Quick Overview
- 1#1: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management for frontline teams.
- 2#2: Deputy - Comprehensive staff scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and workforce communication platform.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time clock, and team messaging app designed for small businesses.
- 4#4: When I Work - Employee scheduling and time tracking software with shift trade and availability management.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific staff scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and communication tool.
- 6#6: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management suite for scheduling, timekeeping, payroll, and HCM.
- 7#7: Rippling - Unified platform combining HR, payroll, IT, and staff management for growing businesses.
- 8#8: BambooHR - Cloud HR software with employee management, performance tracking, and onboarding features.
- 9#9: Workday - Enterprise HCM platform for talent management, scheduling, and workforce planning.
- 10#10: ADP Workforce Now - Integrated HR, payroll, and workforce management solution for mid-to-large businesses.
These tools were selected through a rigorous evaluation focusing on feature depth, user-friendliness, scalability, and value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance across diverse operational contexts.
Comparison Table
Discover a comprehensive comparison of top staff management software, including Connecteam, Deputy, Homebase, When I Work, 7shifts, and more. This table outlines key features, pricing models, and usability insights to help readers find the ideal tool for their team’s unique needs, whether focused on scheduling, communication, or employee management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management for frontline teams. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Comprehensive staff scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and workforce communication platform. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time clock, and team messaging app designed for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Employee scheduling and time tracking software with shift trade and availability management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific staff scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and communication tool. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management suite for scheduling, timekeeping, payroll, and HCM. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Rippling Unified platform combining HR, payroll, IT, and staff management for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | BambooHR Cloud HR software with employee management, performance tracking, and onboarding features. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Workday Enterprise HCM platform for talent management, scheduling, and workforce planning. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | ADP Workforce Now Integrated HR, payroll, and workforce management solution for mid-to-large businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
All-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management for frontline teams.
Comprehensive staff scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and workforce communication platform.
Free employee scheduling, time clock, and team messaging app designed for small businesses.
Employee scheduling and time tracking software with shift trade and availability management.
Restaurant-specific staff scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and communication tool.
Enterprise workforce management suite for scheduling, timekeeping, payroll, and HCM.
Unified platform combining HR, payroll, IT, and staff management for growing businesses.
Cloud HR software with employee management, performance tracking, and onboarding features.
Enterprise HCM platform for talent management, scheduling, and workforce planning.
Integrated HR, payroll, and workforce management solution for mid-to-large businesses.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one mobile app for employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management for frontline teams.
Operations Hub with real-time digital checklists, forms, and asset tracking that digitizes and automates frontline workflows
Connecteam is an all-in-one mobile-first employee management platform tailored for frontline and deskless workers, offering tools for scheduling, time tracking, communication, task management, training, and operations. It enables managers to streamline daily workflows, boost productivity, and enhance employee engagement through a user-friendly app. With features like digital checklists, GPS tracking, and performance insights, it's designed to replace paper-based processes in industries such as retail, hospitality, and field services.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite covering communication, scheduling, time tracking, and training
- Mobile-first design perfect for non-desk workers with offline capabilities
- Highly customizable forms, checklists, and automations for operational efficiency
Cons
- Advanced analytics and integrations limited to higher-tier plans
- Steeper learning curve for highly customized setups
- Pricing scales quickly with larger teams
Best For
Managers of frontline and deskless teams in retail, hospitality, construction, or field services needing a mobile app for scheduling, communication, and daily operations.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic, up to 30 users), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with Enterprise custom pricing—all billed per month with annual discounts.
Deputy
specializedComprehensive staff scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and workforce communication platform.
Intelligent Auto-Scheduling that uses AI to forecast demand and automatically assign optimal shifts while respecting employee preferences and labor laws.
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for staff scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and team communication, primarily serving shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, geofenced time clocks, and labor cost insights to optimize operations and ensure compliance. The software also supports task assignments, announcements, and seamless payroll integrations for streamlined workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-optimization
- Powerful mobile app for clocking in/out and shift swaps
- Extensive integrations with payroll, POS, and HR systems
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Occasional glitches in mobile notifications reported
Best For
Medium to large businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail and hospitality needing efficient scheduling and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential), $5.25 (Advanced), with custom Enterprise pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time clock, and team messaging app designed for small businesses.
OpenShifts, which allows employees to claim available shifts in real-time, promoting flexibility and reducing scheduling conflicts.
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly employees, focusing on scheduling, time tracking, and team communication. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track hours with geofencing to prevent buddy punching, and facilitate shift trading among staff. Additional tools include hiring, onboarding, performance management, and integrations with payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks.
Pros
- Free plan for single-location businesses with core scheduling and time tracking
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to clock in/out and view schedules
- Strong communication tools like announcements and messaging
- Seamless payroll integrations reducing manual data entry
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics limited to higher-tier plans
- Customization options for schedules and alerts are somewhat basic
- Not optimized for large enterprises with complex multi-location needs
- Some users report occasional mobile app glitches during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in hourly industries like retail, restaurants, and hospitality seeking an affordable, user-friendly tool for scheduling and time management.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials plan at $29.99/location/month (first 20 employees free), Premium at $59.99/location/month, Elite at $99.99/location/month with advanced features.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling and time tracking software with shift trade and availability management.
Employee-driven shift trading and open shift claiming for flexible self-management
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, publish, and manage staff schedules efficiently. It includes time tracking, shift trading, time-off requests, and in-app communication tools to streamline workforce management. The mobile-first design ensures accessibility for both managers and employees on the go.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees to claim shifts and clock in/out
- Built-in communication and notifications reduce email overload
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics are somewhat limited
- Customer support response times can vary
- Some integrations require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and healthcare needing straightforward employee scheduling.
Pricing
Free for basic use (1 location, up to 75 users); Pro at $2/active user/month; Elite at $3.50/active user/month.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific staff scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and communication tool.
AI-powered labor forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on sales data and historical trends
7shifts is a robust staff management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, enabling managers to create schedules, track time, forecast labor costs, and communicate with teams efficiently. It includes features like shift trading, tip tracking, performance insights, and integrations with POS systems such as Toast and Square. The software helps reduce overtime, optimize staffing, and improve operational efficiency in fast-paced restaurant environments.
Pros
- Powerful scheduling tools with drag-and-drop interface and auto-fill
- Real-time labor forecasting and cost tracking integrations
- Comprehensive mobile app for clock-ins, shift swaps, and communication
Cons
- Primarily optimized for restaurants, less flexible for other industries
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations and employees
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Restaurant owners and managers focused on labor optimization, scheduling, and team coordination in high-volume operations.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $29.99/location/month (up to 20 active employees, billed annually); Pro at $59.99/location/month (unlimited employees); custom Enterprise pricing available.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management suite for scheduling, timekeeping, payroll, and HCM.
AI-powered Intelligent Workforce Management for predictive scheduling and real-time optimization
UKG Pro is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform specializing in workforce management, offering advanced scheduling, time and attendance tracking, shift bidding, and fatigue management for large-scale operations. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, HR, and talent modules to streamline staff management and ensure compliance. Leveraging AI for predictive analytics and forecasting, it helps optimize labor costs and improve employee engagement across global workforces.
Pros
- Robust AI-driven scheduling and forecasting tools reduce labor costs
- Seamless integration with payroll and HCM for unified data management
- Strong compliance features for global and regulated industries
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation for non-enterprise users
- High cost unsuitable for small to mid-sized businesses
- Customization requires significant IT involvement
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global workforces needing integrated HCM and advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing for enterprises, typically $20-50 per employee/month plus implementation fees.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified platform combining HR, payroll, IT, and staff management for growing businesses.
Automated data sync across HR, IT, payroll, and finance – updates in one area instantly propagate everywhere.
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that integrates HR, payroll, IT, finance, and benefits administration into a single system. It automates the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding and compliance to device management and global payroll processing. By syncing data across modules, Rippling eliminates silos and reduces administrative errors for scaling businesses.
Pros
- Unified platform eliminates need for multiple tools
- Robust automation and 500+ integrations
- Strong compliance and global payroll support
Cons
- Higher cost for small teams
- Steep learning curve for complex setups
- Limited customization in some modules
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies seeking a comprehensive, scalable solution for workforce operations.
Pricing
Core HR starts at $8/user/month; payroll and IT add-ons range $5-11/user/month; custom enterprise pricing.
BambooHR
enterpriseCloud HR software with employee management, performance tracking, and onboarding features.
Drag-and-drop Report Builder allowing non-technical users to create custom HR reports instantly
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, centralizing employee data, onboarding, performance reviews, and time-off management. It offers an integrated applicant tracking system (ATS), customizable reporting, and employee self-service portals to streamline HR processes. The software emphasizes user-friendliness, enabling HR teams without technical expertise to handle staff management efficiently.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Strong employee self-service and mobile app functionality
- Robust reporting and analytics tools for SMBs
Cons
- Limited advanced features for enterprise-scale needs
- Pricing scales up quickly with add-ons and employee count
- Integrations with some payroll systems require extra setup
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing an all-in-one, easy-to-deploy HR solution without IT support.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at ~$6 per employee/month for Core plan, up to $12+ for Elite; annual contracts required.
Workday
enterpriseEnterprise HCM platform for talent management, scheduling, and workforce planning.
Skills Cloud, an AI-powered ontology that maps employee skills for intelligent talent matching and development
Workday is a comprehensive cloud-based enterprise platform specializing in human capital management (HCM), financials, and analytics, with robust staff management capabilities including recruiting, onboarding, performance tracking, compensation, payroll, and workforce planning. It leverages AI and machine learning for predictive insights into talent management and employee engagement. Designed for scalability, it serves large organizations by integrating HR processes seamlessly with financial systems.
Pros
- Unified HCM and financial platform for end-to-end staff lifecycle management
- Advanced AI-driven analytics and Skills Cloud for talent optimization
- Strong scalability, security, and compliance for global enterprises
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Pricing can be prohibitive for mid-sized or small businesses
Best For
Large enterprises needing an integrated, scalable HCM solution with deep analytics for complex workforce management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $100-$200+ per employee/month for core HCM, with additional fees for implementation and add-ons.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseIntegrated HR, payroll, and workforce management solution for mid-to-large businesses.
Integrated payroll and HCM suite with AI-driven workforce analytics for predictive scheduling and planning
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform designed for mid-to-large enterprises, offering integrated tools for payroll processing, HR administration, time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and performance management. It streamlines staff management by providing employee self-service portals, compliance reporting, and analytics for workforce planning. The software emphasizes scalability and automation to handle complex organizational needs across multiple locations.
Pros
- Extensive feature set covering payroll, scheduling, and compliance in one platform
- Robust scalability for growing businesses with multi-location support
- Strong analytics and reporting for data-driven staff decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High pricing that may not suit small businesses
- Occasional customer support delays reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing an all-in-one HCM solution for comprehensive staff management and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $100-$200+ per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Conclusion
The top staff management tools reviewed stand out for their ability to simplify operations, with Connecteam leading as the top choice for its all-in-one mobile approach to frontline scheduling, time tracking, and communication. Deputy and Homebase closely follow, offering strong alternatives—Deputy’s comprehensiveness and Homebase’s focus on small businesses ensuring tailored solutions that meet diverse needs.
Take the next step in optimizing your team’s workflow by trying Connecteam; its integrated features are designed to elevate management efficiency and employee engagement.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
