Quick Overview
- 1#1: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific employee scheduling software that optimizes labor costs, manages shifts, and facilitates team communication.
- 2#2: HotSchedules - Comprehensive workforce management platform designed for hospitality businesses to handle scheduling, forecasting, and compliance.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free employee scheduling and time tracking tool tailored for small hospitality teams with shift trades and availability management.
- 4#4: Deputy - Flexible workforce scheduling software with labor costing and compliance features ideal for hospitality operations.
- 5#5: When I Work - Mobile-first scheduling app that enables shift management, swaps, and overtime alerts for hourly hospitality staff.
- 6#6: Connecteam - All-in-one app for frontline hospitality workers offering scheduling, communication, and task management.
- 7#7: Sling - User-friendly free scheduling software with reminders and labor cost tracking for small hospitality businesses.
- 8#8: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution with geofencing for hospitality shift management.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling tool with integrated messaging and availability features suitable for hospitality teams.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online rostering software that automates schedules and handles shift patterns for hospitality staff.
Tools were ranked based on their hospitality-specific features (e.g., shift management, compliance, forecasting), user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of the industry.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading hospitality employee scheduling software, including 7shifts, HotSchedules, Homebase, Deputy, and When I Work, to guide users in selecting the right tool for their business. It highlights key features like shift management, team communication, and integration capabilities, helping readers understand usability and value for diverse operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific employee scheduling software that optimizes labor costs, manages shifts, and facilitates team communication. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | HotSchedules Comprehensive workforce management platform designed for hospitality businesses to handle scheduling, forecasting, and compliance. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free employee scheduling and time tracking tool tailored for small hospitality teams with shift trades and availability management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Deputy Flexible workforce scheduling software with labor costing and compliance features ideal for hospitality operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | When I Work Mobile-first scheduling app that enables shift management, swaps, and overtime alerts for hourly hospitality staff. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 6 | Connecteam All-in-one app for frontline hospitality workers offering scheduling, communication, and task management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Sling User-friendly free scheduling software with reminders and labor cost tracking for small hospitality businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 8 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution with geofencing for hospitality shift management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling tool with integrated messaging and availability features suitable for hospitality teams. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online rostering software that automates schedules and handles shift patterns for hospitality staff. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Restaurant-specific employee scheduling software that optimizes labor costs, manages shifts, and facilitates team communication.
Comprehensive workforce management platform designed for hospitality businesses to handle scheduling, forecasting, and compliance.
Free employee scheduling and time tracking tool tailored for small hospitality teams with shift trades and availability management.
Flexible workforce scheduling software with labor costing and compliance features ideal for hospitality operations.
Mobile-first scheduling app that enables shift management, swaps, and overtime alerts for hourly hospitality staff.
All-in-one app for frontline hospitality workers offering scheduling, communication, and task management.
User-friendly free scheduling software with reminders and labor cost tracking for small hospitality businesses.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution with geofencing for hospitality shift management.
Simple employee scheduling tool with integrated messaging and availability features suitable for hospitality teams.
Online rostering software that automates schedules and handles shift patterns for hospitality staff.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific employee scheduling software that optimizes labor costs, manages shifts, and facilitates team communication.
AI-powered labor forecasting that pulls real-time POS data to predict staffing needs and optimize costs
7shifts is a leading employee scheduling software tailored for the hospitality industry, especially restaurants, enabling managers to build, optimize, and communicate schedules effortlessly. It includes time tracking, labor forecasting, shift approvals, and integrations with POS systems like Toast and Square to control costs and streamline operations. The platform also supports employee self-service via a mobile app for shift trades, availability updates, and clock-ins.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting based on sales data
- Robust integrations with 100+ POS, payroll, and hospitality tools
- Comprehensive employee mobile app for shift management and communication
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced features like AI scheduling
- Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing reported by larger chains
- Steep initial setup for custom integrations
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers in hospitality seeking to minimize labor costs while maximizing scheduling efficiency across multiple locations.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month for Essentials (billed annually); Pro at $59.99 and Complete at $99.99 with more features; free trial available.
HotSchedules
enterpriseComprehensive workforce management platform designed for hospitality businesses to handle scheduling, forecasting, and compliance.
Maestro forecasting engine that uses historical sales data and AI to predict labor needs and auto-generate optimal schedules
HotSchedules is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for the hospitality industry, enabling managers to create, optimize, and manage employee schedules efficiently. It integrates sales forecasting, shift trading via OpenShift, time tracking, and team communication tools to reduce labor costs and improve operations. The mobile-first app empowers employees to view schedules, request shifts, and clock in/out from anywhere, making it ideal for restaurants, hotels, and bars.
Pros
- Advanced sales forecasting and labor optimization tools
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and shift trading
- Seamless integrations with popular POS systems like Toast and Square
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users and complex setups
- Pricing can be high for small single-location businesses
- Occasional mobile app performance issues during peak times
Best For
Multi-location hospitality chains like restaurants and hotels seeking predictive scheduling and comprehensive workforce management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $2-4 per employee per month plus setup fees, scaling with locations and features.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling and time tracking tool tailored for small hospitality teams with shift trades and availability management.
OpenShifts, which notifies and allows employees to instantly claim available shifts, minimizing scheduling conflicts in fast-paced hospitality environments.
Homebase is an employee scheduling and management platform tailored for hourly workers in hospitality, enabling drag-and-drop schedule creation, shift trading, and time tracking via mobile app. It supports restaurants, hotels, and retail by offering OpenShifts for employees to claim available shifts, geofenced time clocks to prevent buddy punching, and basic labor forecasting. The tool integrates with payroll providers to streamline operations for small teams managing variable shifts.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app and drag-and-drop scheduling
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- OpenShifts and employee shift trading reduce admin time
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Scales poorly for multi-location or large enterprises
- Customization options are basic for complex hospitality needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized hospitality businesses like independent restaurants or boutique hotels with 1-50 employees needing simple, affordable scheduling.
Pricing
Free forever for one location (core scheduling and time tracking); paid plans start at $24.95/month per location for premium features like payroll integration.
Deputy
enterpriseFlexible workforce scheduling software with labor costing and compliance features ideal for hospitality operations.
Live labor forecasting that dynamically adjusts schedules based on POS sales data
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like hospitality, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, and labor forecasting. It streamlines employee availability management, shift swaps, and compliance with overtime rules, while providing a mobile app for staff to view schedules and clock in/out. The software integrates with POS systems to align staffing with sales data, reducing overstaffing in restaurants and hotels.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with templates and auto-fill
- Real-time labor costing and forecasting tied to sales data
- Comprehensive mobile app for employee self-service and communication
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced analytics and integrations
- Steeper learning curve for custom reports and forecasting setup
- Limited free trial and onboarding support for very small teams
Best For
Mid-sized hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels needing scalable scheduling with labor cost controls.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential plan), up to Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features.
When I Work
specializedMobile-first scheduling app that enables shift management, swaps, and overtime alerts for hourly hospitality staff.
Open Shifts feature that broadcasts available shifts to employees for self-selection, minimizing manager intervention
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based industries like hospitality, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, automate shift assignments, and handle time-off requests. It features a mobile app for employees to view schedules, swap shifts, clock in/out, and communicate via integrated messaging. The tool also offers basic labor cost tracking and reporting to help hospitality teams manage variable staffing needs efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface accessible for both managers and hourly staff
- Efficient shift swapping and open shift features reduce scheduling conflicts
- Real-time notifications and team chat streamline communication in fast-paced environments
Cons
- Lacks advanced demand forecasting and labor optimization tailored for hospitality peaks
- Integrations with popular POS and payroll systems are limited compared to niche competitors
- Reporting and analytics are basic, requiring exports for deeper insights
Best For
Small to mid-sized hospitality operations like restaurants or hotels needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling for shift workers.
Pricing
Essentials at $2/user/month, Pro at $3.50/user/month (billed annually); free for small teams under 75 users and one location, custom Elite plans available.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one app for frontline hospitality workers offering scheduling, communication, and task management.
AI Smart Scheduling that automatically generates optimized rotas considering employee preferences, skills, labor costs, and business rules
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for non-desk industries like hospitality, featuring drag-and-drop scheduling, availability management, and shift trading. It enables hospitality managers to create optimized schedules, handle employee requests, and ensure compliance with automated overtime alerts and labor law rules. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time tracking with GPS verification, team communication, and task management to support frontline operations seamlessly.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile access for employees to view shifts and request swaps
- AI-powered Smart Scheduling that optimizes based on availability, skills, and costs
- Integrated time clock, GPS attendance, and communication tools reduce no-shows and improve coordination
Cons
- Pricing scales per user and can become expensive for large hospitality teams
- Lacks advanced demand forecasting compared to hospitality-specific tools like 7shifts
- Some customization options for complex shift patterns are limited
Best For
Hospitality managers of small to mid-sized teams needing an affordable all-in-one app for scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Starter at $29/month (first 30 users, then $0.99/user/mo); higher tiers from $49-$99/month base with per-user scaling.
Sling
specializedUser-friendly free scheduling software with reminders and labor cost tracking for small hospitality businesses.
Automated labor cost forecasting and tracking, helping hospitality managers stay within budget by visualizing payroll in real-time on schedules
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling software tailored for hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track shift availability, and monitor labor costs in real-time. It includes built-in team messaging, time clock functionality, and mobile apps for employees to view shifts and request swaps. With a robust free tier, Sling streamlines operations for shift-based teams while offering premium upgrades for advanced reporting and integrations.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and basic scheduling
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile accessibility
- Real-time labor cost tracking to optimize hospitality staffing budgets
Cons
- Advanced features like payroll integrations require premium plans
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Reporting depth is basic in the free version
Best For
Small to mid-sized hospitality businesses such as restaurants and hotels seeking an affordable, easy-to-use scheduling solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for core scheduling; paid plans start at $1.70/user/month (Standard) and $3.50/user/month (Premium), billed annually.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking solution with geofencing for hospitality shift management.
Labor cost forecasting integrated with sales data to optimize staffing and reduce overtime in variable-demand hospitality environments
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking platform tailored for industries like hospitality, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades, and monitor attendance in real-time. It features GPS-enabled time clocks, labor forecasting based on sales data, and mobile apps for employees to view shifts, request time off, or swap shifts. The software integrates with payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto, making it suitable for restaurants, hotels, and event staffing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- GPS geofencing for accurate time tracking
- Affordable pricing with strong mobile app support
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Scalability issues for very large enterprises
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels seeking straightforward scheduling without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/month (Starter plan for up to 75 shifts); Pro at $59.99/month; scales to per-user pricing around $2-4/user/month annually for larger teams.
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling tool with integrated messaging and availability features suitable for hospitality teams.
Employee shift trading with automatic manager approval workflows
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift trades, and track employee availability. It includes mobile apps for clocking in/out, messaging, and viewing schedules, reducing no-shows and overtime issues common in shift-based environments. The software also offers time tracking with geofencing and basic reporting to streamline operations for hourly workforces.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting
- Fewer hospitality-specific integrations (e.g., POS systems)
- Reporting features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium hospitality businesses needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling for shift workers.
Pricing
Starts at $2.95/user/month (billed annually) for Pro plan; higher tiers up to $4.95/user/month; free trial available.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rostering software that automates schedules and handles shift patterns for hospitality staff.
Built-in staff messaging and notifications for seamless shift swaps and updates without external apps
Findmyshift is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop rotas, assign shifts, and manage availability in real-time. It includes mobile apps for staff to view schedules, swap shifts, clock in/out with GPS verification, and communicate via built-in messaging. The software also offers time tracking, basic reporting, and overtime alerts to simplify workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced hospitality-specific features like demand forecasting
- Basic reporting and analytics compared to top competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations
Best For
Small to medium hospitality venues such as restaurants or hotels seeking a simple, budget-friendly scheduling tool without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 staff; paid plans start at $23/month for 10 staff, scaling per employee count (e.g., $2.30/staff/month on higher tiers).
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 hospitality employee scheduling tools, 7shifts emerges as the top choice, leading in restaurant-specific labor management and team communication. HotSchedules and Homebase follow, offering robust features for compliance, forecasting, and small-team needs, making them excellent alternatives depending on operational priorities. The review underscores that whether seeking advanced cost optimization, mobile flexibility, or budget-friendly solutions, there’s a tool to fit diverse hospitality workflows.
Elevate your scheduling process by trying 7shifts—its focus on efficiency and collaboration can transform how your team manages shifts and communicates.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison