Quick Overview
- 1#1: When I Work - Cloud-based employee scheduling software that streamlines shift creation, swap requests, and labor forecasting for teams of any size.
- 2#2: Deputy - Robust workforce management platform offering automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools to optimize labor costs.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free scheduling and time clock app with messaging and payroll integration designed for small businesses and hourly workers.
- 4#4: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software that manages shifts, labor costs, tips, and team communication to boost profitability.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app combining scheduling, task assignment, communication, and training for frontline teams.
- 6#6: Sling - Free team scheduling tool with shift templates, notifications, and availability tracking to simplify workforce planning.
- 7#7: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management suite with AI-driven scheduling, forecasting, and compliance for large-scale operations.
- 8#8: HotSchedules - Hospitality-focused scheduling platform integrating shift management, inventory, and sales forecasting for restaurants.
- 9#9: Workforce.com - Mobile workforce management software providing scheduling, attendance tracking, and award interpretation for global teams.
- 10#10: ZoomShift - Affordable employee scheduling and time tracking solution with PTO management and labor reporting for SMBs.
Tools were selected and ranked based on key factors including feature depth (e.g., scheduling, forecasting, communication), user experience (intuitive design, ease of adoption), and overall value (pricing flexibility, scalability, and impact on business outcomes), ensuring they deliver measurable benefits across team sizes and industries.
Comparison Table
Effective labour scheduling is critical for businesses aiming to balance workforce needs with operational efficiency, and a range of specialized software tools have emerged to streamline this process. From When I Work to Deputy, Homebase, 7shifts, Connecteam, and more, the market offers diverse solutions—this table simplifies comparison by outlining key features, benefits, and unique strengths to help readers find the best fit for their organization.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When I Work Cloud-based employee scheduling software that streamlines shift creation, swap requests, and labor forecasting for teams of any size. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Robust workforce management platform offering automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools to optimize labor costs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free scheduling and time clock app with messaging and payroll integration designed for small businesses and hourly workers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software that manages shifts, labor costs, tips, and team communication to boost profitability. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app combining scheduling, task assignment, communication, and training for frontline teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Sling Free team scheduling tool with shift templates, notifications, and availability tracking to simplify workforce planning. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management suite with AI-driven scheduling, forecasting, and compliance for large-scale operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | HotSchedules Hospitality-focused scheduling platform integrating shift management, inventory, and sales forecasting for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Workforce.com Mobile workforce management software providing scheduling, attendance tracking, and award interpretation for global teams. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | ZoomShift Affordable employee scheduling and time tracking solution with PTO management and labor reporting for SMBs. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
Cloud-based employee scheduling software that streamlines shift creation, swap requests, and labor forecasting for teams of any size.
Robust workforce management platform offering automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools to optimize labor costs.
Free scheduling and time clock app with messaging and payroll integration designed for small businesses and hourly workers.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software that manages shifts, labor costs, tips, and team communication to boost profitability.
All-in-one employee management app combining scheduling, task assignment, communication, and training for frontline teams.
Free team scheduling tool with shift templates, notifications, and availability tracking to simplify workforce planning.
Enterprise workforce management suite with AI-driven scheduling, forecasting, and compliance for large-scale operations.
Hospitality-focused scheduling platform integrating shift management, inventory, and sales forecasting for restaurants.
Mobile workforce management software providing scheduling, attendance tracking, and award interpretation for global teams.
Affordable employee scheduling and time tracking solution with PTO management and labor reporting for SMBs.
When I Work
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling software that streamlines shift creation, swap requests, and labor forecasting for teams of any size.
AutoSchedule uses AI-driven rules, employee availability, and labor forecasts to automatically build optimal schedules
When I Work is a leading employee scheduling software that simplifies workforce management for shift-based businesses by enabling drag-and-drop schedule creation, shift trading, and real-time communication. It integrates time tracking, attendance monitoring, and labor forecasting to optimize staffing and reduce overtime costs. The mobile-first platform empowers employees to pick shifts, clock in/out, and stay informed via push notifications, making it ideal for dynamic industries like retail and hospitality.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Robust mobile app for employees to trade shifts and clock in
- Excellent communication tools including messaging and alerts
Cons
- Advanced forecasting requires higher-tier plans
- Reporting features can feel basic for enterprise-scale users
- Customer support response times vary during peak periods
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, and healthcare needing flexible, mobile-friendly shift scheduling for hourly workers.
Pricing
Free Essential plan for up to 75 users; Pro at $2/user/month; Premium at $3.50/user/month (billed annually).
Deputy
specializedRobust workforce management platform offering automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools to optimize labor costs.
AI-powered demand forecasting for optimal auto-scheduling and labour cost minimisation
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in labour scheduling for hourly workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables drag-and-drop roster creation, automated shift filling based on demand forecasting, and real-time notifications to employees via mobile app. Additional features include time tracking, leave management, and labour cost controls to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill capabilities
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and communication
- Advanced labour cost forecasting and compliance tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Reporting depth limited in entry-level plans
- Occasional integration glitches with some payroll systems
Best For
Mid-sized businesses in shift-based industries like retail and hospitality seeking efficient scheduling and cost control.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for Essential plan; scales to $5+ for Plus/Enterprise with custom enterprise pricing.
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling and time clock app with messaging and payroll integration designed for small businesses and hourly workers.
Labor cost forecasting and auto-scheduling based on historical sales data
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly employees, offering intuitive shift scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and hiring tools. It streamlines labor management by allowing managers to build schedules based on availability, sales forecasts, and labor costs while enabling employees to pick up open shifts via mobile app. The software also integrates with payroll providers for seamless operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses
- Strong mobile app for employees to view schedules and clock in
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting in lower tiers
- Reporting lacks depth for larger operations
- Customer support can be inconsistent for free users
Best For
Small to medium retail, restaurant, and hospitality businesses managing hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials $29.95/location/month (20 employees), higher tiers up to $99.95 for advanced features.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software that manages shifts, labor costs, tips, and team communication to boost profitability.
OpenShifts marketplace allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time
7shifts is a specialized workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant and hospitality industry, enabling managers to create, optimize, and communicate employee schedules efficiently. It includes features like drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, labor forecasting based on sales data, and team messaging to control costs and reduce overtime. The software integrates seamlessly with popular POS systems and payroll providers, streamlining operations for single or multi-location businesses.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and templates
- Real-time labor cost tracking and forecasting tied to POS sales data
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and communication
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Advanced forecasting and reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing reported by users
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers of single or multi-location operations seeking to optimize labor costs and scheduling in a hospitality-focused tool.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essentials), up to $69.99 for Elite; annual billing discounts available, with add-ons for premium support.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee management app combining scheduling, task assignment, communication, and training for frontline teams.
Smart Scheduler with AI-driven shift recommendations based on employee availability, skills, and past performance
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first platform tailored for deskless and frontline teams, offering robust labor scheduling tools alongside communication, time tracking, and task management. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, automate shift assignments based on availability and skills, and facilitate shift swaps or time-off requests directly in the app. Its strength lies in seamless integration across workforce operations, making it suitable for industries like retail, hospitality, and field services.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile accessibility for employees
- Built-in shift trading, availability management, and notifications streamline operations
- All-in-one integration with time tracking and communication reduces app overload
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams, impacting value
- Lacks advanced demand forecasting compared to scheduling specialists
- Some customization for complex rotas feels limited
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in shift-based industries like retail or services seeking an easy-to-use, mobile-centric all-in-one scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans from $29/month (up to 30 users), then $0.99-$5/user/month based on plan tier; enterprise custom.
Sling
specializedFree team scheduling tool with shift templates, notifications, and availability tracking to simplify workforce planning.
Unlimited free scheduling for any number of employees, locations, and shifts
Sling is an employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and healthcare, enabling managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track labor costs, and handle shift trades or time-off requests. It includes built-in team messaging, availability management, time clock functionality, and task assignments to streamline operations. The mobile-first app ensures accessibility for both managers and employees on the go.
Pros
- Generous free plan supporting unlimited employees and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Integrated communication tools and real-time notifications
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics compared to premium competitors
- Reporting features lack depth for larger enterprises
- Customer support can be slow for free users
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking a free or low-cost scheduling tool without complex needs.
Pricing
Free plan for core features; Premium at $2/user/month; Business at $4/user/month (billed annually).
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management suite with AI-driven scheduling, forecasting, and compliance for large-scale operations.
AI-powered dimensional workforce management for predictive scheduling across skills, locations, and compliance constraints
UKG Pro is a comprehensive enterprise-grade human capital management (HCM) platform with advanced labor scheduling features designed for complex workforce management. It offers AI-driven forecasting, drag-and-drop scheduling, shift bidding, and compliance tools to optimize staffing based on demand, skills, and labor laws. The solution integrates seamlessly with time tracking, payroll, and HR modules for end-to-end workforce visibility.
Pros
- Powerful AI forecasting and optimization for demand-based scheduling
- Deep integrations with payroll, HR, and time/attendance systems
- Robust compliance features including labor law adherence and fatigue management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires extensive training for users
- High implementation time and costs for setup
- Overkill and expensive for small to mid-sized businesses
Best For
Large enterprises in industries like retail, healthcare, and manufacturing with complex, multi-site scheduling needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized organizations, scaling with users and modules.
HotSchedules
enterpriseHospitality-focused scheduling platform integrating shift management, inventory, and sales forecasting for restaurants.
Real-time labor forecasting integrated directly with POS systems for demand-based scheduling
HotSchedules is a robust workforce management platform tailored for the hospitality and restaurant industries, offering tools for employee scheduling, shift management, time tracking, and labor forecasting. Managers can create optimized schedules based on sales data and employee availability, while employees access shifts via a mobile app for trading, clocking in/out, and communication. It supports multi-location operations with real-time insights into labor costs and compliance.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with drag-and-drop interface and auto-fill options
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and shift trades
- Integrated labor forecasting tied to POS sales data
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location businesses
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains and hospitality groups managing multiple locations with variable staffing needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $2-3 per employee/month plus setup fees; contact sales for quotes.
Workforce.com
enterpriseMobile workforce management software providing scheduling, attendance tracking, and award interpretation for global teams.
AI-powered demand forecasting and auto-scheduling that predicts labor needs based on sales data and historical trends
Workforce.com is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for hourly and shift-based workforces, offering advanced scheduling, time tracking, and compliance tools. Managers can use drag-and-drop scheduling, AI-driven forecasting, and demand-based auto-scheduling to optimize labor allocation and minimize costs. Employees access shifts, clock in/out, and communicate via an intuitive mobile app, while built-in features ensure regulatory compliance and fatigue management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with AI demand forecasting
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and real-time updates
- Strong compliance tools including fatigue monitoring and labor law adherence
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Limited free trial and customization in entry-level plans
- Initial setup and integrations can require technical support
Best For
Medium to large businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare managing shift-based hourly workers who need integrated scheduling and compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$3/active user/month for essentials, up to $6+ for full features; volume discounts available.
ZoomShift
specializedAffordable employee scheduling and time tracking solution with PTO management and labor reporting for SMBs.
GPS-geofenced time tracking that verifies employee location to prevent buddy punching
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication for hourly workforces. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, automate shift assignments, and handle shift trades via a mobile app. The software also offers GPS-enabled time clocks, labor costing reports, and integrations with payroll systems like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees to clock in/out and swap shifts
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Reporting customization can feel basic for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or restaurants seeking cost-effective scheduling without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 shifts/month; Pro plan at $1.25/active user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The reviewed labour scheduling software provide tailored solutions to streamline workforce management, with top performers differing in focus yet all prioritizing efficiency. Leading as the top choice is When I Work, celebrated for its seamless shift creation, swap requests, and forecasting tools, while Deputy and Homebase stand out as strong alternatives—each suited to specific operational needs like automation, compliance, or free access. Together, they highlight the breadth of options available for optimizing team productivity.
Don’t miss out on the leading solution: try When I Work to simplify your scheduling process and unlock greater team performance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison