Quick Overview
- 1#1: Fourth - Provides comprehensive labor management including scheduling, forecasting, time tracking, and compliance for hospitality businesses.
- 2#2: Crunchtime - Offers labor optimization, scheduling, and operations management tailored for multi-unit restaurants and hotels.
- 3#3: UKG Pro - Delivers enterprise-grade workforce management with scheduling, payroll, and analytics for large hotel chains.
- 4#4: WorkJam - Digital workplace platform for frontline hotel workers featuring scheduling, training, and task management.
- 5#5: Deputy - Streamlines employee scheduling, time attendance, and labor costing with hospitality integrations.
- 6#6: 7shifts - Restaurant and hotel labor platform for scheduling, payroll, and performance tracking based on sales forecasts.
- 7#7: When I Work - Employee scheduling and time tracking app with shift trades and labor reporting for hospitality teams.
- 8#8: Connecteam - All-in-one app for hotel staff scheduling, time clock, communication, and operations checklists.
- 9#9: Homebase - Free scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tools designed for small to mid-sized hospitality operations.
- 10#10: Sling - Shift-based scheduling software with labor cost control and messaging for hotel and service teams.
Tools were evaluated based on features like scheduling, forecasting, compliance, and integrations; performance reliability; ease of adoption by frontline staff; and overall value proposition across different business sizes.
Comparison Table
Effective labor management is critical for hotels aiming to maintain high operational efficiency and guest experiences, and this comparison table explores top software tools—including Fourth, Crunchtime, UKG Pro, WorkJam, Deputy, and more—to help readers evaluate features, integrations, and usability to find the best fit for their property's specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fourth Provides comprehensive labor management including scheduling, forecasting, time tracking, and compliance for hospitality businesses. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Crunchtime Offers labor optimization, scheduling, and operations management tailored for multi-unit restaurants and hotels. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | UKG Pro Delivers enterprise-grade workforce management with scheduling, payroll, and analytics for large hotel chains. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | WorkJam Digital workplace platform for frontline hotel workers featuring scheduling, training, and task management. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Deputy Streamlines employee scheduling, time attendance, and labor costing with hospitality integrations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | 7shifts Restaurant and hotel labor platform for scheduling, payroll, and performance tracking based on sales forecasts. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | When I Work Employee scheduling and time tracking app with shift trades and labor reporting for hospitality teams. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Connecteam All-in-one app for hotel staff scheduling, time clock, communication, and operations checklists. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Homebase Free scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tools designed for small to mid-sized hospitality operations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Sling Shift-based scheduling software with labor cost control and messaging for hotel and service teams. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
Provides comprehensive labor management including scheduling, forecasting, time tracking, and compliance for hospitality businesses.
Offers labor optimization, scheduling, and operations management tailored for multi-unit restaurants and hotels.
Delivers enterprise-grade workforce management with scheduling, payroll, and analytics for large hotel chains.
Digital workplace platform for frontline hotel workers featuring scheduling, training, and task management.
Streamlines employee scheduling, time attendance, and labor costing with hospitality integrations.
Restaurant and hotel labor platform for scheduling, payroll, and performance tracking based on sales forecasts.
Employee scheduling and time tracking app with shift trades and labor reporting for hospitality teams.
All-in-one app for hotel staff scheduling, time clock, communication, and operations checklists.
Free scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tools designed for small to mid-sized hospitality operations.
Shift-based scheduling software with labor cost control and messaging for hotel and service teams.
Fourth
specializedProvides comprehensive labor management including scheduling, forecasting, time tracking, and compliance for hospitality businesses.
AI-powered prescriptive scheduling that automatically generates and adjusts optimal staff schedules based on real-time demand forecasts and business rules.
Fourth is a leading workforce management platform tailored for the hospitality industry, including hotels, offering end-to-end labor management solutions. It provides AI-powered demand forecasting, automated scheduling, time and attendance tracking, compliance monitoring, and real-time performance analytics to optimize labor costs and productivity. The software integrates deeply with hotel PMS, POS, and other systems, enabling data-driven decisions that reduce overstaffing and overtime while improving employee satisfaction.
Pros
- Exceptional AI-driven forecasting and prescriptive scheduling for precise labor optimization
- Robust integrations with major hotel PMS and POS systems for seamless operations
- Comprehensive compliance tools and real-time dashboards for proactive management
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing can be steep for smaller properties
- Initial implementation and customization require significant time and resources
- Advanced features have a learning curve despite intuitive mobile apps
Best For
Enterprise hotel chains and large resorts aiming to scale labor efficiency across multiple properties with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on property count, users, and modules; typically starts at $5,000+ per month for mid-sized chains—contact sales for quotes.
Crunchtime
specializedOffers labor optimization, scheduling, and operations management tailored for multi-unit restaurants and hotels.
