Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, labor costing, and communication.
- 2#2: When I Work - When I Work provides mobile-first employee scheduling, shift reminders, time-off requests, and team messaging for hourly workers.
- 3#3: Connecteam - Connecteam offers an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, time clock, task management, and communication tools.
- 4#4: Homebase - Homebase delivers free scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and performance tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
- 5#5: Workforce.com - Workforce.com is an all-in-one platform for scheduling, attendance, compliance, and payroll management across multiple locations.
- 6#6: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in restaurant staff scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and team communication.
- 7#7: ZoomShift - ZoomShift enables easy employee scheduling, time tracking, PTO management, and reporting for small to medium businesses.
- 8#8: Sling - Sling is a free employee scheduling app with shift templates, reminders, and availability tracking for teams.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Agendrix provides simple scheduling, time clock, messaging, and document sharing for non-desk employee teams.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Findmyshift offers cloud-based staff rostering, rotas, timesheets, and absence management for various industries.
We evaluated tools based on feature depth, usability, performance reliability, and value, prioritizing solutions that deliver measurable efficiency across industries while meeting diverse team size and operational requirements.
Comparison Table
Staff planning software is essential for streamlining team scheduling, shift management, and resource allocation, and evaluating options requires comparing key features, usability, and cost. This table explores top tools like Deputy, When I Work, Connecteam, Homebase, Workforce.com, and more, helping readers find the right fit for their business, whether small-scale or enterprise.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, labor costing, and communication. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | When I Work When I Work provides mobile-first employee scheduling, shift reminders, time-off requests, and team messaging for hourly workers. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Connecteam Connecteam offers an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, time clock, task management, and communication tools. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Homebase Homebase delivers free scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and performance tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | Workforce.com Workforce.com is an all-in-one platform for scheduling, attendance, compliance, and payroll management across multiple locations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in restaurant staff scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and team communication. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | ZoomShift ZoomShift enables easy employee scheduling, time tracking, PTO management, and reporting for small to medium businesses. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Sling Sling is a free employee scheduling app with shift templates, reminders, and availability tracking for teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Agendrix provides simple scheduling, time clock, messaging, and document sharing for non-desk employee teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Findmyshift offers cloud-based staff rostering, rotas, timesheets, and absence management for various industries. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, labor costing, and communication.
When I Work provides mobile-first employee scheduling, shift reminders, time-off requests, and team messaging for hourly workers.
Connecteam offers an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, time clock, task management, and communication tools.
Homebase delivers free scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and performance tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
Workforce.com is an all-in-one platform for scheduling, attendance, compliance, and payroll management across multiple locations.
7shifts specializes in restaurant staff scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and team communication.
ZoomShift enables easy employee scheduling, time tracking, PTO management, and reporting for small to medium businesses.
Sling is a free employee scheduling app with shift templates, reminders, and availability tracking for teams.
Agendrix provides simple scheduling, time clock, messaging, and document sharing for non-desk employee teams.
Findmyshift offers cloud-based staff rostering, rotas, timesheets, and absence management for various industries.
Deputy
specializedDeputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform for employee scheduling, time tracking, labor costing, and communication.
AI-powered Smart Scheduling that optimizes rosters based on forecasted demand, employee skills, preferences, and labor costs in real-time
Deputy is a leading workforce management platform specializing in staff scheduling, rostering, and time tracking for shift-based businesses. It offers tools for demand forecasting, shift optimization, employee availability matching, and real-time communication via a mobile-first app. Additional capabilities include labor costing, compliance management, and seamless integrations with payroll and POS systems to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling with AI-driven demand forecasting and auto-fill capabilities
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service, shift swaps, and clock-ins
- Robust integrations with over 100 payroll, POS, and HR systems
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like fatigue management
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations in large enterprises
- Limited free trial duration compared to some competitors
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and field services needing scalable staff planning with compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 AUD per active user/month (Essentials), with Plus at $5.25 and Enterprise custom pricing; annual billing discounts available.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work provides mobile-first employee scheduling, shift reminders, time-off requests, and team messaging for hourly workers.
OpenShifts, which allows employees to claim and fill open shifts in real-time via mobile notifications
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling for shift-based businesses. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track time-off requests, facilitate shift trades, and communicate via in-app messaging or SMS. The software also includes time clocking, labor forecasting, and mobile accessibility, making it efficient for hourly workforces in retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting tools
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service including shift swaps and availability
- Effective communication features like SMS alerts and team chat
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom integrations limited to higher tiers
- Customer support response times can vary, especially for free/basic users
- Pricing scales with active users, which may increase costs for fluctuating teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized shift-based businesses with hourly employees seeking a mobile-first, user-friendly scheduling solution.
Pricing
Essential plan at $2/active user/month; Advanced at $3/active user/month (billed annually); free trial available.
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam offers an all-in-one employee management app with scheduling, time clock, task management, and communication tools.
Employee-driven shift swapping and self-scheduling via mobile app with manager approval
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform tailored for frontline and deskless workforces, with robust staff scheduling tools at its core. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift availability, handle time-off requests, and facilitate employee shift trades in real-time. The software integrates scheduling with time tracking, communication, and task management to support comprehensive workforce planning.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Mobile-first design with employee self-service for shifts and availability
- Seamless integration of scheduling with time tracking and GPS attendance
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting or predictive analytics for demand
- Full automation and custom reports require higher-tier plans
- Less suited for complex enterprise-level planning needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services managing hourly frontline staff with shift-based scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Basic plan $29/month for first 30 users ($0.50/additional); Advanced $49/month; Expert $99/month (billed annually, per-user scaling).
Homebase
specializedHomebase delivers free scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and performance tools tailored for small businesses and hourly teams.
Unlimited-employee free plan with core scheduling and time tracking for single-location businesses
Homebase is an employee scheduling and workforce management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly workers. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, time clock tracking, shift communication, and basic hiring tools to optimize staff planning and reduce labor costs. The mobile-first app allows employees to view schedules, request time off, and clock in/out seamlessly, while managers access labor forecasting and payroll integrations.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited employees for one location
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Built-in labor forecasting and payroll integrations
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support require paid upgrade
- Limited customization for complex shift rules
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and service businesses with hourly staff seeking simple, affordable scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 location (unlimited employees); paid plans start at $24.95/month per location (up to 20 employees), scaling to $99.95 for larger teams.
Workforce.com
enterpriseWorkforce.com is an all-in-one platform for scheduling, attendance, compliance, and payroll management across multiple locations.
AI-driven AutoFill scheduling that optimizes shifts for cost, skills, and compliance in real-time
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform tailored for staff planning, offering AI-driven scheduling, demand forecasting, and shift optimization for hourly workforces. It streamlines operations with drag-and-drop scheduling, automated shift filling, time tracking, and compliance monitoring to ensure labor laws are met. The solution integrates with payroll systems and provides a mobile app for real-time employee self-service and manager approvals.
Pros
- AI-powered demand forecasting and auto-scheduling reduce overstaffing
- Strong compliance tools for breaks, overtime, and labor laws
- Intuitive mobile app for employee shift swaps and availability updates
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for small teams
- Advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- Steeper learning curve for complex forecasting setups
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing precise forecasting and compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $2.99 per active user/month for Essentials; higher tiers up to $5+ with custom enterprise pricing.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in restaurant staff scheduling, labor forecasting, tip pooling, and team communication.
Sales forecasting integration that dynamically adjusts schedules to projected revenue, minimizing overstaffing.
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, focusing on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost control. It enables managers to create optimized shift schedules, forecast labor based on sales data from integrated POS systems, and facilitate team communication through in-app messaging and announcements. The software also supports tip pooling, compliance tracking, and multi-location management to streamline restaurant operations.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill based on availability and sales forecasts
- Strong POS integrations (e.g., Toast, Square) for real-time labor optimization
- Comprehensive mobile app for clock-ins, shift swaps, and communication
Cons
- Primarily optimized for restaurants, limiting appeal for other industries
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind higher-tier plans
- Occasional integration glitches reported with certain POS systems
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains needing sales-driven scheduling and labor cost management.
Pricing
Essentials at $29.99/location/month; Pro at $43.99/location/month; Enterprise custom (billed annually).
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift enables easy employee scheduling, time tracking, PTO management, and reporting for small to medium businesses.
Employee-driven open shift bidding and auto-approval for shift trades
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on employee scheduling, time tracking, and shift management for hourly workers. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift trades, track attendance via mobile clock-in, and monitor labor costs in real-time. The software also includes PTO request handling and team communication tools to streamline daily operations in industries like retail and hospitality.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service
- Affordable pricing with good value for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting
- Reporting features lack depth compared to competitors
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium businesses in retail, restaurants, or field services needing straightforward scheduling and time tracking without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $1.25/active user/month for Basic (scheduling only), $2/user/month for Pro (adds time tracking and PTO), with Enterprise custom; free trial available.
Sling
specializedSling is a free employee scheduling app with shift templates, reminders, and availability tracking for teams.
Completely free unlimited scheduling for any team size, making it accessible for startups and small operations.
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and hospitality. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track employee availability, manage labor costs, and facilitate team communication via in-app messaging. The software also includes time clock features and basic reporting to streamline staff planning and reduce overtime expenses.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited employees and locations
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design
- Integrated time tracking and labor cost management
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics in free tier
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- Premium features required for SMS notifications and advanced reports
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking an affordable, straightforward scheduling tool without complex setup.
Pricing
Free core plan for unlimited users; Premium at $2/user/month (billed annually) for advanced features like SMS and detailed reports.
Agendrix
specializedAgendrix provides simple scheduling, time clock, messaging, and document sharing for non-desk employee teams.
Real-time shift trading and open shift claiming via mobile app
Agendrix is a user-friendly staff scheduling software tailored for businesses managing hourly workers, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, and real-time availability tracking. It includes time tracking, mobile clock-in/out, internal messaging, and vacation request management to optimize workforce planning. The platform integrates with payroll systems like QuickBooks and supports multi-location operations, making it suitable for shift-based industries.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler reduces planning time
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and clock-ins
- Affordable pricing with robust core scheduling tools
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting or AI-driven insights
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Reporting capabilities could be more customizable
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $2.95 per active user/month (Essentials plan, billed annually); Pro at $4.95/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Findmyshift
specializedFindmyshift offers cloud-based staff rostering, rotas, timesheets, and absence management for various industries.
Real-time notifications and availability-based auto-scheduling to minimize manual adjustments
Findmyshift is a cloud-based staff scheduling software that enables businesses to create rotas, manage shifts, track attendance, and communicate with employees efficiently. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile apps for staff self-service, overtime alerts, and holiday management tools. Ideal for shift-based industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare, it supports time-off requests, document sharing, and basic reporting to streamline workforce planning.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and clock-ins
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting options
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools like payroll systems
- Some features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries needing simple, cost-effective staff rostering without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans start at $17.99/month (billed annually) for up to 10 staff, scaling to Enterprise at custom pricing for larger teams.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools present a range of effective staff planning solutions, with Deputy emerging as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive workforce management platform that simplifies scheduling, time tracking, and communication. When I Work excels with its mobile-first design, perfect for hourly teams needing intuitive shift tools, and Connecteam impresses as a versatile all-in-one app, ideal for those requiring task management alongside scheduling. Together, they cater to diverse operational needs, ensuring there's a strong option for every team.
Take the first step to better team management—explore Deputy today to discover a robust, user-friendly platform that can transform how you schedule and lead your workforce.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.