Quick Overview
- 1#1: When I Work - Employee scheduling software that enables shift creation, availability management, and team communication for hourly workforces.
- 2#2: Deputy - Workforce management platform with AI-powered scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance features.
- 3#3: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app featuring intuitive shift scheduling, task assignment, and mobile communication.
- 4#4: Homebase - Free scheduling tool for small businesses with shift planning, time clocks, and team messaging.
- 5#5: 7shifts - Restaurant-specific scheduling software for shift management, labor forecasting, and tip tracking.
- 6#6: Sling - Free team scheduling app that handles shift templates, notifications, and availability conflicts.
- 7#7: Workforce.com - Mobile-first scheduling and time tracking solution for hourly employees with award interpretation.
- 8#8: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling software with PTO tracking, overtime alerts, and payroll integration.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Simple scheduling tool for shift planning, employee messaging, and time-off requests.
- 10#10: Findmyshift - Online rota and scheduling software for managing staff shifts, rotas, and availability across teams.
These tools were carefully selected based on a blend of robust feature sets (including shift management, time tracking, and communication tools), user experience, reliability, and return on investment, ensuring they cater to both small and large organizations across industries.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top staffing scheduling software tools, such as When I Work, Deputy, Connecteam, Homebase, 7shifts, and more, to guide readers toward the best fit for their team. It highlights key features, usability, and suitability for various business needs, helping users make informed decisions to enhance operational efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When I Work Employee scheduling software that enables shift creation, availability management, and team communication for hourly workforces. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Workforce management platform with AI-powered scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance features. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app featuring intuitive shift scheduling, task assignment, and mobile communication. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Homebase Free scheduling tool for small businesses with shift planning, time clocks, and team messaging. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | 7shifts Restaurant-specific scheduling software for shift management, labor forecasting, and tip tracking. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Sling Free team scheduling app that handles shift templates, notifications, and availability conflicts. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Workforce.com Mobile-first scheduling and time tracking solution for hourly employees with award interpretation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling software with PTO tracking, overtime alerts, and payroll integration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Simple scheduling tool for shift planning, employee messaging, and time-off requests. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Findmyshift Online rota and scheduling software for managing staff shifts, rotas, and availability across teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
Employee scheduling software that enables shift creation, availability management, and team communication for hourly workforces.
Workforce management platform with AI-powered scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance features.
All-in-one employee management app featuring intuitive shift scheduling, task assignment, and mobile communication.
Free scheduling tool for small businesses with shift planning, time clocks, and team messaging.
Restaurant-specific scheduling software for shift management, labor forecasting, and tip tracking.
Free team scheduling app that handles shift templates, notifications, and availability conflicts.
Mobile-first scheduling and time tracking solution for hourly employees with award interpretation.
Cloud-based employee scheduling software with PTO tracking, overtime alerts, and payroll integration.
Simple scheduling tool for shift planning, employee messaging, and time-off requests.
Online rota and scheduling software for managing staff shifts, rotas, and availability across teams.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling software that enables shift creation, availability management, and team communication for hourly workforces.
OpenShifts marketplace allowing employees to claim and trade shifts seamlessly without manager approval
When I Work is a leading employee scheduling software tailored for shift-based businesses like retail, restaurants, and healthcare. It allows managers to build schedules quickly with drag-and-drop tools, forecast labor needs, and track time off requests. Employees can access shifts, swap them, claim open shifts, and communicate via a robust mobile app, while integrations with payroll and POS systems enhance operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and auto-fill capabilities
- Powerful mobile app with shift trading and open shift features
- Comprehensive time tracking, labor costing, and team messaging
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced reporting and forecasting
- Limited customization in free plan
- Occasional integration glitches with some payroll systems
Best For
Shift-based businesses with hourly workers needing flexible, mobile-first scheduling and employee self-service.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 schedules/month; paid plans from $2/user/month (Essential) to $5+/user/month (Elite) billed annually.
Deputy
enterpriseWorkforce management platform with AI-powered scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance features.
AI-powered Auto Schedule that intelligently fills shifts based on forecasted demand, skills, and availability
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, enabling efficient employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication. Managers can create optimized schedules using drag-and-drop tools, labor forecasting, and compliance features to minimize overtime and ensure regulatory adherence. Employees access shifts via a mobile app, request swaps, and clock in/out in real-time, streamlining operations across locations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Comprehensive mobile app for employee self-service and shift swapping
- Advanced labor forecasting and overtime alerts for cost control
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for full feature access
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting tools
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing scalable scheduling and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (billed annually) for core scheduling; advanced plans from $5.25/user/month, with enterprise custom pricing.
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one employee management app featuring intuitive shift scheduling, task assignment, and mobile communication.
Smart Scheduling with AI that auto-fills shifts based on employee availability, preferences, skills, and overtime rules.
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one employee management platform tailored for deskless and frontline teams, with powerful scheduling tools at its core including drag-and-drop shift planning, availability tracking, and employee self-service features like shift swapping and claiming. It integrates scheduling seamlessly with time tracking, task management, and team communication to streamline daily operations. Particularly suited for industries like retail, hospitality, construction, and field services, it enables efficient staffing without needing multiple apps.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for both managers and employees
- Robust self-service tools like shift trades and availability submission
- Integrated communication and time tracking enhance scheduling efficiency
Cons
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic scheduling without extras
- Advanced forecasting and analytics are less sophisticated than specialized tools
- Some customization options feel limited for complex enterprise needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses managing hourly frontline workers in service industries that benefit from combined scheduling, communication, and operations tools.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for up to 30 users (Starter), $49/month unlimited users (Operations), $99/month unlimited with advanced features (Expert).
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling tool for small businesses with shift planning, time clocks, and team messaging.
Built-in hiring marketplace that lets managers post shifts/jobs and hire vetted local candidates directly within the app
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workers, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and hiring. Managers can create drag-and-drop schedules, set availability preferences, and send open shifts via mobile app notifications. It also integrates time clocks with geofencing and basic payroll features, making it a one-stop solution for frontline teams in retail, restaurants, and hospitality.
Pros
- Generous free plan for one location and basic needs
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to view schedules and clock in/out
- Integrated hiring tools to post jobs and onboard staff quickly
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics limited to higher tiers
- Fewer integrations with payroll/HR systems than enterprise competitors
- Pricing scales up quickly for multiple locations or larger teams
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and hospitality businesses with hourly shift workers seeking an affordable, all-in-one scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free plan for one location (unlimited employees); Essentials $29.99/month per location; Plus $59.99/month; All-in-One $149.99/month (billed annually, first 20 employees often free per plan).
7shifts
specializedRestaurant-specific scheduling software for shift management, labor forecasting, and tip tracking.
Labor forecasting tied to POS sales data for automated, cost-optimized scheduling
7shifts is a restaurant-focused workforce management platform that simplifies employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost control for the hospitality industry. It offers tools for shift creation, availability management, shift trading, and real-time notifications to reduce no-shows and overtime. The software integrates with popular POS systems like Toast and Square, providing sales forecasting to optimize staffing levels.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like sales forecasting and tip tracking
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to pick shifts and clock in/out
- Robust integrations with POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Limited customization for non-restaurant industries
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple locations and employees
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Restaurant managers and multi-location chains seeking to minimize labor costs through intelligent scheduling and forecasting.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials) up to $59.99/location/month (Complete), billed annually with add-ons for extra users.
Sling
specializedFree team scheduling app that handles shift templates, notifications, and availability conflicts.
Unlimited free plan supporting core scheduling, communication, and time tracking for small teams
Sling is an employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create schedules, manage employee availability, and handle shift trades efficiently. It includes built-in communication tools, time tracking, and task management to keep teams organized. The software stands out with its mobile-first approach and generous free plan, making it accessible for small operations in retail, hospitality, and similar industries.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and core scheduling tools
- Intuitive mobile app for easy schedule access and updates
- Integrated messaging and shift swap functionality reduces admin time
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in free/basic plans
- Fewer integrations with payroll/HR systems compared to enterprise tools
- Scalability challenges for very large teams or complex forecasting
Best For
Small to medium-sized shift-based businesses seeking a free or low-cost scheduling solution without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan for core features; Standard at $1.70/user/month (annual); Premium at $3.75/user/month (annual) for advanced tools like labor costing.
Workforce.com
enterpriseMobile-first scheduling and time tracking solution for hourly employees with award interpretation.
Award Interpretation Engine that automatically interprets and applies complex Australian employment awards to ensure 100% compliance
Workforce.com is a robust workforce management platform tailored for hourly workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It provides AI-powered scheduling, demand forecasting, time and attendance tracking, and automated compliance with complex labor laws, especially Australian awards. The software streamlines shift filling, employee communication via mobile apps, and integrates with payroll and POS systems for seamless operations.
Pros
- Superior compliance automation for AU/NZ labor awards
- AI-driven forecasting and drag-and-drop scheduling
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and real-time notifications
Cons
- Higher cost for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups
- Primarily optimized for Australian/New Zealand markets
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare in Australia/New Zealand requiring advanced compliance and scheduling.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at AU$59 per location/month plus AU$3-5 per active employee, with add-ons for advanced features.
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling software with PTO tracking, overtime alerts, and payroll integration.
Open Shift Pool for real-time shift posting and employee self-scheduling
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management software tailored for hourly workforces, enabling easy employee scheduling, time tracking, and attendance management. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, shift swapping via an open shift pool, geofenced time clocks, and labor costing to optimize operations. Ideal for industries like retail, restaurants, and healthcare, it integrates with popular payroll systems and offers mobile apps for real-time updates.
Pros
- Affordable per-user pricing scales well for small teams
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile app
- Effective shift trading and open shift pool for flexibility
Cons
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise tools
- Limited integrations with advanced HR systems
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with hourly workers in shift-based industries like hospitality and retail seeking simple, cost-effective scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $1.25 per active user/month (billed annually) for Basic, $2.25 for Pro, $3.25 for Elite; 14-day free trial available.
Agendrix
specializedSimple scheduling tool for shift planning, employee messaging, and time-off requests.
Integrated employee messaging that appears directly on the schedule view for quick communication and confirmations
Agendrix is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based businesses, enabling managers to create, assign, and manage schedules via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It supports employee self-service features like shift swaps, time-off requests, and mobile notifications, while integrating time clock and basic payroll exports. Ideal for industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail, it emphasizes simplicity and team communication to reduce scheduling conflicts.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time updates
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service and notifications
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting tools
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options can feel basic for complex needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like restaurants or healthcare seeking straightforward, mobile-friendly scheduling without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Premium at $2.95/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Findmyshift
specializedOnline rota and scheduling software for managing staff shifts, rotas, and availability across teams.
Drag-and-drop rota builder with auto-scheduling based on availability and skills
Findmyshift is a cloud-based employee scheduling software that enables managers to create, manage, and share shift rotas with drag-and-drop functionality, while tracking staff availability and facilitating shift swaps. It includes time tracking, timesheet approvals, payroll exports, and mobile apps for both managers and employees. The platform supports industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare with features for overtime alerts and real-time notifications.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams
- Strong mobile accessibility for staff self-service
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in base plans
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options can feel basic for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare seeking straightforward, cost-effective scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 staff; Standard plan at $22/month for 10 staff; Premium at $35/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The reviewed staffing scheduling tools provide versatile options to streamline workforce management, with When I Work standing out as the top choice due to its seamless shift creation, availability tracking, and team communication features. Deputy and Connecteam rank highly as strong alternatives, offering AI-powered scheduling and all-in-one mobile management respectively, each excelling in distinct areas to suit varied needs. Together, these tools ensure efficient operations, whether for small businesses or specialized industries.
Begin by trying When I Work to experience intuitive scheduling and real-time collaboration, or explore Deputy or Connecteam to find the ideal solution tailored to your specific requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