AI-powered prescriptive scheduling that automatically generates optimal shifts based on forecasted demand, sales data, and constraints
Crunchtime is a robust workforce management platform tailored for the hospitality sector, including hotels, focusing on labor optimization through forecasting, scheduling, and compliance tools. It enables hotel managers to predict labor needs based on historical data, sales forecasts, and events, while automating schedules to minimize overtime and ensure coverage. The software also handles time and attendance tracking, payroll integration, and regulatory compliance, providing actionable analytics for cost control across multiple properties.
Pros
- Highly accurate AI-driven labor forecasting integrated with POS and PMS data
- Comprehensive compliance management for wage/hour laws and union rules
- Scalable for enterprise-level multi-property hotel chains with strong reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- Enterprise pricing makes it less accessible for small or independent hotels
- Lengthy implementation process requiring significant setup time
Best For
Large hotel chains and multi-property groups needing advanced, scalable labor forecasting and compliance across operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $5,000+ per month based on properties/users, with annual contracts.
UKG Pro
enterpriseDelivers enterprise-grade workforce management with scheduling, payroll, and analytics for large hotel chains.
AI-powered dimensional forecasting that predicts labor needs across multiple variables like occupancy, events, and seasonality
UKG Pro is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM suite with advanced workforce management capabilities tailored for hotel labor management, including intelligent scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and labor forecasting. It optimizes staffing based on real-time demand forecasts, integrates with property management systems, and ensures compliance with labor regulations. Ideal for large-scale hospitality operations, it delivers actionable insights to control costs and improve efficiency amid variable occupancy rates.
Pros
- Powerful AI-driven forecasting and scheduling that adapts to hotel demand fluctuations
- Seamless integrations with PMS and POS systems for accurate labor tracking
- Robust compliance tools and real-time analytics for cost optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation for non-enterprise users
- High pricing that may not suit small or independent hotels
- Occasional customization needs require professional services
Best For
Large hotel chains and multi-property groups seeking enterprise-grade labor management with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $20-50 per employee/month plus implementation fees; quote-based.
WorkJam
specializedDigital workplace platform for frontline hotel workers featuring scheduling, training, and task management.
Shift Marketplace for real-time shift trading and pickup among employees
WorkJam is a mobile-first frontline workforce management platform tailored for hourly workers in hospitality, including hotels, offering tools for scheduling, time tracking, task management, and communication. It enables hotel managers to forecast labor needs, optimize staffing during peak periods like check-ins or events, and ensure compliance with labor regulations. The platform boosts employee engagement through self-service features, reducing no-shows and administrative overhead.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app accessible to non-tech-savvy hourly staff
- AI-driven scheduling and forecasting to minimize labor costs
- Integrated communication and training tools for better retention
Cons
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for small hotels
- Limited native integrations with some hotel PMS systems
- Admin setup requires initial configuration effort
Best For
Mid-to-large hotel chains with seasonal or shift-based staffing needing employee self-service and engagement.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $4-8 per active user per month depending on features and scale.
Deputy
specializedStreamlines employee scheduling, time attendance, and labor costing with hospitality integrations.
Otto AI for automated, demand-based scheduling that predicts staffing needs from sales and historical data
Deputy is a versatile workforce management platform tailored for hotels and hospitality, offering tools for shift scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and labor cost optimization. It features demand forecasting, automated scheduling via AI-powered Otto, and real-time alerts to control overtime and ensure compliance with labor laws. With mobile apps for staff and integrations with hotel PMS like Opera and Mews, it streamlines operations for multi-location properties.
Pros
- AI-driven scheduling and labor forecasting to optimize costs
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service
- Strong integrations with payroll and hotel management systems
Cons
- Reporting lacks deep customization for complex hotel metrics
- Customer support can be inconsistent for non-enterprise users
- Pricing scales quickly for large, multi-site hotel chains
Best For
Mid-sized hotels needing robust scheduling and labor cost controls with mobile accessibility for shift workers.
Pricing
Essentials at $3.50/active user/month, Advanced at $5.25/active user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom with minimums.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant and hotel labor platform for scheduling, payroll, and performance tracking based on sales forecasts.
AI-powered labor forecasting that optimizes shifts based on projected sales or activity levels
7shifts is a workforce management platform originally designed for restaurants, offering employee scheduling, time tracking, shift communication, and labor cost forecasting tools. In a hotel context, it supports managing hourly staff across departments like housekeeping and front desk with mobile-first scheduling and real-time updates. While adaptable, it lacks native hotel-specific features such as occupancy-based staffing or room attendant optimization, making it a general-purpose solution rather than a tailored hotel labor management tool.
Pros
- User-friendly mobile app for scheduling and clock-ins
- Real-time labor cost tracking and forecasting
- Strong team communication features like messaging and announcements
Cons
- Primarily restaurant-focused with irrelevant features like tip pooling
- Limited integrations and reporting for hotel-specific needs like housekeeping
- No advanced hotel modules for occupancy-driven scheduling
Best For
Small to mid-sized hotels with simple hourly staffing needs or integrated restaurant operations seeking an intuitive scheduling tool.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials), $43.99 (Pro), $59.99 (Premier), billed annually; free for single-location restaurants under 25 employees.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling and time tracking app with shift trades and labor reporting for hospitality teams.
OpenShifts, which allows employees to claim available shifts via mobile app, reducing administrative burden in dynamic hotel environments
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for scheduling, time tracking, and team communication, making it suitable for hotel labor management by enabling shift creation, employee availability tracking, and overtime monitoring. It supports drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile clock-ins, and shift trades, helping hotel managers optimize staffing for front desk, housekeeping, and maintenance teams. While not hotel-specific, its scalability suits multi-location properties, though it lacks direct integrations with property management systems like Opera.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app for quick shift management
- Affordable pricing with strong value for small to mid-sized teams
- Effective tools for shift swapping, availability requests, and basic labor cost forecasting
Cons
- Lacks deep hotel-specific features like PMS integrations or room attendant dispatching
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to hospitality-focused tools
- Limited customization for complex union or multi-rate labor rules common in hotels
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent hotels or boutique properties seeking an easy, cost-effective scheduling solution without advanced industry-specific needs.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users/single location; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essentials), $3.50/user/month (Plus), and $4/user/month (Pro), billed annually.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one app for hotel staff scheduling, time clock, communication, and operations checklists.
GPS-geofencing time clock with photo verification for precise, tamper-proof attendance tracking across hotel properties
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first workforce management platform designed for non-desk employees, offering tools for scheduling, time tracking, task management, and communication. In the context of hotel labor management, it enables shift planning, GPS-verified clock-ins to ensure accurate attendance, and compliance checklists for housekeeping and front-of-house teams. While versatile for hospitality, it lacks deep integrations with hotel property management systems (PMS) or advanced labor forecasting tied to occupancy data.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with shift swapping and availability matching
- GPS time clock prevents buddy punching and supports multi-location hotels
- All-in-one app reduces need for multiple tools, including chat and training modules
Cons
- No native integration with major hotel PMS like Opera or Mews for seamless data sync
- Labor cost forecasting not tied to occupancy or revenue per available room (RevPAR)
- Advanced reporting limited compared to hospitality-specific tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent hotels or boutique properties managing hourly frontline staff without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for 30 users (Basic), $49/month for 30 users (Advanced), $99/month for 30 users (Expert), scaling per additional user.
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tools designed for small to mid-sized hospitality operations.
Built-in hiring marketplace that connects managers directly with local job seekers to fill open shifts instantly
Homebase is a user-friendly workforce management platform designed for hourly teams, offering scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and labor insights ideal for hospitality operations. For hotels, it enables drag-and-drop shift creation, geofenced mobile clock-ins for staff like housekeeping and front desk, and real-time labor cost monitoring to control expenses. It also features performance reports, PTO tracking, and a hiring marketplace to address staffing shortages quickly.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single-location hotels
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-scheduling and clock-ins
- Labor cost forecasting and insights to optimize staffing budgets
Cons
- Limited integrations with hotel-specific PMS like Opera or Cloudbeds
- Less robust for multi-property chains compared to enterprise tools
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent hotels needing an affordable, easy-to-deploy solution for shift scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (basic features); Essentials at $29.95/location/month, Plus at $59.95, Premium at $99.95 (billed annually).
Sling
specializedShift-based scheduling software with labor cost control and messaging for hotel and service teams.
Labor cost calculator that forecasts expenses based on projected sales and historical data
Sling is a versatile employee scheduling and labor management platform tailored for hospitality operations like hotels, enabling efficient shift planning, time tracking, and team communication. It helps hotel managers forecast labor costs, optimize staffing based on demand, and reduce overtime through intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling. The mobile app empowers staff to view shifts, clock in/out, and request swaps seamlessly.
Pros
- Generous free plan for basic scheduling and labor tracking
- User-friendly mobile app for employees and managers
- Built-in labor cost forecasting to control expenses
Cons
- Lacks deep integrations with hotel PMS like Opera or Fidelio
- Limited advanced reporting for multi-property chains
- Fewer hotel-specific features like housekeeping task assignment
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent hotels or boutique properties needing affordable, straightforward labor scheduling without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Free forever plan for single locations; paid plans start at $1.70/user/month for Standard features and $2.20/user/month for Premium.
Conclusion
This review of top hotel labor management software showcases tools that cater to varied operational needs, from small-scale scheduling to enterprise-grade workforce optimization. At the forefront, Fourth leads as the top choice, offering comprehensive solutions for scheduling, forecasting, and compliance. Crunchtime and UKG Pro follow, with Crunchtime excelling in multi-unit settings and UKG Pro providing robust enterprise tools, making them excellent alternatives for distinct requirements.
Begin streamlining your hotel's labor operations by trying Fourth—its all-encompassing features are built to boost efficiency and simplify daily workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison