Quick Overview
- 1#1: 7shifts - Comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for restaurants with scheduling, labor forecasting, and team communication.
- 2#2: Fourth - Enterprise-grade operations and workforce management software for hospitality, including scheduling, payroll, and compliance tools.
- 3#3: Deputy - Flexible employee scheduling and time tracking solution optimized for hourly hospitality workers with mobile accessibility.
- 4#4: When I Work - User-friendly scheduling app for hospitality teams featuring shift trades, availability management, and real-time notifications.
- 5#5: Homebase - Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools designed for small to mid-sized hospitality businesses.
- 6#6: Legion - AI-powered workforce management platform that optimizes scheduling and labor costs for hospitality chains.
- 7#7: WorkJam - Digital frontline workplace solution for hospitality with task management, scheduling, and training features.
- 8#8: UKG Pro - Robust HCM suite including workforce management for large hospitality enterprises with advanced analytics and compliance.
- 9#9: Sling - Simple, free scheduling and shift management tool suitable for hospitality teams with communication integrations.
- 10#10: Crunchtime - Operations execution platform for hospitality focusing on labor management, inventory, and performance tracking.
Tools were ranked based on a focus on key features (scheduling, labor optimization, compliance), user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring relevance across diverse hospitality segments, from local restaurants to large chains.
Comparison Table
Managing hospitality teams—from scheduling to communication—demands specialized software, but selecting the right tool varies by needs. This comparison table evaluates top options like 7shifts, Fourth, Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, and more, outlining key features and suitability to help readers find the best fit for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7shifts Comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for restaurants with scheduling, labor forecasting, and team communication. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Fourth Enterprise-grade operations and workforce management software for hospitality, including scheduling, payroll, and compliance tools. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Flexible employee scheduling and time tracking solution optimized for hourly hospitality workers with mobile accessibility. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | When I Work User-friendly scheduling app for hospitality teams featuring shift trades, availability management, and real-time notifications. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 5 | Homebase Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools designed for small to mid-sized hospitality businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | Legion AI-powered workforce management platform that optimizes scheduling and labor costs for hospitality chains. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | WorkJam Digital frontline workplace solution for hospitality with task management, scheduling, and training features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | UKG Pro Robust HCM suite including workforce management for large hospitality enterprises with advanced analytics and compliance. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Sling Simple, free scheduling and shift management tool suitable for hospitality teams with communication integrations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Crunchtime Operations execution platform for hospitality focusing on labor management, inventory, and performance tracking. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
Comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for restaurants with scheduling, labor forecasting, and team communication.
Enterprise-grade operations and workforce management software for hospitality, including scheduling, payroll, and compliance tools.
Flexible employee scheduling and time tracking solution optimized for hourly hospitality workers with mobile accessibility.
User-friendly scheduling app for hospitality teams featuring shift trades, availability management, and real-time notifications.
Free scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools designed for small to mid-sized hospitality businesses.
AI-powered workforce management platform that optimizes scheduling and labor costs for hospitality chains.
Digital frontline workplace solution for hospitality with task management, scheduling, and training features.
Robust HCM suite including workforce management for large hospitality enterprises with advanced analytics and compliance.
Simple, free scheduling and shift management tool suitable for hospitality teams with communication integrations.
Operations execution platform for hospitality focusing on labor management, inventory, and performance tracking.
7shifts
specializedComprehensive workforce management platform tailored for restaurants with scheduling, labor forecasting, and team communication.
AI-powered labor forecasting that uses historical sales data to auto-generate optimal schedules and predict staffing needs
7shifts is a comprehensive workforce management platform designed specifically for restaurants and hospitality businesses. It excels in employee scheduling, time tracking, labor forecasting, shift communication, and tip management through an intuitive web and mobile app. The software integrates seamlessly with POS systems, payroll providers, and other tools to help optimize labor costs, reduce overtime, and boost operational efficiency.
Pros
- Powerful AI-driven scheduling and labor forecasting based on sales data
- User-friendly mobile app for shift trades, clock-ins, and communication
- Extensive integrations with 100+ POS, payroll, and accounting systems
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for multi-location operations
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Initial setup and integrations can take time for complex setups
Best For
Multi-location restaurant chains and hospitality managers focused on labor cost optimization and team efficiency.
Pricing
Free for single-location Essentials; paid plans start at $29.99/location/month (Essentials), $59.99 (Pro), $99.99+ (Enterprise) with custom quotes for larger operations.
Fourth
enterpriseEnterprise-grade operations and workforce management software for hospitality, including scheduling, payroll, and compliance tools.
Synergy Wage Compliance Engine that automatically handles multi-jurisdictional wage rules, tip reporting, and break compliance
Fourth is a robust workforce management platform tailored for the hospitality industry, providing advanced scheduling, time and attendance tracking, labor forecasting, and compliance tools. It integrates seamlessly with POS systems, payroll providers, and accounting software to optimize labor costs and operational efficiency across multi-location enterprises. Designed for restaurants, hotels, and bars, it emphasizes real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and regulatory adherence to reduce overtime and improve staff productivity.
Pros
- Powerful AI-driven forecasting and scheduling that minimizes labor costs
- Comprehensive compliance management for complex hospitality regulations like tip pooling and wage laws
- Deep integrations with major hospitality POS and payroll systems for seamless data flow
Cons
- High cost may deter smaller operations
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced features
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to some competitors
Best For
Enterprise-level hospitality chains with multiple locations seeking sophisticated labor optimization and compliance tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $6-12 per employee/month depending on features and scale, with minimum commitments.
Deputy
specializedFlexible employee scheduling and time tracking solution optimized for hourly hospitality workers with mobile accessibility.
Intelligent Scheduling engine that auto-fills shifts based on forecasted demand, employee availability, skills, and cost optimization.
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for hospitality businesses, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, task management, and communication. It excels in handling variable shifts, multi-location operations, and compliance with labor laws like overtime and penalty rates. The software provides real-time updates, forecasting, and reporting to optimize labor costs and improve operational efficiency in restaurants, hotels, and cafes.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with availability and skills matching
- Robust mobile app for clock-ins, swaps, and notifications
- Advanced labor costing and compliance tools for hospitality regulations
Cons
- Advanced analytics locked behind higher-tier plans
- Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized hospitality chains with multiple locations needing flexible, compliant shift management for hourly workers.
Pricing
Starts at $3 per active user/month for Essentials (scheduling basics), $5 for Core (time tracking + tasks), with Enterprise custom pricing.
When I Work
specializedUser-friendly scheduling app for hospitality teams featuring shift trades, availability management, and real-time notifications.
OpenShifts for instant shift posting and employee claiming, reducing manager workload in dynamic hospitality environments
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication for shift-based industries like hospitality. It enables managers to create schedules, handle shift trades and time-off requests via self-service tools, and track hours with GPS-enabled time clocks. The software integrates with POS systems for labor forecasting and provides mobile apps for real-time updates, making it suitable for restaurants, hotels, and event staffing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and employee self-service for shift swaps
- Strong mobile app with GPS time tracking ideal for hourly hospitality staff
- Generous free tier and affordable scaling for small teams
Cons
- Less specialized hospitality features like tip pooling or table-side integrations
- Reporting lacks depth for large multi-location chains
- Occasional mobile app glitches during peak usage
Best For
Small to mid-sized hospitality businesses such as restaurants and hotels needing simple, mobile-first scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users; Essential at $2/user/mo, Pro at $3.50/user/mo, Elite at $5+/user/mo (billed annually).
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling, time clock, and hiring tools designed for small to mid-sized hospitality businesses.
Built-in hiring and onboarding tools that post jobs to 100+ boards and automate applicant tracking directly within the scheduling platform
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for hourly operations in hospitality, offering employee scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and hiring tools. It enables managers to create schedules based on availability, track hours with geofencing and photo verification, and handle onboarding and payroll integrations seamlessly. Designed for small to medium businesses, it emphasizes mobile accessibility to boost efficiency in fast-paced environments like restaurants and hotels.
Pros
- Generous free plan for small teams
- Intuitive mobile app for employees and managers
- Strong time tracking with GPS and compliance features
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Scalability challenges for multi-location enterprises
- Some premium features locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Small to mid-sized hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels managing hourly shift workers who need affordable, easy-to-use scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for one location (up to 20 employees); Essentials $29.95/mo/location (20 employees), Premium $59.95/mo (100 employees), Enterprise custom pricing.
Legion
enterpriseAI-powered workforce management platform that optimizes scheduling and labor costs for hospitality chains.
Agentic AI 'Legion XO' for autonomous scheduling and real-time workforce orchestration
Legion is an AI-powered workforce management platform tailored for hospitality businesses, offering demand forecasting, automated scheduling, and labor optimization to align staffing with real-time customer traffic. It integrates with POS systems and uses machine learning to minimize overstaffing while maximizing employee satisfaction through shift bidding and preferences. The solution also includes time and attendance tracking, compliance tools, and analytics for operational efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven demand forecasting and auto-scheduling reduce labor costs by up to 10-15%
- Real-time adjustments and POS integrations for dynamic hospitality environments
- Employee self-service portal boosts engagement and reduces administrative time
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and AI model training
- Pricing is enterprise-focused, less ideal for small operations
- Limited out-of-box customizations for niche hospitality workflows
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitality chains with variable demand, such as hotels and restaurants, needing scalable AI optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically starting at $5,000+/month based on locations and users
WorkJam
enterpriseDigital frontline workplace solution for hospitality with task management, scheduling, and training features.
Digital Workplace Hub, an all-in-one mobile app combining scheduling, communication, tasks, and learning in a single interface.
WorkJam is a mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for frontline employees in hospitality, retail, and service industries. It provides tools for shift scheduling, time and attendance tracking, task management, communication, and on-demand training to streamline operations and boost employee engagement. The software emphasizes reducing administrative burdens for managers while empowering hourly workers with self-service features via an intuitive app.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app accessible to non-tech-savvy frontline staff
- Advanced scheduling with forecasting and labor cost optimization
- Strong employee engagement tools like chat, surveys, and digital training
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing may not suit small hospitality businesses
- Admin setup and customization can have a learning curve
- Integrations with some hospitality-specific POS systems are limited
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitality chains with distributed hourly workforces seeking a unified digital workplace.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $6-12 per active user per month depending on features and scale.
UKG Pro
enterpriseRobust HCM suite including workforce management for large hospitality enterprises with advanced analytics and compliance.
AI-powered labor optimization that forecasts staffing needs based on real-time hospitality metrics like reservations and occupancy
UKG Pro is a comprehensive cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform with robust workforce management capabilities tailored for hospitality, including shift scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and labor forecasting. It enables hospitality businesses to manage variable staffing needs based on demand like occupancy rates, handle tip reporting, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. The solution integrates seamlessly with payroll and offers mobile access for employees to clock in/out and view schedules.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven forecasting and dynamic scheduling optimized for hospitality's variable demand
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and manager approvals on the go
- Comprehensive compliance tools including tip pooling and labor law adherence
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation for non-enterprise users
- High customization costs and lengthy onboarding process
- Premium pricing may not suit small or single-location hospitality operations
Best For
Large-scale hospitality chains and multi-location enterprises requiring scalable, enterprise-grade workforce management with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $10-25 per employee per month depending on modules and scale, with implementation fees.
Sling
specializedSimple, free scheduling and shift management tool suitable for hospitality teams with communication integrations.
Real-time labor cost tracking with budget alerts to prevent overtime overruns
Sling is a user-friendly workforce management platform tailored for hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels, focusing on employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication. It enables drag-and-drop shift creation, shift trading among staff, and real-time labor cost monitoring to optimize operations. Additional features include mobile time clocks with GPS verification and team messaging for seamless coordination.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong mobile app for employees and managers
- Excellent value with a robust free plan
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Basic reporting in lower tiers
- Fewer integrations than enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized hospitality operations like restaurants seeking simple, affordable scheduling and time tracking without complexity.
Pricing
Free plan for single locations; Standard plan at $1.70/user/month (billed annually); Premium at $2.20/user/month.
Crunchtime
enterpriseOperations execution platform for hospitality focusing on labor management, inventory, and performance tracking.
AI-powered demand forecasting that uses historical sales data from POS integrations to predict staffing needs accurately
Crunchtime is a robust workforce management platform tailored for the hospitality industry, offering tools for employee scheduling, time and attendance tracking, labor forecasting, and compliance management. It helps multi-unit operators like restaurants and hotels optimize labor costs through real-time data and analytics integrated with POS systems. The software emphasizes operational efficiency with mobile access for staff and detailed reporting for back-office decisions.
Pros
- Powerful labor forecasting and scheduling optimized for hospitality demand patterns
- Seamless integrations with major POS systems like Toast and NCR for accurate data flow
- Comprehensive compliance tools and multi-location support for enterprise chains
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and training
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small independent operations
- Limited flexibility for non-standard workflows or heavy customizations
Best For
Multi-location restaurant groups and hospitality chains needing integrated labor optimization across units.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $4,000-$10,000 annually per location depending on modules, users, and scale.
Conclusion
The top 3 tools demonstrate the diverse strengths of hospitality workforce management, with 7shifts leading as the clear choice—offering robust scheduling, forecasting, and team communication tailored for restaurants. Fourth excels for enterprise-level operations and compliance, while Deputy stands out for flexibility and mobile accessibility, each serving distinct needs. Regardless of business size or focus, these tools set the standard for elevating efficiency, and 7shifts emerges as the front-runner.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your team’s performance—try 7shifts today to simplify scheduling, enhance communication, and free up time to focus on delivering exceptional guest service.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison