Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce management tool for creating, managing, and optimizing employee rotas with drag-and-drop scheduling and real-time updates.
- 2#2: When I Work - Employee scheduling software that enables easy rota creation, shift trading, and availability management via mobile app.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free scheduling tool for small teams offering shift rostering, time clocks, and team communication features.
- 4#4: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app with advanced rota scheduling, GPS tracking, and task assignment capabilities.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software for building rotas, labor forecasting, and handling shift changes efficiently.
- 6#6: Sling - Simple team scheduling app for creating rotas, managing availability, and preventing shift conflicts.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - Affordable employee scheduling solution with rota templates, overtime alerts, and mobile shift management.
- 8#8: RotaCloud - Cloud-based rota management for businesses with automated scheduling, timesheets, and payroll integration.
- 9#9: Findmyshift - Flexible staff rostering tool supporting multiple locations, rotas, and employee self-service features.
- 10#10: Timetastic - User-friendly holiday and rota planner with real-time availability views and shift notifications.
Tools were selected based on key factors including feature depth (scheduling, real-time updates, and integration capabilities), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across varied business contexts.
Comparison Table
This comparison table simplifies choosing rota management software, featuring tools like Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, Connecteam, 7shifts, and more. It outlines key features, ease of use, and integrations to help readers identify the right fit for their business needs, whether small or large.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce management tool for creating, managing, and optimizing employee rotas with drag-and-drop scheduling and real-time updates. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | When I Work Employee scheduling software that enables easy rota creation, shift trading, and availability management via mobile app. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free scheduling tool for small teams offering shift rostering, time clocks, and team communication features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app with advanced rota scheduling, GPS tracking, and task assignment capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software for building rotas, labor forecasting, and handling shift changes efficiently. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Sling Simple team scheduling app for creating rotas, managing availability, and preventing shift conflicts. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift Affordable employee scheduling solution with rota templates, overtime alerts, and mobile shift management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | RotaCloud Cloud-based rota management for businesses with automated scheduling, timesheets, and payroll integration. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Findmyshift Flexible staff rostering tool supporting multiple locations, rotas, and employee self-service features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | Timetastic User-friendly holiday and rota planner with real-time availability views and shift notifications. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
Comprehensive workforce management tool for creating, managing, and optimizing employee rotas with drag-and-drop scheduling and real-time updates.
Employee scheduling software that enables easy rota creation, shift trading, and availability management via mobile app.
Free scheduling tool for small teams offering shift rostering, time clocks, and team communication features.
All-in-one employee management app with advanced rota scheduling, GPS tracking, and task assignment capabilities.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software for building rotas, labor forecasting, and handling shift changes efficiently.
Simple team scheduling app for creating rotas, managing availability, and preventing shift conflicts.
Affordable employee scheduling solution with rota templates, overtime alerts, and mobile shift management.
Cloud-based rota management for businesses with automated scheduling, timesheets, and payroll integration.
Flexible staff rostering tool supporting multiple locations, rotas, and employee self-service features.
User-friendly holiday and rota planner with real-time availability views and shift notifications.
Deputy
specializedComprehensive workforce management tool for creating, managing, and optimizing employee rotas with drag-and-drop scheduling and real-time updates.
AI-powered Smart Scheduling that automatically builds cost-optimized rotas based on demand forecasts, skills, and availability
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform designed for rota (scheduling) management, particularly for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables managers to create optimized schedules using drag-and-drop tools, AI-powered forecasting, and automatic shift filling based on employee availability and skills. Additional features include mobile self-service for employees to swap shifts, claim open slots, and clock in/out, alongside time tracking, compliance alerts, and integrations with payroll and POS systems.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with AI auto-rostering and labor forecasting
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service, shift swaps, and real-time notifications
- Strong integrations with payroll, POS, and compliance tools for streamlined operations
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Initial setup and customization can have a learning curve
- Reporting is powerful but less flexible for highly custom needs
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking scalable, mobile-first rota management with forecasting and compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for basic rostering (Roster plan), with Essentials ($5+), Plus ($7+), and custom Enterprise tiers including advanced forecasting and API access.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling software that enables easy rota creation, shift trading, and availability management via mobile app.
OpenShift feature allowing employees to claim available shifts like a marketplace, reducing admin time on filling gaps
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for rota management, enabling businesses to create, share, and manage shift schedules effortlessly. It supports features like shift trading, availability requests, and auto-scheduling to optimize workforce planning. Additionally, it includes time tracking, attendance tools, and team communication to streamline operations for hourly workforces.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
- Real-time notifications and labor forecasting tools
Cons
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Customer support response times can vary
- Limited customization for complex enterprise needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly or shift-based teams in retail, hospitality, or healthcare seeking flexible, mobile-friendly rota management.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users at one location; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essential) up to $4/user/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling tool for small teams offering shift rostering, time clocks, and team communication features.
OpenShifts, allowing managers to post available shifts that employees can instantly claim based on their availability
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses managing hourly employees. It excels in rota management with drag-and-drop scheduling, auto-scheduling based on availability and labor forecasts, and features like OpenShifts for employees to claim available shifts. The software also integrates time tracking, team messaging, hiring tools, and performance insights to streamline operations in industries like retail, restaurants, and services.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile access for managers and employees
- Generous free plan for single-location businesses with unlimited employees
- Integrated time tracking, communication, and hiring reduce need for multiple tools
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics limited to higher-tier plans
- Geofencing for clock-ins can be unreliable in some locations
- Customer support slower for free plan users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workforces in retail, hospitality, or services seeking affordable, user-friendly rota management.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees, basic scheduling/time tracking); paid plans from $24.95/location/month (Essentials) to $99.95/location/month (Enterprise).
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one employee management app with advanced rota scheduling, GPS tracking, and task assignment capabilities.
Employee self-service shift trading and claiming directly in the mobile app, with manager approvals and notifications
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first employee management platform tailored for non-desk and frontline teams, with strong rota management capabilities through its intuitive scheduling module. Managers can create drag-and-drop rotas, set recurring shift templates, match employee availability, and enable shift swapping via the app. It integrates scheduling with time tracking, GPS check-ins, communication tools, and task management for comprehensive workforce oversight.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling with availability matching and shift templates
- Mobile app allows employees to view rotas, claim shifts, and communicate in real-time
- Integrated time clock with geofencing for accurate attendance tied to schedules
Cons
- Pricing is per-user, which can get expensive for large teams
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic rota tools without the full suite
- Limited advanced AI forecasting or optimization compared to dedicated scheduling software
Best For
Small to medium businesses with shift-based, non-desk workers requiring scheduling integrated with communication, time tracking, and operations management.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/user/month (Basic, billed annually), up to $99/user/month (Expert) with more features.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software for building rotas, labor forecasting, and handling shift changes efficiently.
Predictive scheduling that automatically builds rotas based on historical sales forecasts and employee availability
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, specializing in shift scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization. It enables managers to create rotas with drag-and-drop functionality, forecast labor needs based on sales data, and facilitate shift trades among employees. Additional tools include communication features, tip pooling, and integrations with popular POS systems to streamline operations.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting tied to sales data
- Excellent mobile app for employees to clock in, trade shifts, and communicate
- Comprehensive labor cost controls and reporting for restaurants
Cons
- Limited customization outside restaurant-specific workflows
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations or advanced features
- Steep learning curve for non-intuitive reporting tools
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains seeking industry-specific rota management with labor forecasting.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (billed annually) for Core plan; Essentials at $59.99, Complete at $99.99, and custom Enterprise pricing.
Sling
specializedSimple team scheduling app for creating rotas, managing availability, and preventing shift conflicts.
Free unlimited employee scheduling with labor cost tracking
Sling is an employee scheduling and workforce management platform tailored for rota management, enabling businesses to create shift schedules, track time, manage labor costs, and facilitate team communication. It supports drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, availability requests, and mobile apps for both managers and employees. Ideal for shift-based industries, Sling helps reduce scheduling conflicts and overtime expenses through forecasting tools and real-time updates.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited employees and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile accessibility
- Integrated communication tools and labor cost forecasting
Cons
- Advanced reporting and integrations locked behind premium tiers
- Limited customization for complex compliance needs
- No native payroll processing
Best For
Small to medium businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing simple, cost-effective shift scheduling without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan for core scheduling; Standard at $2/user/month, Premium at $4/user/month (billed annually).
ZoomShift
specializedAffordable employee scheduling solution with rota templates, overtime alerts, and mobile shift management.
Employee-driven shift bidding and swapping for flexible rota adjustments
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create rotas, assign shifts, and monitor attendance in real-time. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, automated notifications, shift trading, and mobile clock-in capabilities to streamline workforce management. The platform also handles time-off requests, labor costing, and team messaging, making it efficient for hourly workforces.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees and managers
- Affordable pricing with strong core rota management tools
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Customer support response times can vary
- Fewer third-party integrations than top competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and healthcare needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 75 shifts/month; paid plans start at $29/location/month (up to 75 employees) or $1.25/active user/month for larger teams.
RotaCloud
specializedCloud-based rota management for businesses with automated scheduling, timesheets, and payroll integration.
Automated shift notifications and employee shift-trading marketplace
RotaCloud is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in rota scheduling, time tracking, and staff communication for shift-based businesses. It enables managers to build rotas, manage availability, approve timesheets, and integrate with payroll systems like Sage and Xero. The mobile app allows employees to view shifts, clock in/out, and request swaps, reducing administrative overhead significantly.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop rota builder with real-time updates
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and clocking
- Reliable integrations with popular UK payroll providers
Cons
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options for rotas are somewhat limited
- Pricing escalates quickly for teams over 50 staff
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hospitality, retail, or care sectors managing hourly shift workers.
Pricing
Starts at £29/month for up to 20 staff; scales to £99+/month for larger teams, with annual discounts available.
Findmyshift
specializedFlexible staff rostering tool supporting multiple locations, rotas, and employee self-service features.
Visual drag-and-drop rota builder with auto-fill based on availability and skills
Findmyshift is a cloud-based rota management software tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling easy creation, editing, and publishing of employee schedules online. It supports features like staff availability tracking, timesheet management, holiday requests, and in-app messaging to streamline workforce coordination. The platform offers mobile apps for both managers and employees, facilitating real-time updates and self-service shift swaps.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Employee self-service mobile app for shift swaps and availability
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations with payroll/HR systems
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hospitality, retail, or healthcare needing simple, cost-effective shift scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 employees; Team plan starts at $24/month for 10 staff, with Enterprise pricing scaling by employee count (around $2-3 per user/month).
Timetastic
specializedUser-friendly holiday and rota planner with real-time availability views and shift notifications.
Fun, visual rota builder with color-coded shifts and emoji integration for engaging staff communication
Timetastic is a straightforward cloud-based rota management software designed for small to medium businesses, enabling easy creation and sharing of staff schedules online. It supports employee self-service features like viewing shifts, submitting time off requests, swapping shifts, and updating availability through a user-friendly mobile app. The tool also tracks overtime, absences, and integrates with popular UK payroll systems for seamless operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick rota building
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and real-time updates
- Exceptionally affordable with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced automation or AI-driven scheduling
- Basic reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer integrations outside UK-specific payroll systems
Best For
Small to medium hospitality, retail, or service businesses needing simple, cost-effective staff scheduling without complex features.
Pricing
Starts at £0.49 per active staff member per month (billed annually), with a free trial and no setup fees.
Conclusion
The top 10 rota management tools each bring unique value, with Deputy leading as the top choice thanks to its comprehensive workforce management and drag-and-drop scheduling ease. When I Work stands out for its mobile-friendly design and shift trading capabilities, while Homebase excels for small teams with free access and essential time tracking features. Whether prioritizing all-in-one efficiency or focused functionality, these tools offer strong solutions to streamline rota creation and management.
Take the first step toward smarter rota management—try Deputy today. Its intuitive platform and real-time updates make it the clear leader, setting a new standard for efficient workforce optimization.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison