Quick Overview
- 1#1: UKG Pro - Comprehensive enterprise workforce management platform for scheduling, timekeeping, forecasting, and compliance.
- 2#2: ADP Workforce Now - Integrated HCM solution with advanced workforce scheduling, attendance tracking, and payroll management.
- 3#3: Dayforce - Unified HCM platform delivering real-time workforce management, scheduling, and predictive analytics.
- 4#4: Workday - Cloud HCM system with workforce planning, absence management, and shift optimization tools.
- 5#5: Oracle HCM Cloud - Scalable global workforce management for scheduling, time and labor, and strategic planning.
- 6#6: WorkForce Suite - Real-time workforce orchestration platform for scheduling, attendance, and performance tracking.
- 7#7: Deputy - Shift scheduling and workforce management app with time tracking and communication features.
- 8#8: When I Work - Employee scheduling software for shift planning, availability, and time clock integration.
- 9#9: Homebase - Free tool for scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and team messaging for small businesses.
- 10#10: Connecteam - Mobile-first app for employee scheduling, time attendance, tasks, and communication.
We evaluated tools based on feature depth, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring a mix of enterprise-grade robustness and small-business accessibility to meet diverse organizational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table evaluates key features, usability, and core capabilities of top workforce management software tools, including UKG Pro, ADP Workforce Now, Dayforce, Workday, Oracle HCM Cloud, and additional platforms, to guide users toward informed decisions. Readers will explore differentiators like scheduling flexibility, analytics power, and integration ease, gaining insights into how each tool aligns with diverse organizational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UKG Pro Comprehensive enterprise workforce management platform for scheduling, timekeeping, forecasting, and compliance. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | ADP Workforce Now Integrated HCM solution with advanced workforce scheduling, attendance tracking, and payroll management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Dayforce Unified HCM platform delivering real-time workforce management, scheduling, and predictive analytics. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Workday Cloud HCM system with workforce planning, absence management, and shift optimization tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 5 | Oracle HCM Cloud Scalable global workforce management for scheduling, time and labor, and strategic planning. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | WorkForce Suite Real-time workforce orchestration platform for scheduling, attendance, and performance tracking. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Deputy Shift scheduling and workforce management app with time tracking and communication features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | When I Work Employee scheduling software for shift planning, availability, and time clock integration. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Homebase Free tool for scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and team messaging for small businesses. | other | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Connecteam Mobile-first app for employee scheduling, time attendance, tasks, and communication. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
Comprehensive enterprise workforce management platform for scheduling, timekeeping, forecasting, and compliance.
Integrated HCM solution with advanced workforce scheduling, attendance tracking, and payroll management.
Unified HCM platform delivering real-time workforce management, scheduling, and predictive analytics.
Cloud HCM system with workforce planning, absence management, and shift optimization tools.
Scalable global workforce management for scheduling, time and labor, and strategic planning.
Real-time workforce orchestration platform for scheduling, attendance, and performance tracking.
Shift scheduling and workforce management app with time tracking and communication features.
Employee scheduling software for shift planning, availability, and time clock integration.
Free tool for scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and team messaging for small businesses.
Mobile-first app for employee scheduling, time attendance, tasks, and communication.
UKG Pro
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise workforce management platform for scheduling, timekeeping, forecasting, and compliance.
AI-powered predictive workforce forecasting that dynamically optimizes schedules and reduces labor costs
UKG Pro is a leading cloud-based workforce management solution within the broader HCM suite, providing advanced tools for employee scheduling, time and attendance tracking, absence management, and labor forecasting. It leverages AI and machine learning to optimize workforce planning, predict demand, and ensure compliance with labor regulations across global operations. Ideal for enterprises, it integrates seamlessly with payroll, talent management, and other HCM functions for a unified employee experience.
Pros
- Comprehensive AI-driven forecasting and scheduling optimization
- Seamless integration with full HCM suite including payroll
- Robust compliance and analytics for multi-location enterprises
Cons
- High implementation costs and timeline
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be premium
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global workforces needing integrated WFM, HCM, and compliance capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $50-$150 per employee/month depending on modules and scale.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseIntegrated HCM solution with advanced workforce scheduling, attendance tracking, and payroll management.
ADP DataCloud for advanced workforce analytics and predictive insights
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform specializing in workforce management, offering tools for time and attendance tracking, employee scheduling, shift bidding, absence management, and labor forecasting. It integrates deeply with payroll, benefits administration, and talent management modules to provide a unified view of workforce operations. Ideal for scaling businesses, it emphasizes compliance, analytics, and mobile accessibility to optimize labor costs and productivity.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including AI-driven forecasting and real-time analytics
- Seamless integration with ADP payroll and other HCM modules
- Strong compliance tools for global regulations and industry standards
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High implementation time and costs
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller teams
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking an integrated HCM suite with robust workforce scheduling and compliance features.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $100-$200+ per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Dayforce
enterpriseUnified HCM platform delivering real-time workforce management, scheduling, and predictive analytics.
Continuous calculation engine providing real-time payroll and workforce data from a single source of truth
Dayforce is a comprehensive cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform with robust workforce management (WFM) capabilities, including scheduling, time and attendance tracking, forecasting, and labor optimization. It integrates WFM seamlessly with payroll, HR, benefits, and talent management for real-time insights and decision-making. Leveraging AI and machine learning, Dayforce enables predictive workforce planning and compliance across global operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of WFM with full HCM suite for unified data
- AI-driven forecasting and intelligent scheduling to optimize labor costs
- Strong mobile app and global compliance support
Cons
- Complex implementation and onboarding process
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
Best For
Large enterprises and mid-sized organizations needing an all-in-one HCM platform with advanced WFM features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $40-100+ per employee/month depending on modules and scale.
Workday
enterpriseCloud HCM system with workforce planning, absence management, and shift optimization tools.
Workday Skills Cloud, which uses AI to map employee skills, infer gaps, and enable dynamic workforce planning and upskilling.
Workday is a comprehensive cloud-based enterprise platform that integrates human capital management (HCM), financials, and workforce management functionalities. It provides tools for time and attendance tracking, shift scheduling, absence management, compliance reporting, and workforce analytics, all unified within a single system. Designed for large organizations, it leverages AI for predictive insights into workforce planning and skills matching.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HR, finance, and payroll for holistic workforce visibility
- Advanced AI-driven analytics and Skills Cloud for strategic workforce planning
- Highly scalable and configurable for global enterprises with robust compliance tools
Cons
- Steep implementation timeline and complexity requiring significant customization
- High cost structure not ideal for small or mid-sized businesses
- User interface can feel overwhelming for non-expert administrators despite modern design
Best For
Large enterprises seeking an integrated HCM platform with advanced workforce management capabilities.
Pricing
Subscription-based pricing starts at around $100-200 per employee per year, with custom quotes based on modules, users, and implementation services.
Oracle HCM Cloud
enterpriseScalable global workforce management for scheduling, time and labor, and strategic planning.
AI-driven predictive workforce planning and optimization
Oracle HCM Cloud is a comprehensive human capital management suite with robust workforce management (WFM) features, including time and labor tracking, employee scheduling, absence management, and shift planning. It uses AI-driven forecasting and analytics to optimize workforce deployment, ensure compliance, and predict labor needs. Ideal for large-scale operations, it integrates deeply with Oracle's broader HCM ecosystem for end-to-end HR processes.
Pros
- Advanced AI-powered scheduling and forecasting for optimal labor allocation
- Seamless integration with full Oracle HCM suite and third-party systems
- Strong compliance tools and real-time analytics for enterprise-scale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High cost, especially for smaller organizations
- Customization requires significant IT resources
Best For
Large enterprises seeking an integrated, scalable WFM solution within a full HCM platform.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $15-30 per employee per month for WFM modules, with volume discounts and annual contracts.
WorkForce Suite
enterpriseReal-time workforce orchestration platform for scheduling, attendance, and performance tracking.
Wage Asset Tracking for real-time labor cost visibility and optimization
WorkForce Suite (workforce.com) is a mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for hourly and shift-based workforces, offering scheduling, time tracking, task management, and compliance tools. It enables real-time shift adjustments, employee communication via app notifications, and labor cost optimization through forecasting and wage tracking. Primarily serving industries like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and field services, it emphasizes simplicity and automation to reduce administrative overhead.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for employees and managers
- Advanced scheduling with AI-driven forecasting and labor costing
- Strong compliance features like award interpretation for regulated industries
Cons
- Reporting and analytics lack depth for enterprise needs
- Pricing can become expensive at scale with add-ons
- Fewer native integrations than some competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in shift-heavy industries seeking an easy, mobile-centric solution for scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $2.99/user/month for Basic plan; Pro at $3.99/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing; billed monthly or annually.
Deputy
specializedShift scheduling and workforce management app with time tracking and communication features.
AI-powered auto-scheduling and real-time labor cost forecasting
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management software focused on shift scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and team communication for hourly workforces. It enables managers to create optimized schedules with drag-and-drop tools, automate labor forecasting, and ensure compliance through geofencing and break management. The platform also integrates with payroll systems and offers mobile apps for employee self-service, making it suitable for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and mobile-first design
- Strong time tracking with GPS and compliance tools
- Seamless integrations with payroll and POS systems
Cons
- Advanced analytics limited to higher tiers
- Pricing scales with active users, which can add up for large teams
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in shift-based industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare needing efficient scheduling and attendance management.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (Essential, billed annually); Plus at $5.25, Enterprise custom.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling software for shift planning, availability, and time clock integration.
OpenShifts, which lets employees claim available shifts directly, filling gaps without manager intervention
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling for shift-based businesses. It enables managers to create, share, and optimize schedules, handle shift trades and time-off requests, and track time via mobile clock-in. The tool also facilitates team communication through announcements and messaging to improve coordination and reduce no-shows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for employees and managers
- Seamless shift trading and OpenShifts feature
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Reporting capabilities lack depth for large enterprises
- Integrations are solid but not as extensive as top competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, restaurants, and healthcare needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Free Essential plan for one location; Pro at $2/active user/month, Elite at $3.50/active user/month (billed annually).
Homebase
otherFree tool for scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and team messaging for small businesses.
Geofenced mobile time clock with photo verification to ensure accurate clock-ins and prevent time theft
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workers, offering employee scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, hiring, and performance tools. It simplifies shift planning with drag-and-drop calendars, geofenced time clocks to prevent buddy punching, and automated notifications for shift changes. The mobile-first design ensures accessibility for both managers and employees in industries like retail, restaurants, and hospitality.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill predictions
- Geofenced time tracking and payroll integration
- Free plan for single-location businesses with core features
Cons
- Advanced analytics and forecasting limited to higher tiers
- Customer support can be slow for free users
- Scalability issues for businesses with 50+ employees
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and service businesses managing hourly shift workers who need simple, affordable scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (basic scheduling/time tracking); Essentials $29.99/location/month, Plus $59.99, All-in-One $99.99 (monthly billing; discounts for annual).
Connecteam
specializedMobile-first app for employee scheduling, time attendance, tasks, and communication.
GPS time tracking with geofencing for precise, fraud-proof clock-ins on mobile devices
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform tailored for deskless and frontline teams, providing tools for scheduling, time tracking, task assignment, communication, and training. It allows managers to build schedules, enable GPS-based time clocking with geofencing, distribute checklists and forms, and foster team communication via chat and announcements. The mobile-first app ensures accessibility for non-office workers in industries like retail, hospitality, construction, and field services.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for deskless workers
- Affordable all-in-one solution with scheduling and time tracking
- Robust communication and training tools
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and forecasting
- Scalability challenges for enterprises over 500 users
- Some premium features locked behind higher plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with mobile or deskless teams in retail, hospitality, or field services needing simple workforce management.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Essentials) for first 30 users, $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with additional users at $0.40-$1.20/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
The review of top workforce management software underscores the exceptional value of each tool, with UKG Pro leading as the top choice for its all-encompassing enterprise platform, integrating scheduling, timekeeping, forecasting, and compliance seamlessly. ADP Workforce Now and Dayforce rank second and third, offering robust HCM solutions with advanced features like real-time management, predictive analytics, and intuitive tools, serving as strong alternatives for varied business needs.
Don’t wait—explore UKG Pro to unlock a unified, efficient system that streamlines operations and boosts productivity, and consider its top competitors to find the perfect fit for your organization.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison