Quick Overview
- 1#1: When I Work - Cloud-based employee scheduling software that simplifies shift management, time-off requests, and team communication.
- 2#2: Deputy - Workforce management platform offering scheduling, time tracking, labor costing, and compliance tools.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring software designed for small businesses.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip tracking, and team messaging.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app featuring scheduling, task assignment, and mobile communication.
- 6#6: Sling - Employee scheduling app with shift templates, availability tracking, and built-in messaging.
- 7#7: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management solution with advanced scheduling, forecasting, and analytics.
- 8#8: ZoomShift - Online employee scheduling and time clock software with PTO tracking and reporting.
- 9#9: Humanity - Flexible staff scheduling software supporting multiple locations and real-time updates.
- 10#10: Agendrix - Employee scheduling tool with shift trades, availability management, and mobile notifications.
Tools were selected and ranked by evaluating functionality (including core features, scalability, and integration capabilities), user experience (ease of use and interface design), and value proposition, ensuring alignment with diverse needs from small businesses to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
Effective labor scheduling is key to streamlining operations and ensuring team alignment across various businesses. This comparison table explores top tools like When I Work, Deputy, Homebase, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more, examining features, usability, and practical fit for different organizational needs. Readers will discover critical insights to choose software that matches their scheduling goals and operational requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When I Work Cloud-based employee scheduling software that simplifies shift management, time-off requests, and team communication. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Workforce management platform offering scheduling, time tracking, labor costing, and compliance tools. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring software designed for small businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip tracking, and team messaging. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app featuring scheduling, task assignment, and mobile communication. | other | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Sling Employee scheduling app with shift templates, availability tracking, and built-in messaging. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management solution with advanced scheduling, forecasting, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | ZoomShift Online employee scheduling and time clock software with PTO tracking and reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Humanity Flexible staff scheduling software supporting multiple locations and real-time updates. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Agendrix Employee scheduling tool with shift trades, availability management, and mobile notifications. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
Cloud-based employee scheduling software that simplifies shift management, time-off requests, and team communication.
Workforce management platform offering scheduling, time tracking, labor costing, and compliance tools.
Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring software designed for small businesses.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip tracking, and team messaging.
All-in-one employee management app featuring scheduling, task assignment, and mobile communication.
Employee scheduling app with shift templates, availability tracking, and built-in messaging.
Enterprise workforce management solution with advanced scheduling, forecasting, and analytics.
Online employee scheduling and time clock software with PTO tracking and reporting.
Flexible staff scheduling software supporting multiple locations and real-time updates.
Employee scheduling tool with shift trades, availability management, and mobile notifications.
When I Work
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling software that simplifies shift management, time-off requests, and team communication.
OpenShifts and shift trade marketplace, allowing employees to claim and swap shifts autonomously via the mobile app
When I Work is a leading employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, restaurants, and healthcare. It enables managers to build schedules with drag-and-drop tools, automate assignments based on availability and forecasting, and handle shift trades or time-off requests seamlessly. The software also includes time tracking with geofencing, team messaging, and integrations with payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting
- Powerful mobile app for employee self-service including shift swaps and clock-ins
- Strong communication tools like group chat and announcements
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom integrations limited to higher tiers
- Initial setup can be time-consuming for large teams
- Some users report occasional mobile app glitches during peak times
Best For
Shift-based businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, and healthcare facilities seeking mobile-first scheduling with employee empowerment.
Pricing
Free plan for small teams (up to 75 schedules/month); paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essential, billed annually) up to $3.50/user/month (Elite), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Deputy
specializedWorkforce management platform offering scheduling, time tracking, labor costing, and compliance tools.
Labor forecasting and optimization that predicts demand and auto-schedules shifts to minimize costs while meeting compliance rules
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, providing drag-and-drop scheduling, labor forecasting, and automated shift filling. It integrates time tracking, task management, and compliance tools to streamline operations and reduce labor costs. The mobile app enables employees to swap shifts, clock in/out, and receive real-time notifications, enhancing communication and flexibility.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and real-time updates
- Comprehensive labor costing and compliance features
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for complex integrations
- Limited customization in lower-tier plans
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking optimized scheduling and cost control.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential, billed annually); higher tiers like Plus ($5.25) and Ultimate ($6.50) unlock advanced features; free trial available.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring software designed for small businesses.
OpenShifts for effortless employee-driven shift trading and coverage requests
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication for hourly workers in sectors like retail, restaurants, and hospitality. It enables managers to build drag-and-drop schedules, account for employee availability, facilitate shift trades, and send instant notifications via mobile app. Beyond scheduling, it integrates time clocks with geofencing, payroll processing, and hiring tools to streamline operations.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling and time tracking for up to 20 employees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface with auto-fill and availability matching
- Strong mobile app for clock-ins, shift swaps, and team messaging
Cons
- Advanced forecasting and labor cost analytics limited to premium plans
- Pricing scales per location, which can add up for multi-site businesses
- Customization options for schedules are somewhat basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small businesses and single-location managers with hourly teams seeking simple, affordable scheduling without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (up to 20 employees); Essentials $29.99/location/month (billed annually), Premium $59.99/location/month, Elite $119.99/location/month.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software with labor forecasting, tip tracking, and team messaging.
AI-powered labor forecasting that uses historical sales data to predict staffing needs and control costs in real-time
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, labor cost control, and team communication. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading via an open marketplace, availability management, and integrations with popular POS systems like Toast and Square. The software also provides real-time labor insights and forecasting to help optimize staffing and reduce costs.
Pros
- Industry-specific features like tip tracking and sales forecasting for restaurants
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service and shift trades
- Robust integrations with POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Less suitable for non-hospitality businesses due to restaurant focus
- Advanced forecasting and reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Steep learning curve for multi-location setups
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location operators seeking to minimize labor costs through predictive scheduling and employee self-management.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials), $59.99 (Plus), with Pro at custom pricing; billed annually.
Connecteam
otherAll-in-one employee management app featuring scheduling, task assignment, and mobile communication.
Smart Scheduling AI that auto-assigns shifts based on availability, skills, labor costs, and overtime rules
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for frontline and deskless teams, offering robust labor scheduling features like drag-and-drop shift planning, automated scheduling based on availability and skills, and real-time notifications. It integrates scheduling with time tracking, time-off requests, and employee communication to ensure seamless operations. While versatile for small to mid-sized businesses, it excels in simplifying shift management for non-office workers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile accessibility
- Automated shift filling and availability-based optimization
- Seamless integration with time tracking and team chat
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with user count, less ideal for large enterprises
- Limited advanced labor forecasting compared to dedicated tools
- Some features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with deskless teams needing an affordable, all-in-one solution for scheduling and employee management.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, 30 users), $49 (Advanced), $99 (Expert), scaling per additional users.
Sling
specializedEmployee scheduling app with shift templates, availability tracking, and built-in messaging.
Unlimited free scheduling for a single team/location, including shift trades and time tracking
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based industries like restaurants, retail, and hospitality. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift trades, track time with GPS verification, and communicate via built-in messaging. The platform also offers availability templates, reminders, and basic labor cost insights to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Generous free plan for single locations with core scheduling tools
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app for on-the-go management
- Shift trading and team communication features reduce administrative hassle
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer integrations with payroll/HR systems
- Premium features like multi-location support require paid upgrades
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses seeking a cost-effective, straightforward scheduling solution without complex needs.
Pricing
Free forever for one location; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Standard) and $4/user/month (Premium) for advanced features and multiple locations.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management solution with advanced scheduling, forecasting, and analytics.
Predictive Scheduling with AI demand forecasting that anticipates labor needs from historical data and trends
UKG Pro is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform with robust labor scheduling capabilities designed for mid-to-large enterprises. It automates schedule creation using AI-driven demand forecasting, employee preferences, skills matching, and compliance rules to optimize labor costs and productivity. The solution integrates seamlessly with payroll, time tracking, and HR modules for end-to-end workforce management.
Pros
- AI-powered forecasting and auto-scheduling reduce manual effort
- Deep integrations with HCM, payroll, and timekeeping
- Mobile-first access for employees and managers
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for new users
- High cost and long implementation timelines
- Overkill and pricey for small businesses
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-location workforces needing integrated scheduling and HCM.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $10,000+ monthly based on users and modules, with implementation fees.
ZoomShift
specializedOnline employee scheduling and time clock software with PTO tracking and reporting.
Open shift marketplace allowing employees to trade shifts instantly with manager approval
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost control for hourly workforces. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile apps for clocking in/out, shift trading, PTO requests, and basic forecasting tools. Primarily targeted at small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and services, it emphasizes simplicity and real-time communication to reduce no-shows and overtime.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler with visual calendars
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and notifications
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations (e.g., limited POS syncing)
- Reporting features are basic and lack customization depth
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hourly industries like retail and restaurants needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling without high costs.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 shifts/month; paid plans start at $1/user/month (Basic), $2.25/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Humanity
specializedFlexible staff scheduling software supporting multiple locations and real-time updates.
Visual Heat Map scheduling that highlights labor costs, availability, and overtime risks in real-time
Humanity is a cloud-based workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and attendance management. It enables managers to create visual schedules, handle shift trades and time-off requests, and forecast labor needs to optimize staffing. The software supports mobile access for employees to view schedules, clock in/out, and communicate, making it suitable for shift-based industries.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service
- Labor forecasting and reporting tools for cost optimization
Cons
- Limited native integrations with payroll systems
- Customer support response times can vary
- Advanced features locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking visual scheduling and basic forecasting without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at free for small teams (up to 20 users); Pro plan at $3/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Agendrix
specializedEmployee scheduling tool with shift trades, availability management, and mobile notifications.
Employee availability-based auto-scheduling with real-time shift trade approvals
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for hourly workers in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables drag-and-drop schedule creation, shift trading, time tracking via mobile clock-in, and availability management to reduce overtime and no-shows. The software also includes team messaging and basic reporting, prioritizing simplicity and mobile accessibility for small to mid-sized teams.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and clock-ins
- Affordable pricing with strong core scheduling tools
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to top competitors
- Basic reporting lacks depth for larger operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in service industries seeking simple, mobile-friendly scheduling without needing enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts free for small teams (up to 10 users); Pro plan at $2.95/user/month; Advanced at $4.95/user/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
The top labor scheduling tools reviewed cater to diverse needs, from small business simplicity to enterprise-level complexity. When I Work leads as the standout choice, excelling in simplifying shift management, time-off requests, and team communication. Deputy and Homebase follow closely, offering strong alternatives—Deputy for comprehensive workforce management and Homebase for its focused, small-business-friendly design. These tools provide clear paths to efficient scheduling, depending on operational priorities.
Ready to streamline your team's schedule? Start with When I Work to experience simplified shift management, real-time communication, and a user-friendly platform designed to meet your needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison