT.
Automated global compliance engine that dynamically adjusts absence policies based on employee location and local labor laws
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that offers robust employee absence management as part of its HRIS suite, enabling automated tracking of PTO, sick leave, and other absences. It supports customizable accrual policies, approval workflows, and seamless integration with payroll for accurate deductions and compliance. The system ensures adherence to state and local regulations with real-time updates and mobile accessibility for employees.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll, benefits, and IT for unified absence handling
- Automated compliance with location-specific accrual rules and regulations
- Intuitive self-service portal and mobile app for employee requests
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for smaller teams using full suite
- Initial setup and customization may require IT/HR expertise
- Overkill for companies needing only basic absence tracking
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR platform with advanced absence management and compliance automation.
Pricing
Core HR starts at $8 per employee/month; absence features included, but payroll and advanced modules add $5-20+ per user/month (custom quotes required).
Paylocity
enterpriseFeatures employee self-service for absence requests, calendars, custom policies, and advanced reporting in a modern HCM.
Automated payroll integration that dynamically adjusts employee pay based on approved absences and accruals
Paylocity is a comprehensive HCM platform with robust employee absence management features, enabling automated tracking of PTO, sick leave, and compliance with regulations like FMLA. Employees can submit requests via a user-friendly mobile app or web portal, with manager approvals and real-time accrual balances. It integrates seamlessly with payroll and time tracking for accurate pay adjustments and reporting.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic absence pay adjustments
- Mobile-first employee self-service for easy request submission
- Advanced compliance tools and customizable accrual rules
Cons
- High cost for small businesses or absence-only needs
- Steep learning curve for full platform customization
- Implementation can take several weeks
Best For
Mid-sized organizations needing integrated HCM with strong absence tracking and payroll ties.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $12-20 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Paycor
enterpriseManages absences with customizable plans, accrual engines, mobile access, and compliance tools alongside payroll.
Automated accrual and compliance engine that dynamically adjusts balances based on tenure and policy rules
Paycor is a comprehensive HCM platform that includes robust employee absence management capabilities, enabling automated PTO accrual tracking, self-service leave requests, and manager approvals through an intuitive web and mobile interface. It ensures compliance with regulations like FMLA and ACA by automating eligibility checks and reporting. The system integrates seamlessly with Paycor's payroll and time-tracking modules for accurate absence-to-payroll processing.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR modules reduces manual errors
- Strong compliance tools for FMLA, PTO, and state regulations
- Mobile app supports employee self-service for requests and balances
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Pricing can be higher for smaller teams compared to standalone tools
- Limited advanced analytics for absence forecasting in basic plans
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one HCM solution with integrated absence management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $25+ per employee/month for full HCM suite including absence management.
Gusto
otherHandles simple PTO tracking, requests, and approvals integrated with payroll and benefits for small businesses.
Automatic payroll integration that syncs approved absences for precise pay adjustments
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform that includes employee absence management features like PTO request submissions, manager approvals, and automated accrual tracking. It integrates time-off data directly with payroll processing to ensure accurate deductions and compliance with leave policies. Ideal for small businesses, it offers basic absence tools within a broader HR ecosystem but lacks the depth of dedicated absence management software.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic absence deductions
- User-friendly mobile app for submitting and approving time-off requests
- Customizable accrual policies for various leave types
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and absence forecasting tools
- Absence features require higher-tier plans for full functionality
- Not as specialized as standalone absence management solutions
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking integrated payroll and basic absence tracking without needing complex leave management.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month (Simple plan); Plus plan ($80 + $12/emp) unlocks advanced time-off features; Premium is custom.
Deputy
specializedSupports shift-based absence requests, swaps, approvals, and availability management for hourly and frontline teams.
Absence-aware scheduling that automatically suggests shift fillers when leave is approved
Deputy is a workforce management platform with strong employee absence management capabilities, enabling staff to submit leave requests via a mobile app, managers to approve/deny with real-time notifications, and automatic tracking of leave balances and accruals. It integrates absence data directly into scheduling to forecast coverage gaps and prevent understaffing. While primarily a scheduling tool, its absence features support compliance with policies like PTO and sick leave.
Pros
- Seamless integration of absences with scheduling for better coverage planning
- Mobile-first interface for easy employee self-service leave requests
- Real-time notifications and automated accrual tracking
Cons
- Absence management is secondary to core scheduling focus, lacking deep customization for complex leave policies
- Pricing scales with full workforce suite, which may feel expensive for absence-only needs
- Reporting on absences requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking integrated scheduling and absence management without needing enterprise-level leave complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential plan); scales to $5+ for Advanced/Ultimate with more absence features; custom enterprise pricing.
Conclusion
When selecting employee absence management software, organizational size and requirements matter, but UKG Pro leads as the top choice, delivering advanced accrual tracking, forecasting, scheduling integration, and compliance automation for enterprises. Workday and ADP Workforce Now are exceptional alternatives; Workday offers configurable plans, self-service tools, and analytics for large-scale teams, while ADP combines integrated tracking, FMLA compliance, and payroll synchronization for mid-to-large businesses, ensuring diverse needs are met. The right tool simplifies processes and enhances productivity, with UKG Pro, Workday, and ADP Workforce Now setting the standard.
Take the first step toward smoother absence management—try UKG Pro today to leverage its robust features and experience streamlined operations for your team.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison